England boasts endless amounts of fascinating landmarks. From ancient buildings enveloped in history to wondrous natural beauty and impressive ultra-modern structures. Scattered all around the country, you’ll find these gems in the bustling streets of London, along the stretches of coastline or deep within the charming English countryside.
Tourists from all over the world flock to England for many reasons, from unique food tours to luxury hotels and stunning parks. But one of the main reasons people travel from afar is to get a glimpse at these phenomenal landmarks. And if you are a local, these should be on the top of your bucket list as well.
1. Stonehenge
This iconic British monument easily makes it to the top of the list of impressive landmarks in England. The prehistoric wonder is one of England’s most visited monuments and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built over 5,000 years ago, the stone circle for which Stonehenge is best known was erected around 2,500 BC. Each stone is about 4 metres high, just over 2 metres wide and weighs about 25 tons.
Stonehenge is owned by the Crown but managed by English Heritage and became a UNESCO site in 1986. Today nearly 1 million visitors head to Stonehenge each year and crowds flock to see the Winter and Summer solstices set in each year.
It is possible to visit Stonehenge for free but alas you will struggle to capture a good photo from that distance. The standard tour of Stonehenge involves a 2.6 mile one way circular path with a handset filling you in on the history of Stonehenge.
The tour does bring visitors quite close to Stonehenge so it is possible to get some great photos. As always queues at Stonehenge can be lengthy so you may want to book a skip the line ticket for Stonehenge.
2. Big Ben
Big Ben is probably the world’s most famous clock, and when you see it, you’ll know why. The gothic architecture of the long silhouette is impressive and makes for great photo opportunities.
As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, Big Ben is to London. Big Ben is actually a nickname that stuck. The name refers to both the clock and the clock tower that sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The tower is actually named the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the name of the large bell within the tower, giving it the name it is recognised by today.
The tower was completed in 1859. At that time it was the largest and most accurate clock in the world. Big Ben became a UNESCO listed site in 1987.
In August of 2017 Big Ben was silenced. This market the beginning of a four year project to fully repair and restore bot the clock and the clocktower. They also plan to install a lift which should make life much easier for those charged with keeping Big Ben in good condition ongoing.
The exceptions to the silencing are New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Day. There are no public tours available during the restoration period. However, one clock face can still be seen through the scaffolding.
Discover how this tower came to be and it’s Royal history with a walking tour of Westminster.
3. Windsor Castle
You can’t travel to the UK without a visit to Windsor Castle. Not only is this the Queen’s official residence but it’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Known for its spectacular architecture and association with the royal family, you will be left captivated by the beauty of this castle. And if castles are your thing check out the best castles in Cornwall.
Lovely Windsor Castle is not only The Queen’s home away from home in the United Kingdom and it is also where Harry and Meghan were married.
Windsor is just over 25 miles west of London and easily reached by train on a 35-minute journey.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The chapel is open to visitors Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
⇒ As Windsor Castle is a working palace it is subject to last-minute closures. It is generally open most days between 10 am and 4 pm and closes at 3 pm in the Winter. Buy your Windsor Castle tickets ahead online to skip the queues.
4. White Cliffs of Dover
Chalky white cliffs hugging the shoreline of Kent have got to be one of the most incredible natural views in England. The cliffs became a signal of hope for troops returning from World Wars across the English Channel. These days, they’re a symbol of the beauty of England.
There are also other great things to see along the cliffs, including the Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse. If you are heading to the White Cliffs of Dover, stay and explore Kent for a few days, and stay in one of the gorgeous boutique hotels in Kent.
5. Glastonbury Tor
Representing rich Pagan history and legend, you can see this unique structure from afar in the English countryside of Glastonbury. Tor means cone-shaped hill in Celtic and that’s exactly what you can expect to see when visiting this English landmark.
On top of the hill, you will find the magnificent ruins of a chapel dedicated to St Michael in the 14th Century. Visiting the monument is free of charge but if you would like to understand all aspects of this sacred site then book a private day tour to ensure that you get the full experience.
6. Tower Bridge
London is known for its grand structures and bridges and Tower Bridge has got to be one of the most picturesque of them all. With its fairytale look, the bridge is equally as beautiful at night when it is lit up, reflecting its beauty onto the River Thames.
Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is perhaps the most iconic of all of London’s bridges. Let’s start with the fact that it is often confused with London Bridge, best known from children’s nursery rhymes.
Tower Bridge is quite beautiful whereas London Bridge is a bit more of a plain Jane. So London Bridge has the brand name fame but Tower Bridge is the supermodel in real life.
The bridge was originally painted in chocolate brown but in 1977 it was repainted in blue, white, and red for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. It looked so fantastic that those colours have remained.
Tower Bridge is also famous for the fact that it is both a suspension and a drawbridge – and that it continues to lift every day. The bridge is 244 metres long and is 42 metres above the Thames. It is both a road and a footbridge and 40,000 people cross it every day.
