England is the perfect destination for history-lovers, with hundreds of historical tours to choose from. From prehistoric ruins like Stonehenge, to the Georgian resort of Bath, to the secret tunnels from World War 2 in Dover Castle, there are so many historic sites to explore. Here, we offer our personal picks for the top 10 must-visit historic places in England.
Stonehenge
The most iconic of all the historical sites in England, this Neolithic ruin has over 5000 years of history. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the stunning monument attracts over 1 million visitors every year. It was built in stages over several centuries, and people come from all over the world to witness the famous summer solstice sunrise. It is still celebrated today as one of the most mysterious and impressive prehistoric structures in the world.
Learn more about the stones and their millennia of history with us on our Morning Stonehenge Tour With Admission.
Bath
Originally a Celtic settlement, the city of Bath gained its name when Romans harnessed the power of the natural hot springs in the valley circa 70 AD. The Roman Baths Museum showcases some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, and water from the hot springs is still used in the Thermae Bath Spa to this day. The city then became a popular resort destination in the 1700s, leading to stunning Georgian architecture that makes it the perfect filming location for Regency-era dramas such as the Netflix romance series Bridgerton.
Come with us and see Bath through the eyes of the Celts, Romans and Georgians on our Stonehenge & Bath Full Day Tour.
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a beautiful expanse of green across the centre of England, spanning 5 counties. Classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it boasts charming villages, stunning views of the English countryside, and a traditional way of life maintained by centuries of fuelling the wool trade. Some of the most popular destinations include: Bibury, named “the most beautiful village in England” by William Morris; Burford, known as “the gateway to the Cotswolds”; and Bourton-on-the-Water, called “the Venice of the Cotswolds”.
Explore the gorgeous English countryside and historic villages of the wool trade with us on our Cotswolds Full Day Tour From London.
Oxford
The historic city of Oxford is famous for its world-class university established in the 12th century, consisting of 38 colleges, whose stunning architecture gave it the name the “City of Dreaming Spires”. Some of the most iconic sights include the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, the Bridge of Sighs, the Radcliffe Camera building, and St Mary’s Church, each with their own unique stories and over 800 years of history for you to immerse yourself in. This year, the Covered Market, home to various local shops and places to eat, celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Discover how the colleges shaped the history of Oxford with us on our Cotswolds & Oxford Day Full Day Tour.
Dover
Made from chalk formed over 100 million years ago, the White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic landmark of England. Above the cliffs, Dover Castle has been of strategic importance since the 12th century, when King Henry II established the Great Tower, with the Throne Room, King’s Bedchambers and Banquet Hall that can still be explored today. Over the centuries, the castle has been adapted to the changing demands of the time, hosting everyone from nobles to prisoners. Notably, the secret wartime tunnels played an essential role in the success of the rescue mission Operation Dynamo in World War 2. The White Cliffs then became a symbol of hope to the British people, and remain a hugely popular destination to this day.
Dive into almost a millennia of history, from the 1100s to the Second World War, with us on our White Cliffs Of Dover & Canterbury Full Day Tour.
Canterbury
Home to Canterbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the most visited religious sites in England, the historic city of Canterbury became a major pilgrimage destination after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. One of the pilgrims was Geoffrey Chaucer, who gathered stories told by his companions on the journey from London and made the Canterbury Tales, a collection that gives unique insight into what life was like in mediaeval England. Besides the Cathedral, Canterbury is known for its Tudor-style buildings, cobbled streets, floral displays and charming canals, where many people still do the traditional activity of punting today.
Explore the historic city of Canterbury and the cathedral with us on our White Cliffs Of Dover & Canterbury Full Day Tour.
Tower of London
From a palace, to a fortress, to a prison, the Tower of London has a long and fascinating history dating back to 1066 when it was founded by King William the Conqueror. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular historical tourist destinations in England, with millions of visitors every year.
Attractions of the Tower include the Yeomen Warders, better known as Beefeaters, who guard the Crown Jewels, as well as the legendary Ravens. Tourists can also witness the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient tradition that has taken place at the Tower of London every night for the last 700 years. The Tower is also famous for its ghost sightings, with many historical figures held prisoner and executed within its walls, including Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and the young nephews of Richard III.
Set alongside the River Thames, with the iconic Tower Bridge looming overhead, over one thousand years of history is waiting to be discovered at the Tower of London.
Stratford-upon-Avon
This beautiful mediaeval market town is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, with literature and theatre lovers from all over the world coming to learn more about the life and work of this renowned playwright. Tourists can visit the house where he was born, the childhood home of his wife Anne Hathaway, and the Church of the Holy Trinity where he is buried.
Many visitors also head to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the banks of the River Avon, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, to see the plays performed in the traditional style over 400 years after they were first written. Other popular activities include taking a boat ride along the canals, open-top bus tours, and strolling the streets to admire the traditional Tudor architecture.
With many trains and buses connecting this famous mediaeval town and London, it is easily accessible, and the perfect day trip for history lovers.
Leeds Castle
Sometimes called the ‘loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle is a stunning fortress built on islands of a lake in Kent, a region of England just south-east of London. Named after the Saxon chief who first built on the site in 857 AD, the castle became a Norman stronghold in the 11th century, then lodgings for various royalty until the end of the Tudor dynasty.
Through the Stuart, Georgian and Victorian times, it passed through the hands of several wealthy families, until it was acquired by Lady Baillie in 1926, who poured time and money into restoring the castle until it became one of the great country houses of England. It even served as a hospital during World War II.
Now, the Leeds Castle Foundation takes care of the site and its parkland grounds, preserving the castle and its centuries of history for future generations to enjoy.
Windsor Castle
Strategically built on the River Thames by King William the Conqueror in the late 11th century, Windsor Castle is the longest-inhabited castle in the world, having been a royal residence for over nine hundred years. It also contains the oldest working kitchen in England, having been in continual use since 1360.
Windsor Castle was also Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite place. She spent much of her childhood there and is now buried in the St George’s Chapel alongside her husband, parents and sister. Other monarchs interred here include King Charles I, Henry VIII and his favourite wife, Jane Seymour.
From the gold and glamorous State Apartments, to Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, to the austere Changing of the Guard ceremony, there is so much to see and do at Windsor Castle, the historic home of the British monarchy.
