Christine RogadorLocated in the British peninsula, England is one of the countries that make up the United Kingdom. Known as the birthplace of The Beatles, Harry Potter, tea, and fish and chips, England is one of the most famous nations in the world.
However, England is more than just London and its cliches. The country’s diverse landscapes and long history make it a fascinating travel destination.
As a country that has been inhabited since the Stone Age, by the Romans, the Vikings, the Normans, and the Anglo-Saxons, England has a wide variety of historical and artistic attractions to explore.
You can follow in the footsteps of historical figures as you explore the ruins of Stonehenge and the elegant drawing rooms of Windsor Castle. Then there’s the spectacular geologic features of the island’s fascinating coastline, proof that there are many natural landmarks to enjoy in England as well.
Whether you’re interested in modern skyscrapers and gorgeous gardens or striking castles and ancient markets, England is one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations.
You could spend months traveling around England and still not see everything there is to see.
And so, without further ado, here is our tour of some of England’s most famous landmarks, from prehistoric stone circles to cutting-edge skyscrapers, from awe-inspiring landscapes to globally renowned structures.
15 Famous Landmarks In England
1. Kensington Gardens
One of the most iconic landmarks in London, England is Kensington Gardens. After all, this magical oasis of greenery is located next to Hyde Park and features 250 acres of rolling lawns, pristine walking paths, and well-manicured gardens that are just waiting to be explored.
This park also serves as an exquisite backdrop to Kensington Palace, which is where Queen Victoria was born, and live, prior to ascending to the throne in 1837.
The park was also initially part of Hyde Park, it eventually became its own entity since it is a bit my formal in terms of design and layout.So, just hop on the Tube and take the Central Line to either Queensway or Lancaster Gate. Once there, you’ll love exploring this free to visit park.
However, it is only open during daylight hours. Therefore, plan your 5 days in London itinerary accordingly so that you can visit highlights like the Prince Albert Monument. It was initially built by Queen Victoria to honor her late husband and has become a local landmark.
Additonally, The Diana Memorial Playground is another popular spot in the park that was commisioned to commemorate the late, Princess Diana. It features a unique Peter Pan design and sits right near Kensington Palace since that is where she used to live.
Contributed by: Linda from Linda of Linda on the Run
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2. Tintagel Castle
Admission Fee: Adult: £16.00 , Children: £9.60 per child.
Visiting Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is an experience like no other. Set on a dramatic clifftop location, the ruins of this ancient castle are steeped in myth and legend. Stepping back in time, you will be able to explore the remains of its walls and towers whilst absorbing the breathtaking views that surround it.
The castle dates back to the 13th century and has a rich history of kings, knights and great battles. Tintagel was home to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. During a visit here, you’ll be able to learn about how the castle’s rugged landscape has been used and changed over the centuries.
When visiting Tintagel Castle, you’ll be able to explore its ruins as well as take a walk along the steep pathways that lead down to the island below. There are also plenty of shops and cafes in the local village nearby so you can choose to rest or pick up some souvenirs.
A visit here costs around £16.00 per adult and £9.60 per child. However, you can often get discounts and if you are an English Heritage member you can visit for free!
This is one of the most stunning landmarks in England and is well worth visiting. To make the most of your trip it’s highly recommended to spend a few days here. You will find amazing places to stay from Coastal Hotels in Newquay to Dog-Friendly Cottages in St Ives.
Contributed by: Lowri from Many Other Roads
3. Wentworth Woodhouse
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Admission Fee: Adult: £11, free for children and discounted for National Trust members.
Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham is becoming known as one of the most famous landmarks in England. Even though it only became an attraction in recent years. The house has over 300 rooms and the longest facade of any country home in Europe. However, few people had even heard of the house until recently.
That’s because it was still lived in by the Fitzwilliam family until the 1980s. They had to sell due to the incredible maintenance cost, and it was bought by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in 2016.
Today, the Trust is working hard to preserve the house so visitors can experience this impressive building. The two sides of the mansion are built in two distinct styles. The East front is designed in Palladian style with striking stone columns. Meanwhile, the West front of the house takes on an ornate Baroque style.
A visit to Wentworth Woodhouse is essential to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the building. Visitors can explore the grand State rooms and sprawling gardens Tuesday-Sunday between 10am and 4pm.
But if you want to delve a little deeper into this mysterious mansion that almost faded into obscurity, visit one of the many tours, lectures or events.
To fund the restoration effort, events take place regularly. From wine tastings and afternoon tea to the Hidden Tour, which explores the rooms that aren’t usually open to the public.
