Monuments to visit United Kingdom

750 years of Scottish history, celebrated precisely in 2019, await you here. Dating back to the 13th century, Blair Castlehas undergone many renovations and refurbishments over the years, finally displaying the elegance it enjoys today. Its past is linked to that of Mary Queen of Scots, the Three Kingdoms War, the Jacobite uprisings and even Europe's only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders, which of course has only a ceremonial role and was authorised by Queen Victoria.

Castle. Inside, you will see sumptuous rooms, exceptional pieces of furniture - Chippendale furniture, for example - and a vast collection of weapons, as well as numerous paintings, especially in the impressive staircase. Raise your head to the ceiling and you'll also see some magnificent decorations. There are a total of 30 rooms in the castle to visit, with exhibitions in the last ones.

Park and gardens. The landscapes are varied around Blair Castle. You will visit the walled garden, called Hercules Garden, restored to its original Georgian design. Pond, Chinese bridge and orchard adorn it. Follow a carved walkway, explore Diana's Grove, a wooded area with some of Scotland's tallest trees, discover the ruins of St Bride's Church, in a site that was already a place of worship in Celtic times. Finally, you will see deer in a large park.

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is one of the emblems of Northern Ireland and a great way to discover the region's beautiful coastline. Twenty meters long and 30 meters high above the sea, this bridge of planks and braided ropes connects the coastline to a small island where bird lovers can marvel. This bridge was built by salmon fishermen in 1755, who set their nets here during the migration of the salmon to the west and their native rivers.

It takes about 1 km to walk from the entrance to the site to the rope bridge. The trail is not too difficult and some benches have been provided, making it an accessible attraction. You will have to take stairs a few times, though, so avoid the stroller whenever possible. The view is perhaps one of the most beautiful and rare in Northern Ireland. The cliffs drop steeply into the sea, which here and there gives way to a tiny beach of fine, clear sand only a few square meters wide. The water is of a clarity that reminds us of more distant tropics and does not fail to amaze. If the weather is good, there is also a nice view on Rathlin Island and the Scottish coasts. Beware, victim of its success the site is taken by storm by tourists and it may be that all the tickets of the day are already sold when you arrive on the site. It is therefore necessary to think about taking your tickets in advance online.

It is one of the must-see visits for lovers of religion and ancient books. In addition to the history of the house and its famous inhabitants - James Mosmann, royal jeweller, who made the Scottish crown; John Knox, father of the Scottish religion and key figure in history - it tells the story of the Humanities and first impressions. There is a collection of books by great humanists, a bible from 1521 and John Knox's History of the Reformation within the Realme of Scotland. The place also hosts the Scottish Storytelling Association.

Mount Stuart is a remarkable Victorian neo-Gothic palace built between 1879 and 1900. Intended for the Marquis de Bute, it succeeded a 1719 building that went up in smoke during a fire in 1877. It owes its great beauty to the architect Robert Rowand Anderson, who sought to reflect the good taste of its sponsor, a descendant of King Robert the Bruce. The interiors, as mysterious as they are refined, are in keeping with his passion for art, astrology, mythology and religion. However, he did not have time to settle there, his death having occurred just before the house was completed. With the guided tours (mid season) and the free visit (high season: July and August), visitors can enjoy its great architectural and stylistic value. It is difficult not to succumb to the elegance of the chapel, the marble staircase, the drawing room and the intriguing horoscope room. The palace is also an artistic place with contemporary art exhibitions renewed every year.

In addition to the palace, the gardens also have a high artistic value. Made to be explored, they offer many treasures in the form of arboreal and horticultural collections of world importance, with a surprising touch of tropical essences. It must be said that the Bute family was passionate about plants, and you can feel it: landscape art at its best, arboretum and pinetum (800 conifers!).

And if you fancy a snack, the Courtyard Cafe & shop will be perfect with its fresh local produce.

