One of the best things about Britain is that it is practically teeming with history, Wherever you are in the British Isles, you never have to go far before you’re staring at something old and for lovers of history, architecture and interesting stories, that is a very good thing indeed.
If you’re in Britain right now, or you’re planning to visit, here are some of its best historical landmarks that you should make a real effort to see as you slowly travel through. Enjoy them!
The Giant’s Causeway
Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a natural landmark that was produced by a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago, making it one of the oldest attractions in Britain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it comprises of no less than 40,000 basalt columns that legend says were places by the giant Finn McCool so that he could cross the sea to Scotland! You might be more prone to believing the volcano story, but don’t neglect to look for clues of Finn’s presence while you’re there!
York Minster and The Shambles
York is absolutely brimming with history which is why touring with York City Coaches is so popular and something that you should definitely do if you’re really into history. However, if you can only see one thing in York, it should be the historic York Minster and the Shambles.
A fine example of Gothic architecture and the biggest medieval cathedral in the whole of Northern Europe, it is home to a stunning stained glass window created by John Thornton in 1408, and that us just one of the many treasures dating back to the Roman, Saxon, and Viking eras amongst others, The Shambles - the ancient cobbled street that leads up to the cathedral and it’s impressive timber houses dating back to the 1300s are almost as impressive, and well worth walking down too.
The Tower of London
If you like your history a little more macabre, the Tower of London, which was the location of Anne Boleyn’s beheading in 1536 along with the torture of the Gunpowder Plot’s Guy Fawkes 69 years later, is the place for you. Take the wall walk to see just how impressive the tower’s defense is and try not to be too scared by the many surprises that lay in wait.
Stonehenge
You can’t spend any time touring Britain’s best Historical sights without mentioning Stonehenge in Amesbury. Dating back to the Neolithic period and once the center of Druid worship, it is a most impressive site with a rather unusual vibe. Visit during the solstice, and you will still see druids, pagans, and witches doing their thing as the sun rises.
Sherwood Forest
Famous for being the supposed hunting ground of everyone’s favorite rogue Robin Hood, who was said to rob from the rich to give to the poor, and as being a royal hunting forest for many years following the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, the forest is extremely old and impressive, with at least one oak there thought to be over 800 years old. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to commune with nature, this is it.
If you love history, then Britain is the best place to travel to/through.
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