Historic places in England. Kingdom of England: sights, interesting places in England

Of course, metropolitan London deserves close attention: you can live in the city for a very long time, but never cease to be surprised by its sights, constantly discovering new places. However, in many other British cities there are countless historical monuments, museums, theaters, inspiring cityscapes.

So, for example, the ancient university cities of Oxford and Cambridge are the best place to get acquainted with English traditions. One of the reasons to stay in York is the largest National Railway Museum in the UK, after visiting which you can enjoy plenty of walks through the medieval quarters of York.

Traveling through the cities of Scotland is unthinkable without a few days in Edinburgh. Tourists plan to walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, photograph Fort Bridge at sunset and, of course, try real Scotch whiskey to the tune of bagpipes.

Despite the fact that there are not so many historical buildings in Glasgow, you can spend one or two days in the city, walking along the streets and parks, visiting museums and galleries, musicals and opera performances in theaters. Of particular interest are nature reserves and parks, which are conveniently accessible from Glasgow. First of all, this is Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, a place of stunning scenery.

In search of colorful sights of Great Britain, it is worth going to Liverpool, Durham, Bath, Canterbury, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Cardiff, as well as small towns and villages.

Video "Sights of Great Britain"

London is often used in conjunction with the word "most". To visit the most expensive and one of the most multinational cities in Europe, where even the Queen - the longest reigning monarch in the history of Great Britain - millions of tourists aspire 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 box - these English sights are known all over the world. The Green Arrow 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 has become the burial place for many British rulers, is located just 40 minutes from London. Most of the premises, with the exception of those where members of the royal family live, are open. In addition to the magnificent interiors, the spacious halls display paintings by great artists, including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Raphael and Rubens. Equally popular is the 40-room Dollhouse of Queen Mary, a 1:12 scale miniature, amazing in its complexity of execution, arouses the constant delight of both children and adults. One of the brightest memories from visiting Windsor Castle, of course, will be the colorful ceremony of changing the guard of honor. Indulge yourself also in the pleasure of strolling through the Great Park, where the hunting grounds used to be located, and enjoying the views of the Jubilee Garden, laid out in honor of 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 territory of Windsor Castle!

2. Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London.

Address: UK, London, Westminster area, nearest metro station Charing Cross.

Even if you have not been to London yet, you have probably seen Trafalgar Square on TV more than once. Big celebrations take place here, rallies rage, music festivals rumble, so its other name is "The Heart of England". It was here in May 1945 that Churchill announced victory over Hitler. The key figure of the square is a giant granite column crowned with a 5-meter statue of Admiral Nelson, who led the Battle of Trafalgar. In the heat, it is pleasant to sit here by the cool fountains decorated with bronze mermaids and fish, 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 a zero kilometer, from where all the transport routes of the British capital take their countdown.

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 got the name "London Eye". Built by the turn of the century, the 135-meter attraction (that's about a 45-story building!) quickly entered the list of iconic objects in London. Transparent egg-shaped capsules are illuminated in different colors at night and resemble a real space structure. The speed of the cabins is low - 26 centimeters per second, the wheel makes a full circle a little more than half an hour, so this time will be enough to slowly see all the sights of foggy Albion. In addition, you can order a private capsule for a romantic dinner or champagne tasting. Having taken a ride on the London Ferris wheel, you can say with confidence that you have seen all the main sights of the British capital.

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

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

A place where goosebumps run. The first mention of Stonehenge, whose name can be translated as "hanging stones", is found in the 12th century. Why and by whom these multi-ton boulders were delivered, and how they were transported - and scientists have proven that some specimens were brought hundreds of kilometers away - does not fit in my head. And all the time the question is spinning: 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 authentically known that originally there was a cemetery - burials of 64 people of the Neolithic era were found in Stonehenge. But versions are also put forward about the presence there of an ancient observatory, a sanctuary of the Druids, and even an alien trail. Not without horror stories about the intervention of the devil himself. A visit to this monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, sets you in a philosophical mood, makes you think about the fate of mankind and, of course, contributes to the activation of the brain.

5. The Eden Project is the largest and most technologically advanced botanical garden in the world.

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

"Die Another Day" - it was in these futuristic landscapes, reminiscent of giant honeycombs, that the shooting of the next Bond series took place. Innovative garden of paradise "Project Eden" in the bio-tech architectural style, which is gaining momentum, "is located on the site of a former clay quarry on an area of ​​22 hectares as a symbol of rebirth in a man-torn earth. For this, 2 million tons of compost were brought here. More than 12,000 species of plants from all over the world are collected under unusual geodesic domes that can accommodate the Tower of London! 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 the attitude of people towards the preservation of the environment.

6. Land's End " - the most extreme point of Great Britain and the "Lost Gardens of Heligan".

Address: UK, Cornwall.