Built in 1856 for Queen Victoria, this superb castle is a very refined example of "Scottish baronial" architecture. Queen Elizabeth used to visit it regularly, but it is not strictly speaking a royal residence. The building does not belong to the crown, but to the family that owns it, as a private property. The visit is interesting, but do not expect to see everything. Only the ballroom and the exhibition space are accessible. Most of the discovery is done outside in the beautiful gardens.

Built in 1905 for Baron de Palmer, Manderston House is a sumptuous example of Edwardian style. When John Kinross, the architect, asked what his budget was, he was told that it didn't matter.... The result is there to prove it: this luxurious residence is just as luxurious as its gardens are charming. Don't miss the ballroom, the marble floors, the very advanced kitchen fittings, and the world's only silver staircase. The formal gardens (56 ha) are also superb and worth a stroll.

A Palladian villa from the 1750s, Dumfries House was built by the famous John and Robert Adam, with interiors decorated by Thomas Chippendale. Some rooms have been estimated at £4 million! Originally commissioned for William Dalrymple, Earl of Dumfries, it passed into the hands of the Marquesses of Bute in 1814. When the 7th Marquis decided to sell the house in 2007, his fate and that of its remarkable furniture was more than uncertain. Prince Charles himself, Duke of Rothesay, mobilized for its preservation and its opening to the public. Some of his watercolours can be seen in one of the salons. Since 2008, four different visits (all in English) have been organised to this symbolic building of the Scottish Enlightenment, which also includes 200 hectares of the original park, with promenades and an enclosed garden.

Special Favourite: The Dumfries House café is a must for a snack, as it is served in the old stables, with tables set in the stables where the horses used to be. Their names can still be read.

Park side: You can spend a whole day here, between the house and the huge park. Families will enjoy the children's adventure park and the educational farm. Garden lovers will stroll through the Chinese-inspired garden (with its bridge), the arboretum, the Rothesay gardens and the Queen Elisabeth Walled Garden.

Staying at Dumfries House: 22 magnificent guest rooms are now available for overnight stays, (B&B from £170/night).

This luxurious stately home was designed by the famous Scottish architect William Adam, in a Palladian style at the height of elegance and refinement. The house, which is over 400 years old, has many stories to tell and each room is filled with historical anecdotes. For example, the Queen's Bedroomis named after Queen Victoria who stayed here in 1857. Works of art are omnipresent here, thanks to an invaluable collection of paintings by Victorian painter James Giles. Don't leave without admiring the beautiful formal gardens.

Here is a site where you can easily spend a whole day with your family without getting bored. Lovers of castles, lovers of gardens, this site will delight you by all its aspects. This sublime 400 year old castle is located between Forres and Dyke, in the Moray region.

The Castle : This magnificent 1567 castle was built in the shape of a "Z" for the Brodie clan, of which it is the historic seat. Renovated in the 1830s and 1840s, it has been transformed from its medieval garb into the gleaming noble residence it is today. Every room, every corridor, contains treasures of antiques and Victorian elegance, with paintings by masters, French furniture and china.

The Gardens: 71 acres of gardens surround it to continue the outdoor fun and soak up a little more of this alluring place. When it was created, it had a collection of 400 varieties of daffodils. Now it has 1,160 - impressive, right?

The Playful garden: open in 2019, this playful garden featuring the castle's iconic rabbit (you'll know why when you visit) is reminiscent of an Alice in Wonderland-like world. Children will enjoy the many facilities, as well as the indoor games if the weather is not good. Another playground is located behind the castle, in the woods.

The cafes: one is located in the Playful garden, the other at the back of the castle, in the old kitchens. Here is a place with an incredible charm, and moreover, we eat well there!

Sitting in the shadow of Goat Fell, Brodick Castle is a must-see when visiting Arran. The fortification of the site dates back to the^5th century, when the Gaels extended their kingdom there from the Irish region of Antrim. In the ^10th century, it was the turn of the Norwegians to take over the place, before the island became part of the Kingdom of Mann & the Isles in the middle of the ^13th century. At the beginning of the ^14th century, it had been attached to the Scottish crown and had already experienced the wars of independence. The Earls of Arran began to build the building we see today in 1510. The War of the Three Kingdoms did not spare it and it passed from family to family according to conflicts and allegiances.

