The United Kingdom is full to the brim with historical places and attractions. In fact, with so much going for it in that regard, it’s hard to know which sites are most worth visiting – especially if you only have a limited amount of time in the UK.
As you will already know about London’s main historical attractions – such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London – this list will focus on places of interest outside the capital. With that said, here are 6 historic sites in the UK that demand your attention.
Stonehenge
Located in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous historical sites. Although the actual attraction draws people in, the mystery behind Stonehenge is perhaps even more responsible for its popularity. It is believed the Stonehenge structure, which consists of various stones displayed in a circular pattern, could have been built as early as 3000 BC. The purpose of Stonehenge’s purpose or symbolism remains a mystery, as does the method used to maneuver the stones – each weighs approximately four tons. Today, Stonehenge has received the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Windsor Castle
This royal residence is one of the most remarkable castles on the planet for numerous reasons. First of all, Windsor Castle is recognized as the world’s oldest castle. It has been a home to British royalty for close to 1,000 years and is also known as the largest castle which is still inhabited. Unlike Stonehenge, one of the advantages of Windsor Castle is its central location. After a day of exploring the castle, you can, for instance, make the short five-minute stroll to The Corner House pub. One of the few dog friendly pubs Windsor has to offer; it’s the ideal venue for refreshments and a bite to eat.
Edinburgh Castle
That’s right, another castle. However, Edinburgh Castle stands on its own when it comes to historic fortresses. This is helped by its position on Castle Rock, where it overlooks Edinburgh and cuts a striking figure among the skyline. Along with being a photographer’s dream, don’t overlook the exhibits and attractions found within the walls of Edinburgh Castle. From the Scottish National War Memorial to regular public performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Roman Baths
If you want a greater insight into how the ancient Romans lived in Britain, this is the attraction to visit. The Roman Baths, conveniently located in the city of Bath, features a stunning collection of thermal spas and a traditional Roman bathing house. The site was first discovered during the 19th century. For those who came across the attraction, they found one of the UK’s best-preserved Roman sites. This is how it remains to this day, and visitors are free to explore the Great Bath and its multiple swimming pools, saunas and heated baths. Funnily enough, The Roman Baths appear rather small and insignificant from the outside. Once inside, however, and you’ll be faced with a vast complex which will take several hours to explore.