Unsurprisingly, the bridge takes its name its neighbour the Tower of London.
Take a look behind the scenes at the famous bridge and discover areas such as the machinery room, which houses the hydraulic system that allows the bridge to rise for river traffic.
Plan Your Visit to Tower Bridge to see if you can watch the bridge lift – check the website to find out the dates and times for scheduled bridge lifts.
Entry to Tower Bridge gets you into the engine room, up to some amazing views, and best of all access to the glass floor if you don’t suffer from vertigo. I highly recommend visiting the bridge for the views and that glass floor.
NB: It’s handy to combine visiting Tower Bridge with the nearby London landmark the Tower of London. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunrise in London.
7. Blackpool Tower
Located on the shores of Lancashire, this 158m red tower is a much-loved British icon. Built-in 1894 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the area from the top of the structure. There is even a glass floor for the brave souls willing to walk along and see the streets below them.
The tower also features an impressive ballroom and dungeon which you can see when you visit. Avoid the queues on the day and book your entry tickets now.
8. St Paul’s Cathedral
This gorgeous Cathedral is a must-see in London, even if you are only there for a few days. Situated on Ludgate Hill, the highest part of the city, this English landmark is a gorgeous addition to London’s skyline.
For over 1400 years St Paul’s Cathedral has stood at the highest point of the City of London on Ludgate Hill. Do remember the actual City of London is a very small part – more like a suburb – of what the rest of the world thinks of as London so this still holds true.
St Paul’s has dominated the London skyline for over 300 years with its famous dome. It is 111 metres high and was the highest building in London until 1963. It is still the highest dome in the world.
St Paul’s has been home to some of the most historic religious events in English history from the funeral of Winston Churchill to the wedding of Price Charles and Lady Diana.
The highlight of a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral London is climbing the 560 steps to the top of the Dome and the Whispering Gallery. This circular enclosure provides fantastic views of the inside of the Cathedral. The outdoor viewing platform offers fantastic views of London.
If you’re visiting on a weekday try to time your trip for 5pm when a choral evensong takes place. The church bell’s at St Pauls are rung on Sundays.
9. The Seven Sisters Cliffs
Calling all avid hikers – do not miss out on this stunning coastal walk from Seaford to Eastbourne to experience the chalky cliffs of the Seven Sisters. The walk is about 22km and can take anywhere between 5-7 hours.
You don’t need to be extremely fit to do this walk, but just note that there are a couple of steep cliff inclines and equally steep declines. But with that comes rewarding coastal views and a whole lot of adventure.
If you aren’t keen on a full day of walking, get yourself to Birling Gap (by car, bus or train) and take a short walk to The Seven Sisters. A day trip from London is also a great idea for those wanting to see more of the area.
10. Buckingham Palace
Home to the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace is perhaps the most well-known palace in the world. The palace was originally known as Buckingham House and was purchased for the queen by King George III in 1761.
It became the London residence of the British monarchy when Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837. Today Buckingham Palace is home to Queen Elizabeth and a must on any European bucekt list.
The highlight of many special occasions in the United Kingdom is seeing the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds.
⇒ Buckingham Palace is only open to the public between July and October. Visitors can see the State Rooms and the gardens. If you are visiting at other times of the year the closest you can get is outside the gates (which still allows for some good photos), seeing the free changing of the guard, or visiting the Royal Mews.
11. Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest food markets in the United Kingdom. Markets have been held on this location since the 12th century.
However, there is nothing old-fashioned about Borough Market today. Borough Market has a strict policy about the vendors it allows into the market, ensuring all suppliers are of the highest quality. Many of London’s top restaurants source their ingredients at Borough Market at places like the Ginger Pig.
The area is also home to some of London’s best restaurants like Roast, El Pastor and Padella. As Borough Market is so large, going on a food tour is a great way to experience the market in a short time frame – and to make sure that you get lots of good samples.
12. Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is located in London, England and is where the two United Kingdom Houses of Parliament meet: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It was named after nearby Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Palace is 900 years old. From 1087 to 1100 the Palace of Westminster was the home of the monarch and the Palace of Westminster is still owned by the Crown.
Much of the palace was destroyed in a fire in 1834. The palace was rebuilt after the fire and this is the London landmark that we now know so well.
Today the palace is known as the Houses of Parliament or often just Westminster. It is the centre of UK parliamentary life and its most well known tower is of course Big Ben, another European landmark.
There are several ways to visit the Palace of Westminster. If you are a UK resident you are able to take a free tour called the Democratic Access Tour. If you’re not a UK resident guided paid tours are held on weekdays when Parliament isn’t in session and on Saturdays.
13. Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the only non-Royal, non-Episcopal house in England to be called a palace. It is the principal residence of the Duke of Marlborough. However, I think the most notable thing about Blenheim Palaces is that it was the birthplace and the ancestral home of Winston Churchill.
