Monuments to visit United Kingdom

This is where Queen Mother Elizabeth grew up, making it the second home attached to this illustrious figure. She gave birth here to Princess Margaret, sister of Her Majesty Elizabeth II. Its L-shaped plan, beautiful pink stones and elegant turrets house some of the country's most stunning interiors. Guided tours (free of charge) depart regularly. They will give you the opportunity to hear about ghosts... Stroll through the pleasant gardens where several paths invite you to walk and have lunch in the castle kitchens.

Scone Palace. To sound local, pronounce it scoune palace. This place has immense importance in Scotland's royal heritage. 1500 years ago it was the capital of the Picts, when they ruled Scotland. It is a historic coronation place for the country's monarchs. Indeed, Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II are among the thirty-eight kings who have been crowned there. The ritual was to hold the ceremony on top of Moot Hill and the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, which is now on display in Edinburgh Castle and has had a chequered history. A chapel now stands on the site where Kenneth MacAlpin became the first king of Scotland in 838, and a replica of the famous stone has been placed there.

Palace.

The original palace dates back to the 12th century, but was replaced in 1812 by the Georgian marvel we see today. Every room is a feast of luxury and pageantry, with valuable furniture, magnificent paintings and fine decorative art.

Gardens. The gardens are the playground of deer and highland cows. In the Pinetum, there are magnificent and rare specimens of giant sequoia and fir trees. This part of the garden is completed by the Douglas Pavilion, created in honour of the explorer and local boy David Douglas, plant hunter and discoverer of the Douglas pine, hence the name of the pavilion. It is also open free of charge in winter from Friday to Sunday.

It was on board the gigantic three-masted ship named RRS Discovery that Captain Robert Falcon Scott went to discover the South Pole in 1901. The mastodon was built in Dundee and was then the first ship to be equipped with 1,800 horsepower in a triple-explosion engine to split the Antarctic ice. Now you can discover her and her crew's exciting adventure at Discovery Point, on the city's docks, and visit the ship from top to bottom. The museum area reveals all the secrets of this great human adventure.

It's Scotland's postcard par excellence: Urquhart Castle enjoys an absolutely breathtaking location on the banks of Loch Ness, scanning the horizon and the apparitions of Nessie. Its ruins that can be seen today date from the 13th to the 16th century. Abandoned in the 17th century, it was partly destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Jacobites. Now only the romantic shadow of past greatness remains, but the panorama from the top of Grant Tower is grandiose. The Visitor Centre completes the tour.

Dunrobin Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and its style is particularly rare and refined. Some even see it as the country's most accomplished nobleman's residence. It was the seat of the Earls of Sutherland and the Sutherland clan, and traces its origins to the Middle Ages, but suffered much deterioration, notably at the hands of the Jacobites in the 18th century, so that the building we see today was largely shaped between 1835 and 1850. Charles Barry was the architect and was not at his trial run, since the prodigy already had the Parliament of Westminster on his CV. He set about making it into a palace worthy of the name and it is now the largest castle in the Northern Highlands, with some 189 rooms. Its appearance is reminiscent of the work of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the gardens of the estate are based on the French model and were inspired by Versailles. The interiors were badly damaged in a fire in 1915 and it was Robert Lorimier who took it upon himself to bring them back to life, which he did with undeniable good taste. A museum part exhibits safari trophies brought back by the family on their travels, but also archaeological relics from the Pictish period.

Its gardens, of all beauty, are to be discovered, all the more so as they offer the most beautiful view of the castle. From April to September, you can enjoy bird of prey shows in these same gardens. This is included in the entrance ticket. They take place at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

