The most interesting places in England. Sights of Great Britain

Great Britain is a country with unshakable centuries-old traditions and rich culture. From history lessons, you probably remember that it is also a powerful state that played a vital role in the global economy. However, while traveling through this amazing country, you will learn that the main attractions of Great Britain fill this country with color, some mystery and, undoubtedly, hospitality.

Below is a list of UK attractions, without visiting which a trip to this country may seem incomplete.

Big Ben- a symbol of the greatness of the British. If you ask a local what is considered the most popular attraction in the UK, he will immediately name this majestic structure.

Trafalgar Square- national treasure of Great Britain. Those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city and admire the magnificent fountains come here.

Stonehenge- the biggest mystery of humanity. The name of this UK landmark means stone ring. The megalithic structure made of stones is included in the World Heritage List; it was built over 300 years.

Portsmouth Ship Dock It is famous for its abundance of important aircraft carriers, among which it is worth highlighting the aircraft carriers Illustrious, Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth. Here you can climb inside ancient ships, visit the cabins, fish from the side of the ship, and climb onto the mast as a cabin boy.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a British landmark that does not require any special description. It covers an area of ​​25 hectares. In addition to the rock garden, the heather garden, demonstration department, arboretum, coniferous tree garden, and palm greenhouse are of great interest to visitors.

Viking Museum A must visit when you arrive in York. This place is popular among lovers of antiquity and the era of the Norman Conquest.

Madame Tussauds museum c - one of the most popular in England. The figures of celebrities, cartoon characters and members of the royal family come to life will amaze you with their realism.

Oxford University. In this place you can get a higher education, which will be highly rated in any country in the world. The motto of this establishment is: “The Lord is my light.”

Canterbury Cathedral- the oldest Catholic cathedral in all of Europe.

St Paul's Cathedral- the main Protestant cathedral. It is located on the highest mountain of the British capital, as if towering over the entire city.

Cambridge university is considered a symbol of the prestigious and highest quality education in the world. In terms of founding date, it ranks second after Oxford.

Chester Town Hall Loved by all the locals. Compared to other landmarks in the city, this building is an example of style and beauty.

Beaumaris Castle- a recognized masterpiece of military architecture in Great Britain. This majestic structure is not just one of the largest castles in Wales, but also the most impregnable fortress ensemble in the entire country.

For many decades, it has attracted the close attention of tourists who came to the UK on a tourist visit. Coming to and not visiting Windsor is the same as being in Rome and not seeing the Colosseum.

London is often used in conjunction with the word “most”. To visit the most expensive and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, where even the Queen - the longest reigning monarch in British history - is visited by millions of tourists every year. The famous English gardens, famous for their magnificent landscape, the majestic English castles with a thousand-year history, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the legendary double-decker bus and the red telephone booth - these English attractions are known throughout the world. Green Arrow has ranked the 12 MOST interesting places in England. It's worth visiting.

1.Windsor Castle is the largest residential castle in the world.

Address: UK, Berkshire, Windsor.

The official country residence of the English monarchs, built over 900 years ago and the burial place of many British rulers, is located just 40 minutes from London. Most premises, with the exception of those where members of the royal family live, are open. In addition to the magnificent interiors, the spacious rooms display paintings by great artists, including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Raphael and Rubens. No less popular is the 40-room doll's house of Queen Mary. The stunningly complex miniature on a scale of 1:12 always delights both children and adults. One of the brightest memories from visiting Windsor Castle will certainly be the colorful ceremony of changing the guard of honor. Also indulge in a stroll through the Great Park, once a hunting ground, and enjoy the views of the Jubilee Garden, created to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. If you're lucky, you'll find...black gold. Yes Yes. Unbelievable but true. In 1994, oil deposits were discovered on the grounds of Windsor Castle!

2. Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London.

Address: Great Britain, London, Westminster district, nearest metro station Charing Cross.

Even if you haven't been to London yet, you've probably seen Trafalgar Square on TV many times. Big celebrations take place here, rallies rage, music festivals roar, so its other name is “The Heart of England”. It was here in May 1945 that Churchill declared victory over Hitler. The key feature of the square is a giant granite column topped with a 5-meter statue of Admiral Nelson, who led the Battle of Trafalgar. In the heat, it’s nice to sit by the cool fountains decorated with bronze mermaids and fish, and marvel at the unusual installations of contemporary artists. By the way, the square offers an excellent view of Big Ben, next door is the London National Gallery and there is the zero kilometer, from where all transport routes of the British capital originate.

