Monuments to visit United Kingdom

Based on plans by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901, this beautiful house was only actually built between 1989 and 1996. The materials were chosen to stick as closely as possible to the world of the architect and to that of his wife, who had designed the interiors. Fans won't fail to look at it, so to appreciate the dining room, the oval room or the main hall, very typical and faithful to their designers. It is located in the middle of a wooded environment in Bellahouston Park. It is also an art gallery and exhibition space.

In 1424, King James ^I launched the construction of this palace on the shores of Loch Linlithgow, after a fire had razed the town's previous castle. It quickly became the royal residence of choice for the Stuarts, who appreciated the tranquility and the country setting. It was also an ideal stopover between Stirling and Edinburgh, where the court regularly visited. James V and Mary Queen of Scots were both born here. However, when her son, James VI, united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603, he moved to London and Linlithgow Palace lost its royal use. It was kept in good condition until it was partially destroyed by fire in 1743, so that today you can see mainly the ruins. It is no less romantic and its central fountain is a masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the fountain in the Palace of Holyrood in the capital. A detour to the medieval St Michael's Church, which stands next to it, is a must. We also like the superb landscape which places the palace in a setting, between luxuriant vegetation and deep blue waters of the eponymous loch. The walk in the garden is also very enjoyable.

Smart info : There are guides and quizzes in French to know everything about the site and to have fun exploring it, between adults and with the family. And if you're around at the end of June, check out the annual Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace! (Reservations are available and recommended online.)

Founded by the famous Henry VIII in 1546, Trinity College was the college of Isaac Newton, whose bedroom was next to the chapel, and, just next door, an apple tree that is no stranger to his work on gravity! The library, built by Sir Christopher Wren, contains original works by Newton and the Winnie-the-Pooh manuscript by A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh manuscript. This is the largest of the city's 31 colleges. It welcomes around a thousand students a year. It is twinned with Christ Church College, Oxford. It has trained 34 Nobel Prize winners!

From the time of Henri VIII, she went down in 1545 during a Franco-English battle with 700 men on board. Its shimmering oak hull was restored, and the wharf in 1545 is reconstituted: everyday objects, canons…

Now in ruins, Canterbury Castle was built by William the Conqueror's Normans from 1070 onwards, and in the ^13th century served as a prison for the entire region. It also served as a warehouse for a gas company during its long history. Little now remains of the building, but it still offers a fine view of the surrounding area from the top of its stairs. Informative panels describe the building's past, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine what it was like. An interesting visit, but not essential.

Built in 1795, The Guildhall trône in the city centre on Market Place. The square has been welcoming markets since the th century. Today, local produce stands are set up every Tuesday and Saturday.

Behind The Guildhall there are two medieval houses. Just behind the square, on Fish Row, you will see other old buildings, including the small half-timbered cottage that houses a butchery, Pritchett Family Butcher, which proudly displays on the storefront Home Almendra only! Also note Poultry Cross, the th century Gothic cross at Market Place and the Council House (th century).

This clock tower was built between 1865 and 1870 by the Irish architect William Joseph Barre in memory of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband (who died in 1862). It is 43 m high and contains a two-ton bell, as well as the statue of the Prince Consort visible on the west façade. The style is said to be of Gothic influence, both French and Italian. Located not far from Customs House and the River Lagan, the clock square was once famous for its prostitutes who waited for sailors at the end of the day.

If you enjoyed Discovery Point, you may also want to visit Dundee's second naval attraction. This almost 200 year old ship is the only example of a wooden warship still visible in Scotland. Built by the Royal Navy and launched in 1824, she could accommodate 46 guns and 300 men for a total length of 46 metres. Today it is possible to walk along its four levels, from bow to stern, to immerse oneself in the heart of this fascinating witness of the past. Children can even take the tour in disguise!

Despite its military activity during the Wars of Independence and the War of the Three Kingdoms, Doune Castle has remained almost intact and has been used in several film shoots, such as the Holy Grail of Monty Python or, more recently, theGame of Thrones series, in which it was sometimes used as a set at Winterfell, as well as the Outlander series. It was the home of Robert Stuart, Duke of Albany. Son of King Robert II and brother of King Robert III, he was regent of the country during his father's illness and held the reins of power during his brother's reign.

It is now possible to climb to the top of the dome! The experience lasts 90 minutes, you climb thanks to a footbridge suspended two meters above the roof. At the top, the 360° view is spectacular. The opportunity to discover London in a different way and to see the historic Greenwich, Olympic Park and Canary Wharf. On a clear day, you can see up to 20 kilometres away. Different types of ascents are possible such as the "Sunset Climb" (at sunset) or the "Twilight Climb" (at dusk).