Completed in 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia is the last of a long line of 83 royal ships dating back to Charles II in 1660, built at Clydebank, near Glasgow, and is 126 metres long with a capacity for 250 guests and 240 crew. In service from 1954 to 1997, it was a floating embassy for the Royal Family, which travelled some 2,014,278 km during 696 visits abroad and 272 to the United Kingdom. After 44 years of good and loyal service on the seas, he is demobilized and moored in the port of Leith. He is not ordered a replacement and the mastodon becomes one of Edinburgh's flagship attractions. On the programme: the highlights of the ship's history, the control room, the admiral's apartments, Her Majesty's bedroom and her Rolls Royce, which she took everywhere. One also immerses oneself in the underside of diplomacy and protocol, walking through the many lounges and reception rooms, but also the terraces where the Queen liked to relax.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was recently awarded a prize as one of Scotland's top tourist and cultural attractions, according to the National Tourist Board's website. No doubt this is due to the historical and cultural interest, but also to the possibility - oh so attractive for admirers of British royalty - of having tea in the "Royal Deck Tea Room" ... You can also spend a night in the luxury hotel located in the nearby ship, the Fringal.

Home of the Dukes of Argyll, this romantic neo-gothic castle is the fruit of the genius of William Adam and Roger Morris. Built between 1745 and 1790, it stands on 6.5 hectares of gardens in the centre of a 24,000 hectare estate. Its great beauty earned it the right to serve as the setting for an episode of the Downtown Abbey series. In addition to its finely furnished and ornamented rooms, it contains more than 1,300 weapons. You will admire the rich State Dining Room and the Tapestry Drawing Room. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy a snack in the elegant, traditional tearoom.

King George II started the construction of this gigantic fort to quell any future uprising. The buildings of its garrisons, its artillery and its weapons plunge into an extraordinary martial atmosphere, on this splendid citadel inspired by Vauban. Still occupied by the army to this day, the 1km long rampart surrounding the fortifications, the historic barracks, one of the only two dog military cemeteries in the country, and the Highlanders Museum, one of the oldest regiments in Scotland, are all worth a visit.

Its rectangular silhouette has dominated Loch Dunvegan since the 14th century and its beautiful walls were rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries. Seat of the MacLeod clan, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country. A visit is a must to appreciate its elegant interiors. The gardens surrounding the building are magnificent. Take advantage of your visit for a "seal trip" and embark on a seal watching cruise or a short observation cruise.

It is probably the most spectacular castle in the area. Depending on your desires and budget, you can take a simple tour of the gardens, as well as access the tea room for a snack in the old kitchens. The landscaped park and the view of the building are an enchantment in themselves. Of course, a visit to the castle - guided tour or self-guided tour with documentation - is recommended, as its interiors are superb and reveal fascinating stories.

Lovers of literature, history and fine stone will all find themselves here in the splendid gothic house that Sir Walter Scott fashioned in his own image. As Sheriff of Selkirkshire, he had to spend time near the Selkirk court when he was not living in Edinburgh. For a time he was content to rent a house from a cousin in Ashestiel. In 1811, he bought a small farm near Melrose. He renamed it Abbotsford and began converting the place to his liking. To begin with, the idea was not to build a gigantic palace, but simply to enlarge the existing building and acquire more land. In a few years, with the money from his success, he went from 44 hectares to 567 and planted many trees. From 1817 onwards, he called upon several architect, designer and artist friends to create more and more new pieces. George Bullock, James Skene, Edward Blore were among them, but it was the very famous William Atkinson who made the biggest contribution. Scott quickly revised his plans upwards and took advantage of a long visit to London, between 1819 and 1820, to discuss with him the destruction of the original farmhouse, in favor of the colossus that we see today. By 1824, the bulk of the work was completed and David Ramsay Hay, who later redecorated the Palace of Holyroodhouse for Queen Victoria, was responsible for the magnificent interiors. Three new walled gardens were also created. The author saw them as chapters in a novel and defined them as his antidote to long hours at his desk. After his death in 1832, Abbotsford was opened to the public. A modern visitor center traces the life and work of the genius writer, before you can walk in his footsteps to his writing room, library, drawing room, armory, reception room and chapel.

As French-speaking visitors, you will be delighted to find audio guides in French (at no extra charge): each room has its own terminals and its own set of explanations, always striking and astonishing... which will allow you to grasp all the magic of this "castle of enigmas", as Walter Scott had named and conceived it.

