England is a country full of amazing sightseeing places for visitors from all over the world. But with so much to do, how do you know where to start? We’ve made this short guide to help summarise the must-see spots. Read on to discover our top picks for the 7 Most Famous Landmarks in England.
Stonehenge
This ancient monument is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about English landmarks. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 5000 years of history, visitors flock here from all over the world. It’s an unmissable destination during your trip to England. Onsite, you can enjoy the majestic stone circle, sweeping landscape and immersive visitor centre. Although public transport links to Stonehenge exist, they can be time-consuming and costly. Consider a day tour by coach or minibus to make the most of your time at the stones.
Canterbury Cathedral
Towering above the pretty medieval city, Canterbury Cathedral is the tallest structure for miles around. Every year, over a million tourists marvel at the cathedral’s stunning architecture with its fan-vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained-glass windows. It has been a pilgrimage destination for over 800 years, ever since the murder of Thomas Becket in the 1100s. You can still visit his shrine in the cathedral today, to ask for blessings or miraculous healing. The brave-hearted can even explore the crypt to see the tombs of famous historical figures and light a candle.
Bibury
This little town is known as “the most beautiful village in England”. Located in the Cotswolds countryside, it is so scenic that it has become one of the top wedding destinations nationwide. Here, you can find Arlington Row – the most famous collection of cottages in England. Dating back to the 1300s, they are protected by the National Trust and rented out to low-income families. Now, they are recognised as the iconic Cotswolds landmark and even feature in the British passport, representing typical English countryside. They’ve even been immortalised on-screen in the film Bridget Jones’s Diary, drawing fans from all over the world!
The White Cliffs of Dover
Rising up above the English Channel, these white chalk cliffs are an international symbol of England. Historically, they’ve played a huge part in English interactions with Europe – from trade to invasion. Moreover, after the rescue mission Operation Dynamo in WW2, the cliffs came to represent hope and home for British people. Walk the cliff-path to experience stunning coastal views and native wildlife, including ponies, birds and butterflies. The White Cliffs are the ideal landmark to connect with nature and see the best of the British coastline.
Oxford University
Even though Oxford University is made up of multiple buildings instead of one school, it’s still undeniably a landmark. After all, it’s thanks to these buildings that Oxford is known as “the city of dreaming spires”. The colleges, libraries and halls that together form the university are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. You can book tours and tickets to explore inside, or wander the public spaces admiring the gothic architecture. Some of the most famous places include: the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library and the Bridge of Sighs. Or, climb the tower of St Mary’s Church for a breath-taking citywide view.
Bath Abbey
Much like Canterbury Cathedral, Bath Abbey is the biggest and most impressive structure in Bath. The current building is over five centuries old and was built on the site of a Saxon monastery from 500AD. It has been a vital place of community and worship in Bath for over 1500 years. You can still visit the Abbey today, free of charge for religious reasons, or a small fee as a tourist. Light a candle for a loved one in a shrine, or listen to hymns from the magnificent organ. Some days, you can even climb the tower to see the clock system and bells, and marvel at the view.
Bourton-on-the-Water
As one of the bigger Cotswolds villages with the most things to do, Bourton-on-the-Water gets many visitors. Its charming honey-coloured stone cottages line the winding streets filled with local shops, artisans and cafes. Whether you’re looking for your perfect souvenir or to enjoy a handmade treat, this is the place to come. The River Windrush snakes through the village centre and is just right for taking a stroll or having a picnic. Snap a memorable photo on one of the five stone footbridges! Visitors also love the Motor Museum, the Perfumery, and Birdland, an avian-themed wildlife park.
Plan your trip today!
Thank you for reading this short guide to the 7 Most Famous Landmarks in England. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this lovely country, wherever it may be that you end up visiting. And if you would like to see some of these landmarks with your own eyes, check out our brilliant Day Tours from London. We look forward to seeing you on tour soon!