Tioram Castle is located on the rocky island of Eilean Tioram, where the waters of Loch Moidart and the Shiel River meet. It was seduced at a strategic point, rivers and seas being once the preferred routes of circulation. Among other things, vestiges of Viking presence were found there. In ruins, it cannot be visited even at low tide. However, you can walk around the island and around the building. However, be very careful (risk of rock falls) and watch the tide schedules.

Raised in the 13th century, this medieval building is one of the oldest stone castles in the country. Placed at the mouth of Loch Linnhe, it was the work of the Earls McDougall, before passing into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 15th century. Besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence, it is a witness to the history of the country. Very well preserved, it offers to see imposing walls, the remains of its great hall and the residences of the new house, as well as a chapel. Climb the ramparts to embrace a superb view!

At the bottom of Monnow Street is the old fortified bridge of the city and the door that marked the entrance to the th century.

Dominating an impressive 12-hectare site, this castle is the most imposing in the country and the second largest in Britain, after Windsor. It is the perfect example of a medieval castle: crenellated towers, drawbridge, keeps... Built on the remains of a Roman fort and the ruins of a Norman fort, the castle was erected in the ^13th century by the Anglo-Norman lord Gilbert de Clare for defensive purposes: to protect himself from Llywelyn the Great. However, Llywelyn the Great succeeded in destroying a large part of the castle, and the English quickly rebuilt it.

It is undoubtedly the most popular market in the region and one of the best places to enjoy the atmosphere of the area. Tuesday is the most important day, the day when people come from all over the Brecon Beacons to buy vegetables, fish and meat. In addition to food, there is a little bit of everything: clothes and jewellery, craftsmen working with wood, leather or wool. A hundred stands animate the huge covered hall every day: you will probably not be disappointed by the atmosphere!

It is the oldest of Scotland's castles still inhabited; the MacLeods have been living there since the 13th century. Their motto is Hold Fast! ("Hang in there!"). The family never abandoned the building, its rock, and even less the Fairy Flag, an old piece of cloth that has caused many adventures.

The tour includes a visit to the castle, where you can see various objects from the MacLeod clan, but also the bedrooms, lounges and dungeons, as well as the gardens, created in the 19th century. The latter have become one of the largest horticultural gardens in Scotland.

Apsley House was the home of the Duke of Wellington, famous for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After the battle, he even had a room built to celebrate the victory. A touch of English humor: this is where you'll find Canova's colossal nude statue of Napoleon. As this work was not to the emperor's taste, it was kept away from the official residences and eventually ended up in the home of his fatal enemy. Inside, you can admire period furniture and the Duke's art collection.

The construction of the theatre was the result of combined passions and energies, helped by private donations: until the 19th century, Shakespeare's birthplace and all the places where he had stayed were visited, he was worshipped, but not celebrated, because there was no theatre in Stratford. In 1870, Charles Flower donated the land. A circular theatre opened its doors in 1879. However, no troupe is yet permanently installed: performances take place in April (for Shakespeare's birthday) and in summer only. The building having been completely destroyed in 1926, the current theatre was built in 1932, thanks to a private donation, according to Elisabeth Scott's plans. A first company was established in 1950, including John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, among others... But the Royal Shakespeare Company was really founded in 1961, thanks to Peter Hall, who built a second theatre (The Swan) and set up a stage in London, the Barbican Theatre. Over the past 30 years, the company has been enriched by the work of Ben Kingsley, Vanessa Redgrave, Jeremy Irons and, more recently, Kenneth Brannagh. Curiously enough, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre work together behind the scenes, so that Falstaff can be found alongside La Mouette, Othello, La Duchesse de Malfi.... in all courtesy! Guided tours are regularly conducted by Shakespearean theatre enthusiasts who will teach you the history of backstage and rehearsals.

The father of psychoanalysis arrived in England in 1938 after fleeing Austria to escape the Nazis. He settled in this house and lived there for 18 months, until his death in 1939. It was here that he continued to write Malaise in Civilization. His daughter Anna occupied the house until 1986, and it was on her death and in accordance with her wishes that the premises were transformed into a museum. The tour revolves around Freud's library and study, and features the books he used and his collectables. The highlight of the tour: the famous couch!

To the south-east of Tunbridge Wells, the tiny market town of Lamberhurst is home to this superb estate, with its Victorian mansion, small ^14th-century moated fort and picturesque 315-hectare gardens, which are a delight to explore in autumn or spring, when they're in full bloom. It's an ideal family outing, offering pleasant strolls among the rhododendrons and beautiful interiors. Guided walks are also available. A truly enchanting visit.