3. The London Eye is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe.

Address: London, Lambeth on the south bank of the Thames

It can be seen from afar, and, being in it, you see the whole city. No wonder it received the name “London Eye”. Built by the turn of the century, the 135-meter attraction (that's about a 45-story building!) quickly became one of London's iconic landmarks. Transparent egg-shaped capsules are illuminated in different colors at night and resemble a real space structure. The speed of movement of the booths is low - 26 centimeters per second, the wheel makes a full circle in just over half an hour, so this time will be enough to slowly see all the sights of Foggy Albion. You can also book a private capsule for a romantic dinner or champagne tasting. Having taken a ride on the London Ferris Wheel, you can confidently say that you have seen all the main attractions of the capital of Great Britain.

4. Stonehenge is the most mysterious archaeological find of the Old World.

Address: England, Wiltshire, Salisbury, 130 km southwest of London.

A place where you get goosebumps. The first mention of Stonehenge, whose name can be translated as “hanging stones,” dates back to the 12th century. Why and by whom these multi-ton stone blocks were supplied, and how they were transported - and scientists have proven that some specimens were brought hundreds of kilometers away - is beyond belief. And the question keeps coming up: how could 25-ton blocks be transported in the absence of special equipment - road trains and tractors? The builders of the mysterious structure, alas, did not leave any records. It is reliably known that there was originally a cemetery here - the burials of 64 people from the Neolithic era were discovered at Stonehenge. But versions have also been put forward about the presence of an ancient observatory there, a Druid sanctuary and even an alien trace. There are also horror stories about the intervention of the devil himself. A visit to this monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, puts you in a philosophical mood, makes you think about the fate of humanity and, of course, helps activate the brain.

5. The Eden Project is the largest and most high-tech botanical garden in the world.

Address: UK, Cornwall, 1.5 km from the town of St. Blaise, Bodelva Road

“Die Another Day” - it was in these futuristic landscapes, reminiscent of a giant honeycomb, that the next episode of Bond was filmed. The innovative Garden of Eden “Project Eden” in the increasingly popular bio-tech architectural style “is located on the site of a former clay quarry on an area of ​​22 hectares as a symbol of rebirth on a land torn by man. For this purpose, 2 million tons of compost were delivered here. Under unusual geodesic domes that can accommodate the Tower of London, more than 12 thousand species of plants from all over the world are collected! In the greenhouses, a scorched tropical forest is simulated, a 150-year-old olive grove bears fruit, palm trees and cocoa grow, lavender blooms and sunflowers turn yellow. Electricity is generated by electric generators, and purified rainwater from the bottom of the quarry is used to maintain the required level of humidity. The mission of the project is to change people's attitudes towards environmental conservation.

6. Land’s End “Land’s End” - the most extreme point of Great Britain and “The Lost Gardens of Heligan”.

Address: Great Britain, Cornwall.

- “TheLost Gardensof Heligan” - St. Austell, then by bus or taxi

- Land’s End Visitors Center - Sennen Cove

The fairytale garden, dating back to the 18th century, impresses even seasoned travelers. There, on a forest path, you can meet a sleeping nymph or the head of a giant sticking out from under the ground with a perky grass hairstyle. Here is a collection of ancient rhododendrons, primitive tree ferns, and also the only pit in Europe for growing…. pineapples. Walk through the Lost Valley and make your way through the real Jungle. The soil is cultivated by hand to preserve the pristine nature. The work is being carried out under the direction of British garden architect Tom Smith. The place is remarkable in every sense. To the ends of the earth - just wave your hand. After driving about 80 km to the west, you will find yourself at Lands-End - the westernmost point of Great Britain: this is where the road ends. Ahead are only the raging waves of the Atlantic Ocean and an indescribable feeling of freedom.

7. Bibury is the most beautiful village in Great Britain.

Address: UK, Gloucestershire, Bibury

Fans of Miss Marple and Bridget Jones will probably find these pastoral houses on the banks of the River Colne, straight out of a photo wallpaper, familiar. After all, it was in these living settings of the village of Bibury that popular films were filmed. Authentic, toy-like buildings made from local shell rock were built back in the 17th century! A true source of inspiration for artists and poets. An image of Bibury is even printed on the inside cover of the British national passport, which only spurred interest in this village, so on weekends and during holidays, be prepared to see dozens of people just like you, lovers of rural peace and quiet, on the two existing streets of Bibury.