Not to be missed when visiting the Borders!

You can now stay in Abbotsford. The Hope Scott Wing has opened and offers 7 rooms for up to 15 people, and activities to live a few days in the manner of the great Scottish writer!

Historic residence of the Baron of Cawdor, this castle is particularly known to the general public thanks to the character of Cawdor's thane, present in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The events in the story, however, predate the construction of the building, which dates back to the end of the 14th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 16th century and was subsequently renovated and enlarged. The tour reveals its rich interiors, filled with precious decorative elements and beautiful paintings. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful.

The Real Mary King's Close is a collection of alleys and underground dwellings that were in the heart of Old Town in the 17th century. They took the name of one of the daughters of the lawyer Alexander Close who owned several properties there. In the 18th century, they were partially demolished and buried during the construction of the City Chambers. It was from that moment, in the bowels of the city, that the maze entered into the darkest mysteries and legends of Edinburgh; and this, for 400 years. Archaeologists' research has made it possible to understand how some poor families have found refuge there in the face of the capital's overpopulation. It was also here that the plague patients were isolated so that they would die hidden from everyone. The evocation of the disease is then an opportunity to disentangle the true from the false and to fight many preconceived ideas. Ghost stories are legendary, such as that of a little girl named Annie who was seen by a medium and to whom many visitors still bring gifts today, or those of the many victims of the legendary murderers Burke and Hare, whom they reportedly hid before selling them to hospitals. Reopened to the public in 2003, The Real Mary King's Close lifts the veil on dark hours and cursed destinies, in a gloomy universe that does not leave anyone indifferent. The visit lasts one hour and makes sense thanks to actors in costumes for a successful immersion.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a monumental aqueduct, almost 40 meters high and 300 meters long, spanning the torrential River Dee and carrying the Llangollen Canal in a long cast-iron tank, supported by bold yet lightweight pillars. This innovation has enabled the company to expand its transport capacity. In the past, horse-drawn boats crossed this suspended waterway, carrying coal, lime and iron from the mines and quarries of the Llangollen valley to Ellesmere. Crossing it today is truly impressive!

A pioneering masterpiece of engineering andmonumental architecture. Completed in the early ^19th century, this aerial canal-bridge was built by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford (1757-1834), and is popularly known as "the canal in the sky" by locals. A pioneering work in terms of its technological choices and architectural boldness, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2009. It bears witness to the unique production capabilities of the British steel industry at the time.

This magnificent structure features a cast-iron and wrought-iron shell, set as if by magic on tall, slender pillars of elegant architecture. The Pontcysyllte canal bridge(Traphont Ddŵr Pontcysyllte in Welsh) represents a civil engineering feat of the Industrial Revolution. Its construction in a single reach, without any locks, despite a difficult geographical environment, makes it a remarkable example of artificial waterway construction, which has inspired many other projects around the world.

Today, its vocation is essentially tourism. The bridge-canal is now equipped for river tourism and is a tourist destination in its own right. Its canal, filled almost to the brim with water, can be crossed by boat (via Llangollen Wharf), while its narrow, bolted, cantilevered sidewalk allows passage on foot or by bike. Either way, it's a vertiginous experience!

What's more, the Trevor Basin Visitor Centre is right beside the aqueduct. It houses a collection of historical artifacts dating back to the construction of the Pontcysyllte Canal Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy a video recounting the history of this impressive structure, as well as a children's activity area and gift store.

The Houses of Parliament are held in Westminster Palace. Here, the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the United Kingdom sit. Originally created by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, the building has long been used as a royal residence, even if no monarch has lived there since the 16th century. The oldest part of the palace, Westminster Hall, dates back to 1097. The rest of the building dates back to the 19th century because, in 1834, a gigantic fire destroyed the medieval palace, sparing only Westminster Hall, the 13th century crypt and the cloister of the St. Stephen's Chapel. The four-storey palace has more than 1,100 rooms. It is one of the jewels of neo-Gothic architecture designed by the architect Sir Charles Barry, who was largely inspired by the Tudor period. It is within the Westminster Palace that you can also discover The Clock Tower, home to Big Ben. The tower was renamed The Elizabeth Tower in 2012 following the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebration. After visiting the Houses of Parliament, you will understand how the United Kingdom Parliament works, how the House of Lords is organized and how the House of Commons is organized. Decorated with picturesque anecdotes, the place is pleasant to discover, the nerve centre of the United Kingdom's political power, still cluttered today with protocols and many traditions. The bright red rooms reserved for the Lords contrast with the bright green rooms of the deputies.