Castle. The interiors are the epitome of Victorian splendor and contain rooms and decorative elements of great value. The grand entrance hall with its hunting trophies is a reminder of the activities of the aristocracy of the time, while the bedrooms and the dining room are extremely elegant. An interactive visit of the castle, with actors in costume, sound and lighting effects is now in place, for a more playful discovery.

Park. The gardens are also worth a visit and are particularly pleasant in good weather. French gardens, they offer a peaceful escape between waterfalls, ponds and wooded paths.

Activities for children. They will love the Isle Be Wild playground and the Fairies & Legends Trail.

The Culzean Castle is an architectural marvel that stands proudly on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde. A stronghold of the Kennedy family since the 14th century, it was completely remodelled between 1770 and 1792 by the dazzling Robert Adam. The transformation had to reflect the wealth of its owner, who did not skimp on the means involved. Unfortunately, neither he nor the architect survived to see the work completed. Yet the building's place in Scottish heritage is such that it is even found on some £5 notes. One easily spends the day walking around its rooms and its 260-hectare park, which includes an orangery, an enclosed garden, greenhouses, a lake, a park with deer, cliffs, beaches and even a cave. General and American President Eisenhower himself stayed here several times and was offered apartments for life, for his decisive role in the Second World War. During your visit, don't miss the splendid oval staircase, the armoury with its collection of military pistols and swords and the Round Drawing Room.

With children: There should be two playgrounds for them: Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland. Cabins, slides, maze, climbing, adventure in the trees: they'll want more!

Park only: It is also possible, depending on the time you have available, to visit only the estate's park. You will then benefit from a reduced rate (£3/adult)

The impressive fortress of Caerlaverock seems impregnable, with its triangular structure in the middle of the water. Yet it was captured twice and one of the sieges lasted thirteen weeks. Built in the 13th century, it was the stronghold of the Maxwell family until they abandoned the place in the 17th century. The site, partly in ruins, retains considerable historical interest for its innovative architecture and its role in the wars against England. What appeals beyond history? Its enchanting and romantic aspect!

The Drumlanrig Castle is a unique example of 17th century architecture. Built between 1679 and 1689, it was commissioned by William Douglas, the Duke of Queensberry. Its beautiful pink sandstone facades support 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers. Some precious works of art can be seen here, such as Rembrandt's Old Woman Reading and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna with Spindles. Visits take place exclusively in the summer, and for a guided tour you must be on site at 11am (and plan to book in advance).

Estate and Gardens: Visitors can also enjoy 16 hectares of gardens and 48,000 hectares of parkland throughout the Queensberry Estate. There are a number of footpaths and site rangers also lead guided walks through the gardens. Bicycles can be hired on site. There are many walking and hiking routes from or through the estate.

Playground: Entrance to the adventure playground is included in the park entrance, leaving the children with hours of fun, while the parents enjoy the sumptuous setting.

Village and craft shops: Drumlanrig castle is home to a community of creative craftsmen, who have their shop in this privileged location. It is in this same space, with its village spirit, that you can rent a mountain bike to go hiking in the mountains.

Tearoom: In the former kitchens of the castle, local products are served, some even coming from the vegetable garden. Sweet or savoury palate, you will find something to eat

This magnificent monument, built from 1699 to 1701 by Sir William Bruce, has since been substantially extended by an architect, William Adam. Robert and John, his sons, also architects, took care of the luxurious interior. Hopetoun House has remained unchanged since then, both in its high level of refinement and in its Georgian attributes.