8. The Royal Crescent is the most unusual street in Great Britain.

Address: UK, Somerset, Bath

Just 1.30 hours drive from London and you find yourself in the main city of Somerset. The picturesque street, built in the 18th century in the likeness of the crescent-shaped Roman Colosseum, consists of 30 three-story houses. They were the same on the outside, but different on the inside, as each owner hired his own architect to construct the building hidden behind the façade. It began to be called royal after the Duke of York Frederick was one of the tenants at the end of the 18th century. Now, along with residential premises, the houses house a city museum and a hotel. The Royal Crescent is a listed building. Therefore, the facades must remain unchanged and, according to the rules, the color of the doors can only be painted brown and white. But, as the guides say, one door still stands out against the general background in yellow - the whim of the Duke of Wellington’s wife at one time caused such a resonance that it was discussed even at the parliamentary level! The action of two of Jane Austen's novels also takes place in Bath; Charles Dickens also sent his characters to Bath for treatment. The writer was not mistaken. After all, the name of a cute English town with about 100 thousand inhabitants translates as “bathhouse” - since antiquity the town has been famous for its hot healing springs, which help in the treatment of gout and rheumatism. And the ancient Roman baths - preserved in Bath to this day - are included in the list of national treasures of the United Kingdom. Bath is also called the birthplace of Bath sugar buns with baked candied fruits and raisins.

9. Norwich is the city of dragons and the most famous English mustard.

Address: UK, East Anglia region, Norfolk

The ancient English city amazingly combines medieval streets and modern architecture made of glass and concrete buildings of the University of East Anglia. The educational institution became the first British university to create a master's degree in creative writing. Among the graduates there are many famous personalities - Nobel and Booker Prize laureates. It is worth a visit for the Sainsbury Fine Arts Center, where, along with the Mayan treasuries, works by Degas, Picasso, Bacon, and Henry Moore are collected. Among the main attractions are Norwich Castle, which served as the Royal Palace, one of the largest cathedrals in Great Britain, built in 1096 from stones brought specially by ship from Normandy, and the 15th century town hall. The heraldic symbol of the city since the Middle Ages has been the dragon, so the image of this strange beast decorates many building facades and every winter the city hosts a dragon festival. And be sure to check out Colman's Mustard Museum in the Queen's Gallery, which has been around since Victorian times! Fans of this famous brand - a monopolist in the production of English mustard - will be able to purchase a popular condiment that has earned the recognition of English nobles since the time of Queen Victoria and is still the official supplier of mustard for the royal family of Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second.

10. Houghton Hall - the Hermitage treasury and the world's largest private collection of tin soldiers.

Address: UK, Norfolk, Houghton Hall

The luxurious residence of Britain's first Prime Minister, Robert Worpoll, is associated with one of the greatest disappointments and losses of British national treasure. The representative of the Whig Party was famous for his love of painting. He spent his enormous fortune on acquiring works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Frans Hals, Velazquez... However, after Worpole’s death, the dissolute grandson of the collector - a reveler and bankrupt - sold the priceless collection to Catherine the Second, who included it in the collection of the Hermitage she compiled. Many art critics call the sale of this collection one of the largest cultural losses in Great Britain, which, alas, cannot be made up for. Today the magnificent residence belongs to the Marquess of Chamley. He collects tin soldiers - this is the largest private collection in the world! - and battle painting. All exhibits are open to visitors. The hereditary lord put a lot of effort into restoring the interiors to their original appearance.
Of particular interest to visitors to Houghton Hall is the garden. Its main part is called the "Walled Garden". It was founded on the site where the current owner's grandmother, Lady Sybil Chumley, once had a vegetable garden. It was in memory of her that the “Walled Garden” was created. Its design involved the estate's head gardener, Paul Underwood, and award-winning designers Julian and Isabelle Bannerman. The territory of the garden was divided into several contrasting “ornamental gardens”, where you can see a rose garden with 150 varieties of roses, an orchard, a greenhouse, an Italian garden, antique statues, fountains... The garden covers an area of ​​2 hectares and is one of the main attractions of these places.

11. Jurassic Park - the UK's very first World Heritage Site

Address: UK, Dorsetshire and East Devonshire coast, near West Lulworth

155 kilometers of coastline from the Mesozoic era are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and span a period of 185 million years!!! Researchers believe that more than 100 species of dinosaurs lived here! In addition to the skeleton of the ichthyosaur, it was possible to find the bones of strange animals - with a skull like a pig and teeth like a crocodile. The coast is a real open-air paleontological museum. You can even find pieces of ancient fossils on the beach. One of the main attractions of this area is Durdle Door - a natural limestone gate in the rock near West Lulvert. Fans of the Normandy coast will find an encounter here with the famous water-drinking elephant in the chalk cliffs of Étretat. And lovers of the Maldives will certainly draw parallels with the extraordinary color of the water - the entire blue-green palette. The splashes of waves and peaceful silence create an atmosphere of isolation from the outside world and a feeling of complete unity with nature.