From the Scottish Dene meaning deep valley, Dean Village, first known as Water of Leith Village, was a community of millers first mentioned in 1128. At the beginning of the 18th century, eleven mills were maintained here and the baxters of the bakers' guild conducted a flourishing trade. Nowadays, the district is appreciated for its setting below the city. Follow the Water of Leith Walkway or join the Gallery of Modern Art via the Dean Path, cutting through the picturesque Dean Cemetery.

It is Bath's flagship attraction, inherited from the Roman occupation. In the 12th century, the King's Bath was built there around the spring. The place became again a place to visit and cure for the benefits it was found. In the 18th century, mineral water began to be consumed and the Pump Room was built for this purpose. It was not until 1880 that the Roman remains were discovered and exhumed. The visit is a true journey through time and the ostentation of ancient elegance. Beware, there can be a lot of people in summer!

After Buckingham Palace, it is the second royal place in England, one of the main official residences of the royal family, which still comes here very regularly, usually at Easter and for a week at the end of June. The castle is located in the Thames Valley, west of London, in the city of Windsor in Berkshire. Built 900 years ago by William the Conqueror, 40 km from London, to defend its western access, Windsor Castle has been a royal residence since the 11th century. It was redesigned and enlarged many times: cloister, porte Henri VII, Saint-George chapel founded by King Edward in 1475... King Edward III of England made this chapel in Windsor the cradle of the Order of the Garter in 1348. You can admire many paintings and family portraits and an important collection of armour and weapons. As an anecdote, on 20 November 1992, an important part of the castle - including the Saint-George hall - was damaged by the fire. The fire broke out in the private chapel and caused significant damage to the northwestern part of the building. As the building had not been insured, several royal residences were open to the public in order to raise the 40 million pounds needed for repairs. Since then, the best craftsmen in Great Britain have worked on its restoration, and the work accomplished is superb. It is here that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, in the St. George's Chapel. Another unforgettable event.

The most famous and perhaps the most beautiful of Cambridge's colleges. The main attraction is the superb Perpendicular Gothic chapel, featuring Rubens' Adoration of the Magi, a spectacular fan vault and ^16th-century stained glass windows. It's one of the most spectacular examples of late Gothic architecture. A splendid alchemy of stone, wood and stained glass. It was founded in 1441 by Henry VI.

This 60.60 metre high Doric column has great significance for Londoners as it commemorates one of the city's most painful events, the Great Fire of 1666 which devastated the City. The monument stands exactly 60.60 metres from the spot where the fire started, at a baker's in Pudding Lane. The column was designed by Christopher Wren, who was also responsible for the reconstruction of many buildings after the fire. The 311 steps of the spiral staircase can be climbed.

This magnificent theatre enjoys a spectacular location, perched on the cliffs of the small municipality of Porthcurno. Although it looks like an antique hemicycle, its construction only began in 1930, thanks to the plans of a tireless English lady, Miss Cade, who completed most of it. It still hosts performances in the summer and the back of each seat bears the inscription of a work : The Merchant of Venice, Alice in Wonderland... If you're in the area during the summer, be sure to spend the evening.

This magnificent palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a model of grandeur and architecture, typical of the great British noble residences. The Duke of Marlborough, who won the Battle of Blenheim against the French in 1704, lived in these sumptuous interiors surrounded by superb parkland. It's also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, national hero and several-time Prime Minister. An exhibition traces his life and plunges us into the intimacy of this statesman. Cafés, restaurants and stores on site.