The drawing rooms and the view from the roof are a must, as is the impressive staircase with its trompe l'oeil paintings. The park and the English gardens are also magnificent and the deer are happily roaming around. The family of the Marquis of Linlithgow still lives here, but an association is in charge of preserving the heritage of the place. Many works of art and sumptuous decorations are to be discovered and it is also the occasion to take a tea in the enchanting tea room or to buy some good products from the farm of the domain. Notice to families: Children will love the place, since several areas and activities are dedicated to them. They can walk along a path specially designed to facilitate their visit to the house, dress as they did in the past in Butler's panty, go on a bug hunt, try a treasure hunt (geocaching) or an orienteering race (extra charge of £2), or have fun in the park games.

Practical information : During your visit, depending on your desires or your budget, you can choose to visit the gardens alone (half price) or gardens + house. The parking is free.

Sometimes a retreat for kings in peacetime, sometimes a refuge for Catholics in wartime, the Stuart de Traquair family has always been faithful to the cause of Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobites. At Traquair House, we discover nearly a thousand years of history. The wooded park is ideal for strolling or adventures in its maze of more than 2,000 m². The plus: the brewery that existed until the 18th century restarted production in 1965 and the products can be tasted. And, uh... The establishment also does B&B, for a night in an extraordinary setting!

William Adam is at the origin of this seductive witness of 18th century Scottish architecture. Begun in 1725, the construction of Mellerstain House was completed by his son, Robert Adams. The interiors are elegant and harmonious, thanks to a very accomplished Georgian décor and several works by great painters, such as Aikman, Gainsborough, Ramsay and Van Dyck. The beautifully landscaped gardens offer pleasant views of the lake and the Cheviot Hills. A contemporary sculpture park offers another dimension to the ensemble. Superb!

Floors Castle is a flagship of Scottish heritage and is also currently the largest castle still inhabited. Built in 1721 by William Adam for the Duke of Roxburghe, it was embellished by William Playfair in the 18th century. To say the least, the two renowned architects have done an admirable job. Everything here is an ode to greatness and good taste. For more than 40 years, visitors have been admiring the rich 17th and 18th century French furniture, 17th century Belgian tapestries, but also Gobelins tapestries, refined porcelain and fine art pieces of all kinds... Lovers of master paintings will love to come across two paintings by Henri Matisse, one by Augustus John and one by Pierre Bonnard. On the literary side, an original by the poet Robert Burns is also kept here. In all, there are 154 rooms, the most beautiful of which can be visited, and no less than 365 windows: one for each day of the year. The walled garden is also very attractive. Indeed, it contains one of the most beautiful Victorian vegetable gardens, and the floral spaces are regularly recomposed, thus offering landscape paintings by masters, varying according to the seasons and topiary inspirations. You will no doubt also be charmed by the summer pavilion, named Queen's House, following the visit of Queen Victoria in 1867. Finally, you will have to treat yourself to a lunch or an afternoon tea in this superb setting! Exactly, two nice cafés are there for that...

This magnificent fortress-like building was built as a prison in 1823, on the site of an old castle destroyed in 1409. Prisoners lived here until it was closed in 1868. Here you can learn about prison life in the 19th century and the history of the convicts who had to endure it. Some claimed that it was the most comfortable penitentiary in Scotland... In its centre, the small historical museum tells the story of the town's past, its people and its traditions.

A former power station with a brick building and emblematic chimneys, featured on the cover of a Pink Floyd album in particular, it is an Art Deco masterpiece created in the 1930s. Since its closure in the 1980s, Battersea Power Station had been abandoned, despite several rehabilitation projects. It has now been transformed not only into a shopping center, but also into a theater, concert hall, bar and cinema! A beautiful cultural space, where you can relax and have a good time.

Dunnottar castle is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic and impressive castles. Its ruins awaken all the fantasies of terrifying ghosts or epic medieval scenes. Home of the Counts of Marischal, he was visited by the greatest historical figures: Marie Stuart, William Wallace and the future King Charles II. Through its discovery, the whole history of Scotland is explored, from the Picts. Why not continue the excursion on the surrounding trails to the War Memorial? The view is breathtaking.