- "The Lost Gardens of Heligan" - St. Austell, then by bus or taxi

- "Land's End Visitors Centre" - Sennen Cove

The fabulous garden, leading its history from the 18th century, impresses even experienced travelers. There, on a forest path, you can meet a sleeping nymph or a giant's head sticking out of the ground with a perky grassy hairstyle. Here is a collection of ancient rhododendrons, primitive tree ferns, and the only growing pit in Europe has been preserved .... 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 carried out under the guidance of British garden architect Tom Smith. The place is remarkable in every sense. To the ends of the earth - wave your hand. After driving about 80 km to the west, you will find yourself in Lands-End - the westernmost point of Great Britain: here the road ends. Ahead - only the raging waves of the Atlantic Ocean and an indescribable feeling of freedom.

7. Bibury is the most beautiful village in the UK.

Address: UK, Gloucestershire, Bibury

Lovers of Miss Marple and Bridget Jones will surely feel familiar with these pastoral houses on the banks of the Colne River, as if they have come down from the wall murals. After all, it was in these living scenery of the village of Bibury that popular films were shot. Authentic - as if toy - buildings from local shell rock were built back in the 17th century! A real source of inspiration for artists and poets. The 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 the holidays, be prepared to see dozens of lovers of rural peace and quiet just like you on the two existing streets of Bibury.

8. The Royal Crescent is the most unusual street in the UK.

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 Roman Colosseum in the shape of a crescent, consists of 30 three-story houses. Similar on the outside, but different on the inside, as each owner hired their own architect to build the building behind the façade. It began to be called royal after the Duke of York Frederick was one of the lodgers at the end of the 18th century. Now, along with living quarters in the houses, there is a city museum and a hotel. The Royal Crescent is on the list of protected buildings. Therefore, the facades must remain unchanged and, according to the rules, the color of the doors can only be painted in brown and white. But, as the guides say, one door is still knocked out against the general background in yellow - the whim of the wife of the Duke of Wellington at one time caused such a resonance that it was discussed even at the parliamentary level! The action of two novels by Jane Austen also unfolds in Bath, and Charles Dickens also sent his heroes to Bath for treatment. The writer is not wrong. After all, the name of a nice English town with about 100 thousand inhabitants is translated as "bath" - 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 the national treasure of the United Kingdom. Bath is also called the birthplace of sugary bat buns with baked candied fruits and raisins.

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

Address: UK, East of England region, Norfolk county

The ancient English city surprisingly 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 program in the field of writing. Among the graduates there are many famous personalities - Nobel and Booker Prize winners. It is worth visiting it for the sake of the Sainsbury Fine Arts Center, where, along with Mayan treasures, works by Degas, Picasso, Bacon, Henry Moore are collected. Among the main attractions are Norwich Castle, which served as the Royal Palace, one of the largest cathedrals in the UK, built in 1096 from stones brought specially by ship from Normandy, and the 15th century town hall. Since the Middle Ages, the heraldic symbol of the city has been a dragon, so the image of this outlandish beast is adorned with many facades of buildings and every winter the city hosts a dragon festival. And be sure to check out the Colman’s mustard museum at the Royal Gallery, dating back to Victorian times! Fans of this famous brand - a monopolist in the manufacture of English mustard - will be able to purchase a popular seasoning that has earned recognition from English nobles since the time of Queen Victoria and is still the official mustard supplier for the royal family of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.

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

Address: UK, Norfolk, Houghton Hall

The luxurious residence of the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, Robert Worpoll, is associated with one of the biggest disappointments and losses of the British national treasure. The representative of the Whig party was famous for his love of painting. He spent his huge fortune on the acquisition of works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Frans Hals, Velasquez ... However, after the death of Warpole, the collector's dissolute grandson - a reveler and bankrupt - sold the priceless collection to Catherine II, who included it in the collection of the Hermitage compiled by her. Many art critics call the sale of this collection one of the biggest cultural losses in the UK, which, alas, cannot be made up. Today, the magnificent residence belongs to the Marquis of Chumley. 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 has made great efforts to restore the interiors to their original appearance.
Of particular interest to visitors to Houghton Hall is the garden. The main part of it is called "The Walled Garden". It was laid out on the spot where the garden of the current owner's grandmother, Lady Sybil Chumley, had once been. It was in her memory that the "Walled Garden" was created. It was designed by 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 "decorative 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 - Britain's very first World Heritage Site

Address: United Kingdom, coast of Dorsetshire and East Devon, near West Lulworth

155 kilometers of coastline from the Mesozoic era is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans a period of 185 million years!!! Researchers believe that more than 100 species of dinosaurs lived here! In addition to the skeleton of an ichthyosaur, they managed to find the bones of outlandish 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 these places is Durdle Door - a natural limestone gate in the rock near West Lulvert. Lovers of the Channel Coast will find here an intersection 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 of the entire blue-green palette. Wave bursts and peaceful silence create an atmosphere of isolation from the outside world and a feeling of complete unity with nature.