As early as the 10th century, Salerno, Pavia, Bologna and Paris had schools of higher learning welcoming students from all over Europe. In England, on the other hand, illiteracy prevailed almost everywhere, including among the clergy. Hence the creation, in 1133, of a school of higher learning with the primary aim of training better-educated clerics. Oxford was a natural choice: the city was one of the most important in the kingdom, and great masters taught in churches or organized public readings before an audience of learned clerics. Oxford became a true university town when Henry II ordered English clerics to return from Paris. Christ Church is certainly the city's most famous and finest college. Its construction was ordered by King Henry VIII in 1546. Its ^17th-century dome jealously guards a bell called Great Tom, which strikes 101 times every evening to signal the closing of the college gates. In the main courtyard, nicknamed Tom Quad, you'll find the great hall and its famous staircase. Founded in 1525, the college chapel is also Oxford Cathedral, the smallest cathedral in England. It inspired Lewis Caroll, who taught there, to writeAlice in Wonderland, while the chapel's architecture influenced some of the fantastic settings in his famous novel. Several Harry Potter scenes were also filmed here.

Caernarfon Castle was built between 1283 and 1330 by Edward ^I to consolidate his military advance. He wanted the castle to be a blend of styles, combining the walls of Constantinople - hence its unusual polygonal towers - and Roman grandeur.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Caernarfon is not only one of the best-preserved castles in the country, but also one of the largest medieval castles in the world!

A strategic and political location, Caernarfon was the site of the 1969 investiture of Elizabeth II's son Charles as Prince of Wales. Since 1282, the date of the English victory over Llywelyn the Last, the last "Welsh" prince, the title of Prince of Wales has become that of the aspirant to the British Crown. This custom and title can be traced back to Edward ^I of England, who had promised the Welsh a non-English-speaking prince born in Wales. Edward II, born in Caernarfon, spoke neither English nor Welsh... It wasn't until 1911 that Welsh Prime Minister Lloyd George demanded that the investiture take place in Caernarfon, in Wales. On display at the castle is the throne specially designed for the occasion, as well as a specimen chair and everything else that was made for the ceremony.

A giant playground, Caernarfon Castle can be explored through towers and underground passages, dead ends, ramparts and spiral staircases... Don't miss the Castle Museum and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum.

It is the most impressive Norman fortress ruin in the valley and the first stone castle built in the United Kingdom. Following the victory of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, became King of England and organized the defence of his new territory. Hereford County was entrusted to William Fitz-Osbern, who had the first building of Chepstow Castle built to counter the Welsh attacks: the Great Tower, now at the centre of the overall structure. In 1189, the building passed into the hands of William Marshal. This knight, renowned for his military knowledge, had defensive walls added on either side of the Great Tower, which corresponded to the castle's current enclosure. The entrance was built under his reign, flanked by round towers, a revolutionary detail at a time when the towers were square. The impressive oak doors, also built by Marshal, are the oldest castle doors in Europe!

The Marten's Tower was added between 1285 and 1293, under the reign of Roger Bigod. The castle houses a museum that reconstructs the entire history of the building, particularly through its constant architectural improvements, from a defensive point of view. It is considered by specialists as exemplary in this respect, having always known how to adapt to new attack techniques and often in an innovative way. Aesthetically, it is a pleasure to walk through the impressive volumes of the fortress and contemplate the river.

Famous for its university choir, considered one of the best in the world. The college was founded in 1511 by Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. The chapel housing the renowned choir was built in 1863. St John's is also proud to have produced 9 Nobel Prize winners, as well as six prime ministers, three archbishops, two princes... Quite an impressive list. Among them, the poet William Wordsworth and the mathematician Paul Dirac, one of the fathers of quantum mechanics. His Bridge of Sighs across the River Cam is also noteworthy.