The Crathes estate offers many attractions. If you are travelling with your family, plan to spend a day there. The castle dates from the 16th century and takes the form of a maze of turrets, for an interior decoration of great richness, both aesthetic and historical. The gardens are beautiful and invite you to stroll among sculpted topiaries and hedges of yew trees several hundred years old. A Go Ape tree climbing centre and a Wild Wood play area will entertain adventurers of all ages.

Ballindaloch Castle was founded around 1546 by the MacPherson-Grants family... and it is still the same family that lives there. Originally a fortified tower, the building was transformed in the Victorian era to assume the splendour we know today. In the castle you will admire an important collection of Spanish paintings and one of the most beautiful private libraries in the country, among others. The gardens, with its centuries-old trees, are an enchantment.

This seemingly ordinary house contains a treasure trove of history. It was in this pretty Georgian building that a French Huguenot family took refuge in 1744, following Catholic persecution of Protestants in the second half of the ^16th century. They integrated into English society thanks to their talent for the textile trades, and their skills as dressmakers and weavers. In 1869, the Jewish community built a synagogue on the site of the garden where the children of the Ogier family once played. The synagogue is still there, and it's extraordinary to walk through the door of this seemingly anonymous little house and find such a religious edifice.

The building, after years of neglect, is in a rather dilapidated state and in need of financial support. The building has become a cultural center in the Spitalfields district, with the vocation of becoming a museum of immigration to London through the ages. For these reasons, the house is only open exceptionally throughout the year, by reservation and only for group visits. Admission is free, but a donation is more than welcome to help with the work and support all those involved in preserving and restoring this fabulous piece of history. You'll learn many fascinating things during your visit. A timeless and simply magical place for those lucky enough to visit!

Erected in 1869, this superb 67m tower is dedicated to none other than the famous national hero of the 13th century: Sir William Wallace. It was made possible thanks to a fund-raising campaign in the midst of the resurgence of Scottish identity. Its elaborate Victorian Gothic style contrasts with the very modern University of Stirling, at the bottom of the hill from which it dominates the surroundings. It is said to have been here that the fierce warrior watched Edward I's army set off before the Battle of Stirling Bridge on 11 September 1297. Climbing the 246 steps to the top offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. The visit also allows you to see the weapons used in the battle against the English, some busts of great Scottish names and the sword of Wallace himself.

Good to know : Access to the monument (outside) is entirely free. A free parking is available at the bottom of the site and you can go up by following a path that goes through the woods or the small road, only used by the site shuttle. The site alone offers magnificent panoramas.

Guided tours with actors: In high season, guided tours are offered by actors in costume. All year round, conferences and animations are programmed.

Legends Coffee House: To refresh yourself and regain your strength after walking to the monument, let yourself be tempted by the Legends Coffee House. It's cosy and everything is local.

The Britannia, Britain's last royal yacht in service from 1953 to 1997, is today a five-star tourist attraction and an exclusive venue for evening events in Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the state apartments, crew quarters and engine room. They can also discover why the Britannia was so special to Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family, and what life was like on board for the crew. The Britannia occupies a special place in maritime history as the latest in a long line of royal yachts. To guarantee entry, it is advisable to book tickets online in advance. The Britannia is also the sister ship of the Fingal Hotel, where guests can extend their stay in one of the luxurious cabins.

A symbol of the small town of Dover, it's one of Britain's most impressive castles. Along with the legendary White Cliffs, it's a must-see in the area. Erected on the cliffs by the Saxons, the building was altered under William the Conqueror, before Henry II rebuilt the fortifications in the ^12th century, giving it its present form. Its keep, enormous surrounding walls and underground passageways make it an extraordinary colossus, whose interest extends far beyond its medieval heritage. There's also a small military museum, reconstructed interiors and the top of the central tower, with its impressive panoramic views of Kent and France. But the highlight of the visit doesn't necessarily come from the Middle Ages, but rather from the Second World War. Ideally placed for the Battle of Britain, Dover Castle played a leading role in the conflicts and even served as headquarters, notably during Operation Dynamo, which saw the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the military tunnels, with guided tours scheduled throughout the day. You can also explore the hospital in the same way. The rest of the site also features the First World War command post and, above all, the two doyens of the castle: the Saxon chapel Church of St Mary in Castro and the Roman Lighthouse, which dates back to the invasion of the country in 43 AD.