Admission to Wentworth Woodhouse costs £11/adult. Entry is free for children and discounted for National Trust members.
Contributed by: Hannah from Get Lost Blog
4. Gloucester Cathedral
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays 12pm – 5pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Situated in the English city of Gloucester, Gloucester Cathedral is one of the oldest religious sites in the country. Originally established as a minster dedicated to Saint Peter by the order of Osric, King of the Hwicce around 679, the structure expanded and evolved over thousands of years until finally becoming the magnificent cathedral that stands before us today in the mid-16th century.
The tower of Gloucester’s iconic cathedral commands the city skyline. As you enter through the giant doors, beautiful architectural styles from Norman through to Perpendicular, and stunning glass art await you with a warm welcome.
Wander the impressively carved passageways and admire the tall ceilings where King Henry III was crowned in 1216 and where King Edward II was buried in 1327. There is also a peaceful garden to relax in.
However, for more than any other reason, Gloucester Cathedral is a must-visit attraction due to its iconic significance in pop culture. It was one of the most crucial filming locations for the Harry Potter series, making its debut appearance in the first movie and then recurring in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Ultimately, Gloucester Cathedral is one the best attractions in England to find a beautiful blend of history and magic and should have space on your bucket list.
Contributed by: Sanika from Saunter With Sanika.
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5. Kenilworth Castle
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am -5:00 pm
Admission Fee: £14.20
Located in Warwickshire, Kenilworth Castle is one of England’s famous historical landmarks, situated 100 miles from London. Steeped in history, Kenilworth Castle was built in 1122 as an imposing medieval fortress and then later transformed into an Elizabethan Palace.
It’s a fun and educational day out and there is plenty to explore in this impressive castle, from The Great Hall to the Elizabethan Garden and The Gatehouse. Make sure to also climb up the Tudor Towers and see the Castle Keep, as well as visit Elizabeth I’s private rooms!
Kenilworth Castle is a hidden gem full of history, with many of England’s historic events, sieges and Royal scandals taking place here. Whilst lots of people flock to the more well-known Warwick Castle nearby, Kenilworth Castle is actually bigger, less busy, cheaper to visit and has fantastic views!
At just £14.20 entrance when booked online beforehand, Kenilworth Castle makes for a very reasonably priced day out! Kenilworth Castle is open every day from 10am to 5pm in the summer and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm during the winter.
When you’re feeling peckish after your visit, head to the Stables Tearoom in Kenilworth Castle for Afternoon Tea. Alternatively, walk across the road to the Old English pub ‘Queen & Castle’ for some delicious gastro food and perfect views of the castle!
Contributed by: Catrina of 24 Hours Layover
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6. Seven Sisters, Eastbourne, UK
On the south English coastline, you’ll find seven dramatic ivory cliffs jutting from the sea known as the Seven Sisters. The Sisters were formed from the eroding powers of the sea and heavy rains. Over time, the water sculpted the chalk cliffs into their present-day glory. The stark white cliffs stand out prominently against the turquoise sea.
These picturesque cliffs are part of the expansive 700-acre South Downs National Park, filled with rolling green hills, a river valley, and plenty of flora and fauna — it’s a terrific spot for bird watching.
There are multiple ways you can explore the park and view these mammoth cliffs. If you’re short on time, head right to The Birling Gap. This scenic spot features a pebble beach right at the base of the Seven Sisters. It’s easiest to get here by car. On the weekend, local buses stop here but not during the week.
If you have more time, consider a scenic coastal hike. The most popular way to explore this area is to start in Seaford and hike to Eastbourne. This path is approximately 14 miles (one-way), and although that may sound a bit intimidating, the walk is filled with some of England’s best scenery — be sure to pack snacks. If 14 miles is too long, consider starting at The Seven Sister Country Park and walking to the Birling Gap, this route still includes epic views but is only about 3 miles.
After the hike, head into Brighton, which is about 40 minutes away, to refuel. Brighton has a diversity of dining options and is also one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world.
Contributed by: Rebecca from Vegies Abroad
7. All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon Park
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am – 5 pm.
A lesser-known landmark in the UK that’s a short tube ride outside of central London is the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon Park. For those who have never heard of this landmark, it’s the home of one of the world’s oldest and most renowned grass-court tennis tournaments.
For context, every year at the beginning of July, the All England Lawn Tennis Club hosts the Wimbledon Grand Slam. And one of the long-standing traditions of this historic tournament is fans can queue for bargain tickets to witness the best tennis stars.