The origins of this architectural treasure lie in a Roman fort built over 2,000 years ago. The Romans had erected fortifications to make Cardiff a naval base and trading post. In the ^11th century, the Normans used the Roman walls as foundations to build their own fortress. And finally, after several changes of ownership, in the ^18th century Cardiff Castle became the property of Wales' best-known family, the Bute family. At the end of the ^19th century, the third Marquess of Bute, reputed to be the richest man in Europe at the time, reinvented Cardiff Castle with the help of architect William Burges (1827-1881). The combination of these two men, a young polyglot with a passion for the natural sciences and an extravagant architect with a love of the Middle Ages, led to the creation of a castle unlike any other in the area. The style is marked by medieval characteristics, with an abundance of gold, raspberry and duck blue, a mix of genres and inscriptions in Greek, Hebrew and Latin. The nursery, whose tiled walls illustrate thirty children's stories, from Robin Hood to Sleeping Beauty, is a marvel. Each room has a different style; from the patio, a pale copy of Pompeii, to the winter salon, the only constant is the repetition of images and paintings of parrots, Burges' favorite animal. Discover these wonders on a guided tour, which we strongly recommend you take.

Built in 1119, this medieval castle stands in the beautiful Kent countryside. Once a stronghold, Leeds Castle has since been transformed into a royal residence, with the surrounding wall demolished. The tour includes the moat, now populated by white swans, and a yew labyrinth. The building is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and houses the only known dog collar museum. You can also watch the celestial ballet of falconry birds of prey. It's a magical setting.

As its original name suggests, the Millennium Dome was created to celebrate the turn of the millennium, and was inaugurated on January¹, 2000. Built on the line of the Greenwich meridian, this immense dome - the largest in the world - lends a futuristic allure to the landscape. In 2005, the Millennium Dome became The O2 and underwent a veritable renaissance. It is now a vast complex comprising a shopping mall outlet, cinema, restaurants and a concert hall hosting the world's greatest artists.

Hampton Court Palace was the favorite residence of the famous King Henry VIII. Along with St. James' Palace, it is the only of Henry VIII's castles to have survived the passage of time. The royal family lived there until the ^18th century. The gardens, with their labyrinth and tennis court built in 1626, are well worth a visit. The Labyrinth is one of the oldest vegetated labyrinths in Europe. Don't miss " The Chocolate Kitchens ", recently opened to the public! They were used for the meticulous preparation of this luxurious food at the time.

At the top of the cliffs lie the ruins of this legendary castle, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The present structure was built later, in the ^13th century, and the site chosen for its construction is exceptional. To reach it, you have to climb steep, uneven steps. The spectacular views will reward your efforts, and both the panorama and the setting are magnificent, with the jagged coastline all around and the sea as far as the eye can see. An exhibition on site tells the story of the site. A pleasant visit.

Built at the very beginning of the 18th century in 1701, during the reign of Queen Anne, the Mompesson House boasts magnificent ceilings and an absolutely sumptuous oak staircase. There is a strange, nostalgic atmosphere in the house that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Cathedral Close. It was for this reason, among others, that it was selected as the location for the film Reasons and Feelings, based on the novel by Jane Austen. A visit not to be missed for lovers of beautiful homes!

Symbol of Glastonbury, this great hill was a place of retreat for the monks, before becoming a chapel, destroyed by an earthquake in 1275. Rebuilt later, the ruins of the Chapel of St Michael can still be seen here. Today it is only a tower, but a mystical atmosphere surrounds it. The Arthurian legends linked to the site are numerous and some see the entrance to Avalon, the burial place of King Arthur. You have to climb it to grasp the magnificence of the place and the flat landscapes that surround it. Beautiful pictures from the top

Right next door to the Palace of Westminster, Banqueting House is a resilient presence within Whitehall, remaining the only part of the building not destroyed by the tragic fire of 1698. The fire, started by a maid inadvertently leaving her washing to dry far too close to the fireplace, engulfed much of this magnificent palace. Banqueting House, an authentic architectural treasure, was built by Inigo Jones between 1619 and 1622, one of England's leading classical architects. A testament to the classical style, and more specifically the Palladian style, close to the Italian Renaissance, Banqueting House embodies an aesthetic which, at the time, was totally revolutionary in England.