Magdalen College, on the banks of the river, is recognizable by its 15th century tower from which, every May ^1st at 6am, a choir begins a 17th century Eucharistic hymn, while the students meet down on the bridge after a night of festivities. It was founded in 1448. It is also the only college to have a deer park within it. A cruel legend has it that there are as many fallow deer in the park as there are teachers in the college. Every time a teacher leaves his post, a deer is killed. To be checked anyway....

Clifton Village is certainly Bristol's most walkable district. On every corner, magnificent Georgian villas bear witness to a prolific architectural era. The stroll takes you past clothing boutiques and antique shops. Don't miss Clifton Down Road and the Clifton Arcade, a tiny passageway concealing a candy store, jewelry store and other wonders. And take a look at the famous suspension bridge!

This huge shopping and leisure area of Mermaid Quay (14,000 ^m2) is one of the spearheads of the new image of Cardiff Harbour. A symbol of the refurbishment of the dock area, opened in 1999, it now offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes and services. Many of the centre's restaurants, such as Las Iguanas and Bill's, are also located here. And if you are ever in search of a good hairdresser or barber, Ken Picton's salon is very well known!

In the north of Belfast, the famous prison of Crumlin Road Gaol is also known as HMP Belfast (in English: "Her Majesty's Prisons Belfast"). This prison was built from 1843 to 1845 by the famous English architect and engineer, Charles Lanyon (1813-1889), close to the court and connected to it by a tunnel, and its doors are open again since 2012, but this time for visitors. Visitors who are offered here a real immersion in this important prison in the history of Northern Ireland.

It is estimated that 25,000 prisoners, including political prisoners and members of the IRA during the Troubles, were interned there between 1845 and March 1998, when the prison was closed. The 1998 peace agreement allowed the release of political prisoners.Several Northern Ireland leaders have stayed there and it is now possible to take guided tours to understand the history of the place. Crumlin Road Gaol is today a place of memory of the political confrontations that bloodied Ulster and a real museum of prison life, with reconstructed cells, mannequins of prisoners, collections of shackles and keys, mug shots (anthropometric photographs) of prisoners .... The guided tour also passes by the terrible execution chamber of the prison. Chilling! Be careful, it is better to book a guided tour to be sure to have a place.

In April 2012, this old three-masted ship, famous throughout England, reopened her doors, giving herself a new lease of life. Built in 1869 and 85 m long, she once carried tea from India to the UK. It is the last surviving witness to this era. Discovering her interior takes you back in time. You'll become a real sailor plying the worn decks that sailed the oceans over a century ago. Explore the hold where precious merchandise was stored. A great visit with children.

Norman Foster has done it again! Here, he has imagined a glass building on the banks of the Thames to house London's City Hall. How would you describe it? It's as if a glass egg had been hit by a giant tornado... Take a tour and see for yourself. Don't miss the interior of City Hall either: the spiral staircase is simply astonishing. Take a break at the Kitchen Café and enjoy this surprising place, which has been a symbol of modern London since its creation in 2002.

This gigantic neoclassical library with a dome looks the largest in Manchester. Opened for the first time in 1934 by King George V, it received £ 48 million over four years, until March 2014. So, today, the Mancuniens take pleasure in taking over this building, imposing in the heart of their city, just steps from the town hall. If the huge Reading Room, its 300 seats, its marble columns and its central pendulum are the main attraction, the monument houses a very popular music section and a coffee on the ground floor. There are also 30 books dating back to 1500, as well as exceptional collections on the work of composers Handel and Vivaldi, or writer Elizabeth Gaskell. A place where it's right to stop.

So it was here that it all began: on April 26, 1564, the "Swan of the Avon" was born. His birthplace has been perfectly preserved and has copies of the first editions of his pieces, as well as manuscripts or birth certificates. Here we relive the daily life of the Shakespeare family by following in their footsteps within walls where everything evokes the Elizabethan era. Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and many others came before us to find inspiration. It is very difficult to go back to the 21st century after such a journey through time.