12. Harrods is London's most famous department store.

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

To visit London and not go to Harrods is unforgivable. The department store is one 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 already occupies 90 thousand square meters and employs more than 5 thousand people, about 300 thousand visitors enter the store every day. The numbers, you see, are impressive in order to look there for shopping. Harrods' motto is "To everyone, to everyone and absolutely everything." However, in addition to the richest assortment of goods, which once made it the official supplier of the royal court, Harrods also entered the history of the construction of the very first escalator in the UK. Its fearless visitors were offered a glass of brandy as a reassurance after the stress experienced during the trip on the escalator. Be aware of 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!

We will hardly consider London. Maybe we’ll just go through it in passing, because in addition to it, there are still a huge number of places in England that you definitely need to visit if there is such an opportunity.

The story begins around 1066 (almost a thousand years old). This castle is the residence of the English monarchs in the county of Berkshire. One of the writers of the 17th century called it "the most romantic castle in the world." In 1992, there was one trouble, namely a fire in the castle. True, the castle was quickly restored and brought into it some elements of modernity. 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 is simply unique, especially Canterbury Cathedral, which is simply impossible to pass by. In this city, there are even tours in which they will tell you (or maybe show you?) About all the ghosts, ghosts and other evil spirits that live in these places.

Splendor of the Cotswolds

West Central England region. Officially recognized area of ​​"outstanding natural beauty". Here we are in a fairy tale. In small villages, houses are like toys. Landscapes beyond description. They must be seen, it is impossible to convey in words all the beauty of this place.

Unique Ludlow (Ludlow)

This is one of the smallest towns in the UK. Located in the county of Shropshire, surrounded by a ring of beautiful hills. This is a real city of English traditions. Restaurants, pubs, market and festivals - all in the original 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 legends are associated with this place. One of them, the legend of the warrior Finn McKumal, supposedly gave the name to this area. If interested, read it. Pretty exciting. This beautiful region evokes a sea of ​​emotions and has some kind of mystical power. See for yourself.

Here is the hit parade the most picturesque places in the UK. This is not all, in the future we will make up for what we did not fit in one post. Therefore, subscribe to the mailing list at the bottom of the post, often poke on the buttons of social networks (I will be very grateful).

The territory of Great Britain includes such countries as England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Each of these territories has many historical and beautiful places that are very popular with travelers and locals. Let's take a closer look at the main attractions of Great Britain and interesting places in England.

The main attractions of Great Britain

England is the most frequently visited country among travelers. There are a large number of architectural buildings, castles and museums. The main attractions of England are Buckingham Palace, Beak Ben, the British Museum, Madame Tussauds London, Sherlock Holmes Museum and many others.

London is the largest city in England. Its main asset is the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. At the age of 16, she created her first sculpture - Voltaire. For a long time, Maria traveled around the countries with her works, and only in 1835 she moved to London. At the beginning of the 20th century, the museum was subjected to a major fire, some of the sculptures were lost, but over time, the lost sculptures were recreated. The Cabinet of Horrors brought him great fame. The museum is still functioning, new manufacturing technologies are used.

It has been open since 1990 and has become one of the main attractions of England. It is a four-story building. When you enter the premises, you go back many years and find yourself in exact copies of real rooms with the same furnishings. On the ground floor there is a shop where you can buy souvenirs and a ticket office that sells tickets for the tour. A policeman dressed in 19th century clothes is on duty near the entrance. On the second floor there is a bedroom and a living room, as well as Dr. Watson's room. The fourth floor is represented by wax figures from the works of Arthur Conan Doyle. Absolutely the same interior and atmosphere of the house amaze and delight visitors to the museum.

It is a unique landmark in the UK. The palace has more than 1000 rooms and about 100 stairs. The interior of the building is majestic and luxurious. In 1834, there was a fire and almost the entire palace was destroyed, but it was possible to protect the oldest part of the building from fire - Westminster Hall, which still amazes with its magnificence. After the fire, it was decided to urgently restore the palace, which now houses the parliament.

The Clock Tower is an integral part of the Westminster Court and is the hallmark of the country. Many call it Big Ben, but in fact this name is inherent in one of the five bells. The building was erected in 1859. The height of the tower is about 100 meters high. Only caretakers can climb it up the spiral staircase. The chimes can be heard at a distance of eight kilometers. The tower is especially beautiful at night, when the clocks located on four sides are illuminated.

Located in Wales and is the most famous attraction in the UK. Located in the north of the country. It got its name in honor of Mount Snowdon, which rises above Wales. Here is the highest mountain, a large lake and several picturesque villages. Every year, the number of tourists visiting the most famous attraction in the UK is almost 6 million people.

Anyone can visit the territory, climb the mountain without the skills of a climber. Almost the entire area of ​​the park is occupied by a forest consisting of deciduous plants. They are rare and carefully guarded. Also, a large number of animals and unique birds live here.