Looking for some famous UK landmarks to visit? I hope this post helps!
Is your travel bucket list filled with exotic landmarks in faraway places?
…Mine too.
And for good reason! I mean, who doesn’t want to hop on a plane to go see places like the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal, Macchu Picchu, or the Pyramids of Giza?!
I know I do.
However, I sometimes have to remind myself that there are masses of amazing places in my own backyard as well…
Seriously, the UK is full of historic, quirky, stunning, mysterious, and otherwise incredible things to see!
It got me thinking about all the famous UK landmarks I have left to visit.
So, with that in mind, I thought I’d pull together a post full of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom. Want to see what I came up with?
Keep reading for a go-to guide to 33 famous landmarks in Britain.
Let’s get started with a long (but by no means exhaustive) list of famous landmarks in England!
Interested in famous landmarks of the UK? You might also like these posts:
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- 75 Essential Things to Pack for Travel
- Golden Circle Iceland Travel Guide
Famous Landmarks in England
1. Big Ben
Easily one of the most recognisable landmarks of the UK (and the entire world), Big Ben stands at the northern end of the Houses of Parliament in London.
The name refers to the 15-ton bell that sits at the top of Elizabeth Tower — a bell that has chimed daily since 1924.
2. The Tower of London
Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower of London is one of the oldest landmarks in England.
During a tour, you can see everything from the palace, prison, and observatory to the royal armoury display and Crown Jewels exhibit.
3. Stonehenge
Another instantly recognisable UK landmark, Stonehenge is among the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world.
To this day, no one knows exactly how the giant megaliths were moved across the Salisbury Plain, why they were placed in a circle, or what the site was used for.
4. The London Eye
Sitting directly across the Thames River from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye has earned its place among famous UK landmarks.
Opened in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, the Ferris wheel soars 140 metres (459 feet) above the city of London.
5. The British Museum
At the height of its power, the British Empire controlled 25% of the world’s population.
As a result, Britain collected treasures and antiquities from every corner of the globe, many of which are on display at the British Museum.
Fun fact:
The British Museum’s not only one of the world’s biggest and most impressive museums, but it’s also the oldest — first opening its doors in 1759!
6. Hyde Park
One of four royal parks in London, Hyde Park was used for hunting grounds until the late 1600s.
Nowadays it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, stroll beneath majestic trees, or take in one of the many concerts and festivals that occur throughout the year.
7. Westminster Abbey
If you’re into facts and figures, you’ll marvel as you wander the beautiful Gothic church known as Westminster Abbey.
It’s been the site of every coronation since 1066 and the site of 16 royal weddings.
Over 3,300 influential people are buried there, including 30 kings and queens and more than 100 famous writers and poets.
England landmarks don’t get much more famous than Buckingham Palace.
8. Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of the royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace is among the most famous England landmarks on our list.
During a tour, you can visit some of the palace’s 775 rooms as well as witness the iconic “Changing of the Guards” ceremony.
9. The Tower Bridge
One of the most beautiful bridges in the world, the combined suspension and bascule bridge cross high above the Thames River in central London.
The twin towers are built in the 19th-century Gothic Revival style and are well worth a tour in conjunction with the nearby Tower of London.
10. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Situated atop the highest point in London, St. Paul’s Cathedral has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt many times since 604 CE.
The current version is a stunning blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture, while its massive dome is second in size only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
11. The Roman Baths (Bath)
The appropriately named city of Bath dates back more than 2,000 years to the time of the Roman occupation.
The ruins of the famous Roman baths are remarkably well-preserved, and the town itself is home to 500 additional buildings of historical importance.
As a result, the entire city is a rare double-nominated World Heritage site. It’s also a fantastic day trip from London.
12. York Minster
One of the most famous landmarks in England, York Minster has been an important centre of worship since the 7th century.
The current cathedral is the largest Gothic structure in northern Europe and is second in importance in the Church of England only to Canterbury Cathedral.
13. Lake District National Park
A haven for writers, poets, artists, and nature lovers, the Lake District is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landmarks of the UK.
It’s home to 900 square miles of rolling hills, dozens of natural lakes, and over 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails.
14. The Cotswolds
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds encompasses nearly 800 square miles of some of England’s most beautiful counties.
Hike or bike along hundreds of miles of trails that link old-growth beechwood forests and limestone grasslands with quaint towns and medieval stone bridges.
15. Windsor Castle
Just 40 minutes from downtown London, Windsor Castle is another famous royal residence.
It’s been an important historical site since William the Conqueror erected a fortress there in the 11th century.
Today, the castle’s home to state rooms, galleries, a chapel, and six square miles of idyllic grounds.
With its origins in Roman times, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the oldest and most famous landmarks in England.
16. Hadrian’s Wall
This 73-mile stretch of wall, barracks, and forts was erected 1,900 years ago to guard what was then the northern border of the Roman Empire.
Built over six years by order of Emperor Hadrian, the wall stretched from coast to coast to keep our enemy invaders from the north.
17. The Eden Project
Can you imagine a tropical oasis in the middle of the UK?
That’s what you’ll find at the aptly named Eden Project, a series of enormous greenhouses that house plants from all over the world.
The site is also home to adventure activities like ice skating and zip lining, as well as concerts and other events throughout the year.
18. Royal Albert Dock
Liverpool’s historic waterfront docks are home to more than just passing ships.