The palace was built by Inigo Jones in 1616, and was one of the first classical style buildings in England, known as the Palladian style. It was Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, who commissioned the architect to build the building. However, it was not completed until 1635, and Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, was the first to occupy it. Despite some modifications, the Palladian style is still visible. Inside, a collection of works of art on the theme of the navy and the sea. Don't miss the magnificent spiral staircase.

Erected in the ^14th century, Carfax Tower is well worth a visit for the view it affords of the city from its 23-metre height. No building in Oxford is allowed to surpass it in height, making it an important landmark in the city. The tower is all that remains of St. Martin's Church, built in the ^12th century. The term "Carfax" means "crossroads" in English, as the tower is located near the site of Oxford's former main crossroads, which was a strategic focal point in the historic city.

The Foot Tunnel is a walking tunnel that runs under the Thames River and connects the two banks of the river. It was built by civil engineer Alexander Binnie in 1899 and opened in 1902. It allows you to reach Greenwich from the docks without taking the ferry and was mainly used at the time for workers. It is about 300 m long and 15 m deep, an elevator allows you to go down, but it is not in operation all the time and in this case you have to go down about a hundred steps and go up as many on the other side.

A must-see place, both for its architecture and history - the hall was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria - and for the quality of its classical, or less classical, music programming, children's shows and even circus shows. The most: exhibitions in the hall and guided tours, but also six places to eat and fourteen points to quench your thirst. Plan at least half a day to discover this site. In the summer, don't miss the BBC Proms, which are largely held there.

Created in 1582, it is the fifth oldest English-speaking university on the planet and was at the centre of the Enlightenment movement in Scotland. Charles Darwin, David Hume, Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Conan Doyle, Robert L. Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott have all passed through its walls. Today, the most famous buildings are the Old College (1789) on South Bridge, the New College (1846) on Mound Place and the buildings dividing Bistro Square: the Medical School (1880), McEwan Hall (1897) and Teviot Row House (1889) which is the oldest student union built in history and has no less than six bars. Several museums depend on the university, if three are accessible only by appointment or with limited schedules/dates (anatomy, natural history and geology; see website), two others are open to the public.

Talbot Rice Gallery: this contemporary art gallery offers temporary exhibitions by international artists.

St. Cecilia's Hall: it has one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world.

The changing of the guard takes place at 11 a.m. Monday to Saturday and at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The new guard leaves Wellington Barracks and passes through Birdcage Walk, Constitution Hill and The Mall. This ^18th-century building has its entrance porch watched over by two royal guards, who must neither smile nor address the public. This tradition is slightly less popular than the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The patience of the horses is equally admirable.

Derry is the only completely fortified city in Ireland. Built between 1613 and 1618, this wall, originally intended to protect the English settlers, is one of the best preserved in the British Isles. The walls, still intact today, which rise to 8 meters high and are 5 meters thick, encircle the city over no less than 1.5 km. They resisted several sieges, the most famous of which lasted 105 days between 1688 and 1689. In the 18th century, the fortifications were transformed into a fashionable promenade, which is still very popular with locals and visitors. Your visit to Derry can start with a walk on the ramparts, which allows you to better appreciate the history of the city, with a beautiful panorama, but also to see, on the west, the Irish flags of the Catholic districts (Bogside) and, on the east, the British flags of the Protestant districts (Waterside), on the other side of the Foyle river.

For the anecdote, this first city in Ireland to have been built according to a plan would have taken for model that of Vitry-le-François, conceived in France in 1545. Since then, it has kept its original layout, with four main streets radiating from the central square, The Diamond, to the four old gates (Shipquay, Ferryquay, Bishop and Butcher Gate). Freely accessible, this is a great idea for a walk to start your visit of this famous Northern Irish city.