12. Harrods is the most famous department store in London.

Address: UK, England, Knightsbridge, Brompton Road. The nearest tube station is Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly line (Blue Line).

It is unforgivable to visit London and not go to Harrods. The department store is included in the list of the most visited attractions in England! One of the most famous shopping centers in the world and a real mecca for shopaholics will soon celebrate its 200th anniversary!!! Founded in 1824 as a small grocery store, today it occupies 90 thousand square meters and employs more than 5 thousand people; about 300 thousand visitors come to the store every day. The numbers, you see, are impressive for going there for shopping. Harrods' motto is "Everyone, everyone and absolutely everything." However, in addition to the richest range of goods, which at one time made it the official supplier of the royal court, Harrods also went down in history with the construction of the very first escalator in Great Britain. Its fearless visitors were offered a glass of brandy as a reassurance after the stress experienced during a ride on the escalator. Remember the dress code - according to Harrods rules, customers must refrain from clothing that reveals private parts of the body, and not wear a helmet in the store!

One of the most important pilgrimage sites of medieval Europe, Canterbury Cathedral is worthy of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an important center of Christian worship. Founded by St Augustine, Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest church in England and is still largely regarded as the birthplace of English Christianity.

The cathedral was founded in 603 but was destroyed at the beginning of the 10th century, completely restored in the 11th century,was greatly expanded at the beginning of the 12th century andrebuilt in Gothic style. In the 15th century, the nave acquired a look close to its modern one; in the same century, the central tower was built. In the 18th century, a northwestern tower in Romanesque style was added.

2. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest working castle in the world. which is Still occupied by the royal family, the castle has been the residence of British monarchs for 900 years, since the time when William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress, and then a full-fledged castle was erected on this site. Queen Elizabeth spends a fair amount of time at Windsor Castle, where she often hosts heads of state and celebrities, hosts dinners for international dignitaries and knights. The castle's St George's Chapel is a working chapel and many royal weddings and funerals take place in this location. The Queen Mother and Henry VIII are buried in the chapel.

Despite its daily use, most of the palace is open to the public,including the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, Queen Mary's House and George VI's Apartments.You can also observe real life in the castle during a guided tour.

Windsor Castle is one of the main attractions of England, which is worth a tour of the historical sites of the castle, of which the vast majority.

3. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the collegiate church of St Peter in Westminster, one of England's most famous religious buildings and a traditional site coronation and burials British monarchs. Westminster Abbey contains many monuments to soldiers, statesmen, artists and poets, including Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

Benedictine monks founded a monastery on the site of the future abbey in 960, and the current majestic and beautiful Gothic building of the abbey was built in 1245. The oldest garden in England is located on its territory.

Westminster Abbey is close to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.The nearest tube stations are near St James's Park and Westminster.You can explore Westminster Abbey alone, with an audio guide, or visit it on an organized guided tour.

4. London

There aren't enough superlatives when it comes to describing London, the capital of England. This is a bustling city with a thousand-year history, it is personified Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Tower, be sure not to miss the changing of the guards and stroll along Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus. Excellent and well stocked shopping in Knightsbridge on Carnaby Street, be sure to take a ride on the double decker tour bus and stop by a real English pub for a pint after a busy day. London is of course the main tourist attraction in England.

5. Stonehenge & Avebury

One of the most popular places to visit in England, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire. Beginning around 2500 BC, the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, man began erecting giant stones from Wales and the Marlborough Downs. Stonehenge is a work of prehistoric culture for which there are no written records.Many aspects of Stonehenge remain the subject of debate among scientists. A trip to Stonehenge is best combined with a trip to prehistoric Avebury in the north, which has an even larger stone circle, fewer restrictions, and is much less visited by tourists.

Official site: www.stonehengeandaveburywhs.org

6. York

is historicalwalled cityat the confluence of rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire and a traditional county town from Yorkshire , to which he gave the name. has a rich historical heritage; it was here that the main political events in England took place for most of its two thousand years of existence. York offers a wealth of historical attractions, of which York Minster stands out, as well asthe medieval Clifford's Tower, which was built William the Conqueror and rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century, it is an excellent place for a panoramic view of the city.

7. Oxford

Story Oxford dates back to Saxon England when it was known as Oxenaforda or the place where oxen crossed the river "bull's ford". The first mention of Oxford appeared in the 9th century in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which states that a monastery was located on this site at that time. Today it is known for being the oldest university in the world, with Oxford University's history dating back to the 12th century. This south-eastern English Oxfordshire town also boasts the remains of a Norman castle and Christ Church.

8. Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast in England, the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shore reflects 185 million years of Earth's history. The Jurassic Coast provides a unique glimpse into Earth's history, spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Official website: jurassiccoast.org

9. Cambridge

A historic city 80 kilometers north of London, home to the University of Cambridge, one of the best universities in the world.It was founded in 1209;its students make up nearly 20 percent of the city's 123,000 population. There is archaeological evidence of the first settlements in the area during the Bronze Age and Roman times, during the reign Vikings, Cambridge became an important trading center.After visiting the university, you can take a boat ride on the River Cam and visit the Fitzwilliam Museum with a huge collection of antiquities.

10. Bath

(bath) got its name because when it was founded by the Romans in 60 AD, they built baths here on the hot springs that bubble up from underground. Bath is located in the county Somerset , South West England, which is 156 km west of London and 19 km southeast of Bristol . In 2011 its population was 88,859. City becameWorld Heritage Sitein 1987.

11. St. Ives

Situated on the coast, St Ives is a former fishing town, but it still has the only port in south-east England in Cornwall.Today this picturesque town is a popular holiday destination and was voted Britain's Best Seaside Town in 2010 and 2011, as well as Best Beach Resort.

12. Lake District

This is a mountainous area inNorth West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes, forests and mountains. The Lake District is home to the country's largest national park. The mountainous region is known for its excellent hiking and mountaineering routes. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting more than 15 million tourists a year. It is also home to the highest mountain in England and the largest and deepest lake.

Official website: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

13. Lincoln (lincoln england)

Lincoln, Lincolnshire, is one of the most interesting historical cities in the UK.It lies on the Inam River and its magnificent hilltop cathedral dominates the cityscape. The cathedral is one of the largest in England, is the main city attraction . Lincoln also boasts beautifully preserved medieval houses, Roman city gates and well-preserved Norman fortifications.Indeed, it was the Normans who left the greatest historical legacy in Lincoln, including the castle and cathedral. Lincoln was described in the Book of Dark Times as a prosperous city with a large population, and the town hall, built in 1206, is the oldest in Britain.

14. Brighton

Brighton is on the Sussex coast, and has been a popular beach resort since the mid-19th century.Much of its popularity is due to its proximity to London, which makes it popular with sightseers.The coastline is lined with graceful old Victorian houses that today provide accommodation for tourists. Travelerscan overlook the famous Palace Pier or admire the traditional English gardens.The city has a vibrant nightlife and is home to many artists and athletes.

We will hardly consider London. Maybe we’ll just go through it briefly, since besides it there are a huge number of places in England that definitely need to be visited, if possible.

The story begins around 1066 (almost a thousand years old). This castle is the residence of English monarchs in Berkshire. One 17th-century writer called it "the most romantic castle in the world." In 1992, one bad thing happened, namely a fire in the castle. True, the castle was quickly restored and some modern elements were introduced into it. However, its appearance remained majestic, ancient and incredibly beautiful.

City of Canterbury

A small ancient city, incredibly beautiful, located in Kent. Here we seem to find ourselves in the Middle Ages. The architecture of this place is simply unique, especially Canterbury Cathedral, which is simply impossible to miss. In this city there are even tours in which they will tell you (and maybe show you?) about all the ghosts, ghosts and other evil spirits that live in these places.

The splendor of the Cotswolds

Region of west central England. Officially recognized as an area of ​​"outstanding natural beauty". Here we find ourselves in a fairy tale. In small villages, houses look like toys. Landscapes beyond description. They need to be seen; it is impossible to convey in words all the beauty of this place.

The Unique Ludlow

This is one of the smallest towns in Great Britain. Located in Shropshire, surrounded by a ring of beautiful hills. This is a real city of English traditions. Restaurants, pubs, markets and festivals - all in true British style.

Northern Ireland and the Giant's Causeway

Do you want to visit one of the most beautiful and mysterious places? Then you definitely need to get to this magical corner of Britain. A large number of legends and tales are associated with this place. One of them, the legend of the warrior Finn Mac Cumal, presumably gave the name to this area. If interested, read it. Quite exciting. This beautiful region evokes a sea of ​​emotions and has some kind of mystical power. See for yourself.

This is how the hit parade turned out Britain's most picturesque places. This is not all, in the future we will make up for what we did not fit into one post. Therefore, subscribe to the mailing list at the bottom of the post, click on the social network buttons more often (I would be very grateful).