Comprising a single hall spread over two levels, Banqueting House was long the epicenter of grandiose festivities. In 1635, Charles ^I commissioned Rubens to paint a fresco on the ceiling in memory of his father. But once the work was finished, he feared that the smoke would damage the painting, and the feasts were held elsewhere. It was this same Charles ^I who was beheaded in front of the Palace of Whitehall on January 30, 1639, bearing the brunt of the first English revolution. Rubens' work is the painter's only in situ painting. It features three main scenes: the union of the crowns, the apotheosis of James ^I and his reign. Between 1890 and 1964, the building served as an army chapel and museum. Today, it is occasionally used for receptions.

Just outside the city walls of Derry is the Guildhall, a red brick building in the Gothic Revival style. Originally built in 1890, the building was rebuilt after a fire in 1908. It now houses the City Council Chamber and the offices of the Mayor of Derry. However, it is still worthwhile to enter the building, especially to have a look at the beautiful old stained glass windows, telling episodes of Derry's eventful history, and an exhibition on the Plantation in Ulster.

The oval balloon buffs will be right at home here. The stadium of anthology was inaugurated in 1925, when the national team won its first grand slam. It is an integral part of Scotland's heritage and occupies a special place in the imagination of fans around the world. Between 1942 and 1944, it was even requisitioned to serve as a Royal Air Force depot. Although it can now accommodate more than 67,000 spectators, it had a much larger capacity, which had to make way for certain security arrangements. Yet it holds the world record for attendance at a rugby match, with an attendance of 104,000 at a Scotland-Wales match in 1975. U2, James Brown and David Bowie have each filled it, but it is when the players flanked by a thistle on their hearts enter the pitch that the stadium vibrates in unison, singing the famous 'Flower of Scotland'. The visit lasts 1h30 and plunges into the bowels of the enclosure, from the changing rooms to the players' tunnel, including the royal box, the press areas and the TV studios...

You'll visit areas that are usually inaccessible and you'll be told many stories about the history of rugby, Scottish exploits, stadium sights, but also about the sport and the preparation of international matches. Visits can be privatized and adapted on request. Reservations are required as visits are limited in place or may be cancelled depending on current events.

This great Norman fortress, partly in ruins, stands to the west of Oxford city center. The wooden fortifications on the motte castrale were replaced by stone in the ^11th century and, like many similar sites in England, the castle was largely destroyed during the English Civil War. In the ^18th century, what remained was converted into a prison. Today, guided tours take visitors into the bowels of the building to discover its varied and tormented history.

The XVIII domain reflects the heterogeneous and antagonistic tastes of Lord's couple and Lady Bangor for architecture. On the one hand, there is a neo-classical style, and the other is a rather Gothic influence… the differences are quite intriguing to observe between the front façade and the big staircase, as well as the back of the house and the éventail's range of the éventail. You can take tea in the rooms of the castle. Part of the site was used in the shooting of the game Game of Thrones for plans from Winterfell castle, which makes it a pilgrimage place for all fans.

The building that once housed royal residences now embodies the Houses of Parliament, the prestigious precinct where the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords operate.
Originally built in 1097, Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the building. The rest of the building dates back to the ^19th century, after a gigantic fire destroyed much of it in 1834. Architect Sir Charles Barry (1795-1860) was commissioned to rebuild the building in a neo-Gothic style inspired by the Tudor era. Work lasted from 1840 to 1852. Today, the palace extends over 3.24 hectares and is almost 300 meters long. There are some 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 4.8 km of corridors. It also contains state apartments for the Speakers of both Houses.
On the north facade of the building, atop the clock tower (renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012), Big Ben is also one of the city's symbols. This 13.5-tonne bell stands 96 metres high and was installed in 1859. This iconic London tower is currently undergoing major renovation work. These have been the subject of numerous articles, as they are expected to cost a total of over £80 million, compared with the initial figure of £30 million. The work involves repairing damage caused by a World War II bomb, asbestos and pollution.