Of course, this tournament is only 2-weeks long, so during the rest of the year, tennis enthusiasts or curious minds can check out the stop Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum within the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The museum is open every day from 10 am – 5 pm.
Within it, you’ll find a range of exhibits that showcase the tournament’s history and some interactive areas where guests can take a virtual reality tour of the Center Court. Additionally, visitors can book a 90-minute tour to explore exclusive areas not open to the general public.
So, if you find yourself in London with an interest in tennis, consider stopping by this off-the-beaten-path landmark!
Contributed by: Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
8. Lyme Park Estate
Admission Fee: Adults: £13, children: £6.50
Located about 2 miles from Disley, in the Peak District National Park, is the beautiful Lyme Park Estate. Lyme Park was home to the Legh family for generations, before it was given to the National Trust in 1946.
One of the main reasons Lyme Park attracts a lot of visitors is because it was used as Mr. Darcy’s home in the BBC’s version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Today the estate has a mansion, formal gardens, huge historic parklands, a deer park and of course a café. As you can see, there’s a lot of things to do at Lyme Park, so you can easily spend an entire day there.
Taking a tour of Lyme House is a must, since it’s a Grade I listed building and the largest in Cheshire. The house is also listed in the National Heritage List for England. The building you see today was transformed into an ornate Italian palace in the 1720s. A must see gem in the house is the Lyme Missal which is the only nearly intact copy of its kind.
The formal gardens are also worth exploring since they are listed as Grade II in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The estate is open every day and you can explore its parkland and medieval deer park free of charge. However, to explore Lyme House and its formal gardens you have to pay £13/£6.50 for adults/children respectively. For National Trust members the entry fee is free, so it’s worth joining.
Contributed by: Kitti from Kitti Around the World.
9. Shard
Shard – the tallest building in England is standing proudly in the London Borough of Southwark. It is surrounded by many other famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Tower of London or London Bridge. The views from the Shard are breathtaking and allow visitors to admire London’s skyline from Renzo Piano’s architectural masterpiece.
Just two years after its completion in 2014, Shard won the Emporis Skyscraper Awards. This impressive glass building was considered the new icon of London and to this day it is one of the most recognizable structures in the capital of England.
Visitors can admire panoramic views in one of the restaurants such as Hutong or Oblix. Moreover, Shangri-La The Shard hotel inside the building provides a comfortable stay in the heart of London. However, the best views are from viewing platforms at the highest levels of the building.
Shard is also a famous filming location and it has been featured in the movie of Spider-Man: Far From Home. This pyramidal glass tower is visible from any part of London and a visit to Shard offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking unique attractions in England. Whether it is afternoon tea in the clouds or swimming in Shangri-La The Shard hotel’s swimming pool with incredible views of London.
Contributed by: Paulina from the UK Every Day
10. Big Ben
Big Ben, the clock and bell atop Elizabeth Tower, is one of the most famous landmarks in all of England and is a must-see on everyone’s London bucket list.
Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower housing Big Ben, is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The clock rang for the very first time on May 31, 1859, shortly after the tower was completed.
Today, Big Ben is one of London’s most recognizable symbols. Tourists flock to Westminster to see the clock for themselves and to hear the bell ring each hour.
In August 2017, the clock tower began a 4-year renovation during which Big Ben was covered in scaffolding and the chimes were silenced. In 2022, the clock tower emerged with a face lift and a new golden paint job. The bells have resumed ringing on special occasions, like New Year’s Eve. Throughout early 2023, the bells will go through a test period where they’ll chime on occasion before returning fully.
To see Big Ben for yourself, take the tube to Westminster Station. You can get great views of the clock tower from Parliament Square Garden. You can also get a great view from Westminster Bridge, where you’ll also be able to see the rest of the Palace of Westminster.
Contributed by: Sydney from A World in Reach
11. Brighton Pier
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:30 pm
Brighton is a seaside resort town on England’s south coast. And a trip to Brighton is not complete without a visit to the pier. Brighton Pier is one of the oldest piers in the world and for generations has provided enjoyment and entertainment to visitors.
First built in the 1860s, over the years it has weathered many storms, collapsed and been rebuilt. Today, Brighton Pier has been turned into a waterfront theme park providing lots of fun and entertainment and is a great place to visit on any trip to Brighton.
There is plenty to do on the pier. You can walk to the end of the pier which is 1,722 feet (524 metres) long for views over the ocean and back over Brighton. You can get some fish and chips from the restaurant, sit in one of the bars and have a drink or grab an ice cream from one of the old kiosks.