Here you’ll find famous UK landmarks such as the Beatles Story Museum and the Tate Liverpool, which houses an impressive collection of modern art.
19. White Cliffs of Dover
One of England’s most iconic landmarks, Dover’s chalky white cliffs were nicknamed “The Gateway to Britain” by troops returning home from the World Wars.
Today this natural area is protected by the National Trust, along with its trails, lighthouses, and other historical sites.
20. Land’s End, Cornwall
Marking the westernmost point in England, Land’s End in Cornwall is home to an iconic signpost (photo op!), as well as the First and Last House and First and Last Inn.
The coastal scenery is among the best in the UK, with majestic green cliffs that tower high above the crashing waves.
Next up: a selection of famous landmarks in Scotland!
Landmarks in UK: Scotland
21. Loch Ness
This large, deep freshwater lake nestled in the beautiful Scottish Highlands is famous for more than just its natural beauty.
Since ancient times, residents and visitors alike have reported sightings of a mysterious Loch Ness monster swimming in the lake, which many affectionately refer to as “Nessie.”
22. Edinburgh Castle
Built atop Castle Rock (a site that’s been used for at least 3,000 years), the oldest portions of Edinburgh Castle date back to 1130 CE.
Over the centuries, the castle has been used as a royal residence, a fortress, and a prison, and today it’s still one of the most important landmarks in Britain.
23. Glenfinnan Viaduct
Harry Potter fans will instantly recognise Glenfinnan Viaduct as the site of the “Hogwart’s Express.”
Whether you’re a fan of the movies or not, it’s easy to be impressed by the 1,000-foot-long Victorian-era viaduct, which happens to be the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland.
24. John o’ Groats Village
This tiny village on the northern coast of Scotland is the furthest British destination from Land’s End in Cornwall (837 miles).
Aside from an obligatory photo in front of the “Journey’s End” signpost, it’s also worth exploring the area for its beautiful coastal scenery and abundant wildlife.
25. Ben Nevis
A once-powerful volcano that exploded and then collapsed in on itself, Ben Nevis remains the highest peak in the British Isles.
Towering 4,411 feet (1,345m) above the Scottish Highlands, don’t miss the chance to trek up one of the most impressive and famous landmarks in the United Kingdom, regardless of when you visit Scotland.
Wales has some of the most beautiful landmarks in Britain. Case and point? Rhossili Bay.
Landmarks in Britain: Wales
26. Rhossili Bay
One of the most famous (and beautiful) natural landmarks in UK, Wales’ Rhossili Bay rests at the westernmost edge of the Gower Peninsula.
Its 5-kilometre (3-mile) stretch of golden sand was designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
27. St. David’s Cathedral
Erected in the 12th century in honour of St David (the patron saint of Wales), the remote St David’s Cathedral is the most impressive church in all of Wales.
Interestingly, it lies at the bottom of a valley, which historians say was to avoid detection by enemy invaders.
28. Conwy Castle
One of the four Castles of Gwynedd (and arguably the most impressive), this 13th-century fortress has been a World Heritage site since 1984.
The castle’s eight stone towers stand high above the mouth of the Conwy River, which made it one of the country’s most strategic defensive sites for centuries.
29. Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Known in Welsh as “Yr Wyddfa,” it’s easier to say the English name of the tallest peak in Wales and England — Snowdon. The highlight of a visit to Snowdonia National Park, the beautiful mountain peak reaches an altitude of 1,085m (3,560 feet) above sea level.
Fun fact: Snowdon was an important training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary and his team that became the first to reach the summit of Everest in 1953.
Northern Ireland’s host to some of the best landmarks of the UK, such as the Giant’s Causeway.
Landmarks of the UK: Northern Ireland
30. Giant’s Causeway
A natural phenomenon you have to see to believe, Giant’s Causeway is a coastal anomaly made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
Legends abound about how and why it formed, but scientists’ best guess is it’s the result of an ancient volcanic fissure.
31. Dunluce Castle
Dating back to at least the 1600s, the seaside ruins of Dunluce Castle look like something out of a medieval fairy tale.
The castle is perched precariously on a cliff that falls dramatically into the sea, making this the perfect spot for those Instagram-worthy photos.
32. The Dark Hedges
Looking like something straight out of your nightmares — or the latest episode of Game of Thrones — you can’t help but get a chill down your spine when you glance down the famous avenue of beech trees known as “The Dark Hedges.”
Landowner James Stuart planted the 150 trees on the road leading to his estate in 1775, and today they form an impressive (and very eerie) photo op.
33. Titanic Belfast
Would you like to see the shipyard where the infamous Titanic was designed, built, and launched?
You can do all that and more at the Titanic Belfast, a museum dedicated entirely to the doomed voyage of what was (at the time) the largest ship ever built.
The museum is full of interactive galleries and activities that the entire family will enjoy.
Time to Visit These Famous UK Landmarks
How many of these famous UK landmarks have you already seen? How many remain on your travel bucket list?
There’s no time like the present to tick a few more items off your crazy bucket list.
Take a plane, a train, or a bus around the beautiful United Kingdom and enjoy these iconic landmarks in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
From Land’s End to John o’Groats and all points in between, you won’t get bored exploring any of these landmarks in the UK.
And if you need more great travel ideas? Why not visit the best cities in the UK?