The City Hall is the city hall of Northern Ireland's capital city,and is certainly the most famous building in Belfast. It is amagnificent Edwardian building, completed in 1906, was erected to establish the grandeur of the city, with a 53m dome. The Renaissance-inspired building of white Portland stone has figures above the door celebrating the city's commerce and arts. The entrance hall is paved with marble and the dome inside is painted in the style of St Paul's Cathedral in London.

The UK's largest university library contains more than 9 million books. Many personalities have studied within its walls: 5 kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners and 25 English Prime Ministers, and writers Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Sir Thomas Bodley built the first wing in 1602. To see, The Old Schools Quadrangle, square square at the entrance, The Divinity School, The Medieval Duke's Humfrey's Library, used for the films Harry Potter, The Radcliffe Camera, first rotunda library built in Britain.

Located at the end of Gay Street, The Circus is the masterpiece of architect John Wood (Sr.). It consists of 30 houses lined up in a circle. Famous people have taken up residence here: at random, the names of the painter Gainsborough, the politician William Pitt, or the writer David Livingstone can be read on commemorative plaques. Brock Street connects the square to the Royal Crescent. Designed by John Wood (son), it was the glory of Bath in Georgian times.

Famous university of the city, it is a beautiful building of dark red brick and yellow sandstone, with a cloister of neo-medieval style, inspired by the Tudor style. Built in 1849, this faculty is one of the most prestigious institutions in Great Britain. The Queen's Welcome Centre is a souvenir store and a well-documented tourist information center about Belfast and Northern Ireland. It is possible to enter the Lanyon Building to see the Great Hall and the Naughton Gallery, and walk in the gardens on the other side.

Kensington Palace was the home of Lady Di, nicknamed Princess of Hearts by the English, and when her death was announced in 1997, a sea of bouquets of flowers filled the palace gardens. Kensington Palace then remained open for 24 hours straight, to welcome the 136,000 people who came to mourn the princess' death. In addition to Diana, a number of other royal figures or those close to royalty have had a connection with Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria was born here in 1819, spent her childhood here and, at the age of 18, learned that she was to become Queen of England. Today, the palace is home to Prince William and his family.

Grand rooms of the state apartments:

The King's Staircase is the first link in the circuit of rooms that make up the King's State Apartments. All the great and good of London in Georgian times would have climbed these stairs to visit the King.

The Presence Chamber is the room where the monarch received courtiers, ministers and foreign ambassadors.

The Privy Chamber was one of Queen Caroline's favorite entertainment areas. See the magnificent ceiling painted by William Kent in 1723, as well as the impressive tapestries.

The Cupola Room is the most magnificently decorated room in the palace. In the King's Gallery, William III played soldiers with his little nephew, and it was here that the king caught a cold, leading to his death in 1702.

This charred skeleton abandoned 50 m from the beach is none other than West Pier. Built in 1866, it was a popular spot for strollers, and later became home to a theater and concert hall. Closed in 1975 for safety reasons, it gradually fell into disrepair and was finally destroyed in 2002 by a storm and two successive fires. Its restoration was abandoned for lack of sufficient funds. In 2014 a new project was launched to breathe new life into Brighton's historic West Pier, the British Airways i360 tower, which opened in August 2016.

Owned by the MacDonnell family in the 16th and 17th centuries, Dunluce Castle has been etching a page of history on this rock since 1639, suspended between sky and sea on a peninsular point... For movie buffs, Dunluce Castle was the filming location for Game of Thrones and the movie The World of Narnia. On a clear day, you can even see Scotland, right in front of you. All the rooms of this unique castle have their own identity and offer, through the lace-like stones, views over the sea.

Built between 1283 and 1289 by Edward ^I, Conwy is one of the castles commissioned by the King. It took 6 years and 1,500 workers to build the fortress: a feat of ^13th-century military architecture. In peacetime, 30 soldiers could protect the castle, which was built in such a way as to prevent the enemy from entering. The nobles lived in the towers, while the soldiers slept in the great hall below. The inner courtyard was accessible by water. The panoramic view from the turrets is magnificent.