There is an excellent exhibition of Winston Churchill in the suite of rooms in which he was born.
Today, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO site, has been used as a location for many films and it serves a Champagne afternoon tea! Plus there are beautiful gardens as well as a park to visit.
14. Tower of London
The Tower of London was built 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror. At the time, England had seen nothing like it before. His intention was to create a building that would both defend and proclaim his royal power.
The stones which built the Tower of London came from Caen in France and it took 20 years to construct. Over the centuries, Kings and Queens have used the Tower to protect both themselves and their possessions.
The Tower of London also used to control the supply of money in England. All coins were made at the Tower until 1810. It has always been tradition for the valuables of the Royal Family to be kept at the Tower, which is still the case today with the Crown Jewels.
Almost as recognisable as the Tower of London are the Yeoman Warders who were originally part of the Monarch’s team of bodyguards. Henry VIII decreed that some of these bodyguards should base themselves at the Tower.
Today, the Yeomans or Beef Eaters continue to guard the Tower and carry out ceremonial duties. They also carry out some very entertaining tours of the Tower of London.
The darker side of the Tower of London is that it was a prison for over 800 years. Being “sent to the Tower” was a terrifying fate. Perhaps most famously, Anne Boelyn was held her before her death which took place on Tower Green.
The best way to visit the Tower of London is to pre-book your ticket and arrival time online. Tickets cover entry to all areas including the Crown Jewels.
15. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace was the royal residence for Prince Charles and Princess Diana and was very much known as Diana’s home in London. It was also the birthplace of Queen Victoria.
Today it is the London home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. As a tourism attraction, Kensington Palace re-opened in 2012 and visitors are now able to access several exhbitions.
Kensington Palace also borders onto Hyde Park, one of London’s loveliest parks to visit.
⇒ Several areas of Kensington Palace are open to the public. Visitors can walk through the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, and the Gardens.
There are also fashion exhibitions that feature items from the wardrobes of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Princess Diana. The Palace often holds exhibitions and the Orangery does a lovely afternoon tea.
16. Warwick Castle
This medieval English castle was developed from a wooden fort built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Today Warwick Castle England and its grounds cover 64 acres.
In 2007 Warwick Castle was purchased by the Tussauds Group and is now operated as an entertainment venue. There are a big range of activities and events on offer.
There are live shows, it is possible to stay overnight at this castle in England, afternoon tea is on offer and for those who prefer more gruesome activities, there is a Castle dungeon.
Warwick Castle is in the town of Warwick which is about a 2-hour drive from London. The castle is open every day of the year apart from Christmas.
Closing times vary depending on the time of year. There are different types of tickets with entrance to the Dungeon requiring a different ticket type.
17. 30 St Mary Axe or The Gherkin
The Gherkin is the nickname given to the building that is at 30 St Mary Axe in the City of London. It is a commercial skyscraper with a modern design that opened in 2004. Personally, I am a big fan of its modern style.
Elevators heading up the Gherkin move at a speed of 6 metres per second. The buiding is covered by 24,000 square metres of glass which is the equivalent of five football pitches.
The Gherkin has 41 floors. On the 40th floor is the Iris Bar and the Helix Restaurant. Friday and Saturday nights at the Iris Bar are Apertivo time. Cocktails and snacks are served with awesome sunset views.
18. Battersea Power Station
Okay I have to come clean – Battersea Power Station is my personal favourite English landmark. There is just something about this magnificent building sitting on the Thames that always gets me.
At its peak, Battersea Power Station supplied 1/5 of London’s electricity. From the 1930s to the 1980s it was a working power station. It was so important to London’s electricity that a problem at the power station in 1964 even brought the BBC to a stop.
Battersea Power Station was officially closed in 1983. In 2007 it was upgraded to be a Grade II listed site. In 2012 the site was purchased by developers with exciting plans.
As I write this post today Battersea Power Station is a good chunk of the way through a new modern incarnation as one of London’s newest, best located, new neighborhoods. There will be a considerable amount of residential property, a new tube station and restaurants and bars.
Several bars and restaurants are now open in the Circus West Village which can be easily accessed from the southern end of Chelsea Bridge. My personal favourite is the fantastic Vagabond Wine Bar.
19. St. Michael’s Mount
This iconic Cornwall castle is easily recognized for its grand and dramatic appearance. Situated on an island in Mount’s Bay, you can’t miss visiting this architectural masterpiece. Plus it is located in one of the most beautiful regions in England.
It is estimated that the first structure was built on the site in the 12th Century. The impressive structure has since been built up over time to be the size that it is today.
The castle is open to the public and you’ll be in awe as you learn about its history. It has endured and survived military action in a number of wars, including two sieges.
The castle isn’t the only thing you’ll enjoy about visiting the tidal island. It is also home to charming winding streets, quaint shops and wonderful restaurants. A trip to St Michael’s Mount makes for a magical day of sightseeing.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.