Built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup in place of the old Arms Park sports arena, the Millennium Stadium is a Welsh legend! This huge, modern, saucer-shaped stadium can accommodate up to 74,500 spectators! Imposing and modern, it's the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof. Since January¹, 2016, and for the next ten years, the Millennium Stadium has been renamed Principality Stadium, after the Cardiff-based Principality Building Society. The Welsh rugby union signed the naming contract (a kind of sponsorship) for a total of £15 million.
Rugby matches are the most impressive international events. You need to have seen Cardiff on the day of a national rugby team match! You can feel the Welsh fervor in the streets as the day progresses. There are also soccer matches, motorcycle rallies, car races and concerts that attract huge crowds. The program is extensive and exhaustive. It is published on the stadium's website.

Visit the Principality Stadium: home of the "Red Devils". It's possible (and highly recommended!) to explore this magnificent stadium, one of the most impressive icons of modern Wales, with a visit to the press conference room, VIP lounge, changing rooms, players' tunnel to the "sacred turf"... Impressive!

Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1882, the Royal Court of Justice houses the Supreme Court. George Edmund Street designed the entire neo-Gothic building. The rooms known as the "Bear Garden" with their beautiful panelled ceilings and wallpaper with the Court's emblems are on display. Their name would come from the atmosphere that emerged during the settlement of certain disputes, similar to that of a bear fight. In the main hall, two pillars of a very flowery style and under the arches a column that does not extend to the ground.

The magnificent Hampton Court Palace and its gardens make up a magnificent walk in Surrey, south of London. The place was used in particular as the residence of King Henry VIII. He was the most famous occupant and the first royal owner. We discover the ceremonial apartments, the large hall, the royal chapel. The Tudor kitchen could feed up to 800 people, it is the most important 16th century kitchen still in existence. Outside, the gardens are superb, a rose garden, a French garden and a labyrinth complete the visit.

If you're looking for an original visit, Dennis Severs' house should be just what you're looking for. You'll witness the daily life of a Huguenot family in the ^17th and ^18th centuries. The reconstruction is meticulous, with candlelight and open fire heating. The house has been brought to life by an artist, Dennis Severs, who, until his death in 1999, lived in this atmosphere, in the manner of the ^18th century, without any modern comforts. Every detail has been recreated. Please note that it is strictly forbidden to touch any of the objects!

To visit Dunollie is to visit 3 sites. First, Dunollie Castle: its ruins, with a last renovation completed in 2019, offer a superb panoramic view on the Oban bay. Then the house-museum: a house from 1745 where each room has been renovated and fitted out to display old objects (^19th century) testifying to the daily life of its occupants. From the kitchen to the children's rooms, we discover everything about the life of a family in the 1800s. The museum also tells the story of the MacDougall clan and, through their epic story, traces the history of Scotland. Then, the park: its course invites to better understand the various invasions which marked the history of Scotland. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the civilization and mythology of the Vikings.

Regularly during the school vacations, the site offers practical and manual workshops of 1 hour for children (£5), which can be an excellent idea to familiarize them with English. There is also the possibility to follow a guided tour at no extra cost or to organize specific visits: adapted to children, focusing on the discovery of the gardens, taking a closer look at the old textiles..

You can have lunch, a picnic or a snack on the spot, thanks to The Kettle café and its menu, made of home-made products, very tasty and at mini prices.

Seven hundred years of history pass by in this superb castle. It is one of the oldest tower houses in the country, as evidenced by the oak trees planted in 1700. Drum Castle is full of secrets, as the tour will reveal. From room to room, the sumptuous decorations follow one another and stun by their beauty. On the top floor, the atmosphere changes: the white walls let the contemporary art express itself. You can also visit the gardens, the oak forest and the chapel.

If you like the Georgian style and the architecture of William Adam, then you can't miss this iconic site. The manor house is simply splendid, seen from the inside and outside, and offers a rich history, from its construction, to royal visits and its use as a prison camp in wartime. It is a place devoted to art, with regular exhibitions in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland, a landscaped park of ornamental follies and a superb neo-gothic mausoleum, among others.