You can play an arcade game in the amusement arcade, maybe win a prize at one of the stalls or go on one of the rides. There are also a number of little shops to buy trinkets and some Brighton Rock (a hard sugary lolly you can suck on).
It is free to go onto the pier and walk around however, there is a cost if you want to go on the rides. It is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 8.30pm on a Sunday.
Contributed by: Sharyn from Live Work Play Travel
To book this tour click here.
12. Walkie Talkie
The skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street in London is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It is better known as the Walkie-Talkie, because of its shape kind of resembles a walkie-talkie.
Completed in 2014, the Walkie-Talkie can easily be seen along the Thames River. But this skyscraper is more than just interesting architecture – it also features one of London’s most popular attractions.
While the majority of the building is dedicated to office space, the top floors of the Walkie Talkie are home to Sky Garden.
Sky Garden is an indoor public “park” with amazing views of London, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows on every side. It even has an outdoor balcony overlooking the Thames. This balcony in particular offers an unobstructed view of the Shard, one of London’s other classic skyscrapers.
The best thing about Sky Garden? Entrance is free, you just have to reserve a time slot in advance. The garden is open on weekends from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on weekends and bank holidays from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Tickets are available to book three weeks in advance.
Undoubtedly, Sky Garden by itself is worth the trip to this part of central London. But you can pair your visit to Sky Garden with other must-do activities within walking distance to make the most of your trip!
Contributed by: Ashley from Culture Snapshots
13. Windsor Castle
Opening Hours: Thursday- Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Admission Fee: Adults: £18, £15.50 for children and the disabled.
Windsor Castle is a historically significant royal residence. It’s located in the district of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire county, UK. It’s located on a ridge overlooking the Thames River at the northeastern end of the county.
The castle encompasses a total area of 13 acres. The construction began in the 9th century under the guidance of William the Conqueror. His subsequent successors, Henry II and Henry III continued with the construction and completed most of the structure by the 13th century.
The St. George’s Chapel here is second only to Westminster Abbey as a royal mausoleum. Important figures of the British royal family, such as Henry VI, Edward IV, and Henry VIII, including Queen Elizabeth II, are laid to rest here.
Visitors are allowed to explore a major part of Windsor Castle. You can do this by opting for a guided tour available inside. These tours will take you across Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, St. George’s Chapel, and the State Rooms.
Most of the State Rooms contain important artefacts that are displayed for visitors. These are belongings of the royal family. There’s a room dedicated to the gifts they received from other countries. The ceremony for changing guards is a spectacular sight to see.
The castle is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Thursday to Monday. A visitor should book entry tickets in advance. A ticket costs £28 for adults, £18 for those between the ages of 18 and 24, and £15.50 for children and the disabled.
Contributed by: Ruma from The Holiday Story
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14. Buckingham Palace
Located in the heart of London is the iconic Buckingham Palace. The original building (built in 1703) was a large townhouse which was home to the Duke of Buckingham. The most recent of the additions to the way Buckingham Palace looks today occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The palace became the official residence of the reigning monarch beginning with Queen Victoria in 1837. Today it’s both the residence and managerial headquarters of the British monarchy.
Tours of Buckingham Palace are available and tickets can be purchased on the official website. A variety of tour options are available and ticket prices range from about £30-£55. (Consider buying tickets well in advance as they can sell out).
While visiting Buckingham Palace make sure to catch a Changing of the Guard ceremony. This grand ceremony takes place (roughly) every other day and it’s free to watch. Check the official website for the Changing of the Guard to confirm exact dates and times of the event.
Fun fact: The way to tell if the King is home is by which flag is flying above the palace. If the Royal Standard is present, he’s home. If the Union Jack is present, he’s not home.
Enjoy your visit at the iconic Buckingham Palace!
Contributed by: Chelsea Espinoza from Adventures of Chels
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15. Lincoln Cathedral
Once the tallest building in the world for over 200 years, Lincoln Cathedral was the emblem of medieval architecture. Having lost its Central Tower spire in 1549, it now stands at 272 feet atop Steep Hill and can be seen from miles away. It’s a magnificent, intricately detailed building sculptured with Norman mouldings and gothic figures.
With its stunning craftsmanship, beautifully stained glass windows and impressive interiors, the cathedral has become one of England’s most famous landmarks.
Open to everyone, every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. You can visit Lincoln for a weekend trip and include a free visit to the cathedral alongside many other interesting attractions such as Lincoln Castle.
It’s also possible to arrange a guided tour of both Lincoln Cathedral and the Castle. One thing which should not be missed is to see one of the original copies of the Magna Carta, which resides in Lincoln Castle.