Perched on an island in the middle of Loch Laich, a cove in Loch Linnhe, this fortress was built in the 14th century by the McDougall clan and was used for the filming of a scene from the Monthy Python film, Sacred Grail (1975). Tours last about two hours, including the boat trip, and are led by the Stewart Allward family, the current owner of the site. You can also enjoy the superb view of the castle from the Castle Stalker View café, which offers a breathtaking view of the building, or by walking a few metres towards the shore.

Built in the 13th century, the castle is located in a very strategic place: it dominates the village and the sea from the top of the rock, and is part of the famous chain of castles built by Edward I to ensure his new conquests. Owain Glyndwr, an important figure in the country's history, conquered the castle in 1404 and lived there for five years, making Harlech the capital of Wales. If the weather is clear, the views are particularly magnificent, one can see Tremadog Bay and the mountains in the distance.

Designed by the Spanish Enric Miralles, the construction of the Scottish Parliament's headquarters was spread out from 1999 to 2004. Today, this boldly shaped building stands in stark contrast to the rest of Old Town and its neighbour, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Some people love it, others hate it... It can be visited free of charge: an interactive exhibition explains the role, functioning, history and architecture of parliament. Several guided tours (to be booked) are available: classic, "Architecture tour", "Art tour" and "Photography Tour".

The castle of Carrickfergus is very impressive given the port and one of its first functions is well understood: defend the small town against the invaders. Despite 750 years of various military occupations, the building still dominates the horizon and watches at the entrance to Belfast Lough. It is remarkably well preserved, at least from construction in the th and th centuries. Some exterior walls and the polychrome échauguettes of the XIV, but nothing is safe, and other very old parts would have collapsed in the sea.
The central dungeon was erected in 1177 by Jean de Courcy (30 m high, thick walls between 5 and 3 m) after the Ulster Norman invasion. The fortifications were built between 1225 and 1250. The Norman and then English occupations succeeded. In the th century, Carrickfergus was the only place in Northern Ireland where English was spoken. The only access to the castle is the bridge and a visitor centre is right on the right. Models stored on the course help to imagine the living between the walls during the visit.

The first university of Aberdeen, founded in 1495.

The Prime Minister's residence, number 10, has been located in this little street perpendicular to Whitehall since 1732. Following renovation in 1902, it also became the Prime Minister's principal residence. The building has not been open to visitors since Margaret Thatcher forbade it. The famous facade, seen over and over again on the news, can be seen behind a gate. Following Boris Johnson's resignation in 2022, Rishi Sunak is living in the building at the time of writing.

This historic market, just next to the DLR station, has existed for more than three centuries. In the three sections gathered, you can buy food, antiques, vintage and trendy clothes, furniture, ethnic accessories... Around the market, many restaurants and bars allow you to stop for a drink or a snack, just to take a break. It is a lively and animated place, with a village market atmosphere. A must stop for lunch when visiting Greenwich.

Pavarotti made his debut there, Van Morrison recorded a live album in 1984 and Sarah Bernhardt, Orson Welles, Laurel and Hardy had already performed there long before... Grand Opera House, the largest theater in Northern Ireland, has been a fixture on the Belfast cultural scene since 1895. The building is a mixture of Victorian style with its red bricks and oriental influenced decorative elements with its minarets (English architect Frank Matcham). The theater hosts the greatest shows (ballets, operas, musicals ...).

It overlooks the River Ness. The Jacobites seized it in 1746. Its present pink appearance dates from a refurbishment from 1837 to 1847. It now houses a court of justice and a military garrison. The statue of Flora MacDonald, the heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape, adorns its front and was sculpted by Andrew Davidson, a native of Inverness. If the visit of the castle is not possible, its top is however accessible to the public (Castle Viewpoint). From there, you can enjoy a 360 degree view on the city and the hinterland of the Highlands.

It's impossible to miss this giant giant in the skyline of Liverpool. Inaugurated in 1969 by Queen Elizabeth, it was the highest building in the city, peaking at 138 metres. There was a restaurant on a rotating platform, but following a fire, the kitchens were moved to the ground floor. Then there was another problem: The dishes were not hot enough when they arrived on plates… All this sounds like a joke, and it is true! In the absence of any food, there are still uninterrupted panoramic views to Wales and Blackpool, in a clear time. Today, the tower hosts the studios of Radio City station, landed in 2000 after major renovations. And if it was détrônée by the West tower in 2008, it remains a landmark for all the city's tourists and night.

This colossus overlooking the hill was completed in 1815 to celebrate the victory of Trafalgar by the famous Admiral Nelson ten years earlier. In 1853, a huge sphere was installed on top of the Nelson Monument. Every day, at 1pm, she is hoisted up a mast and then released to give the time to the sailors of Leith. In its tiny museum, this story is told alongside some documents on the legendary naval battle that defeated Napoleon. At the top, the view is pleasant, but not much different from Calton Hill.

For those nostalgic for the Beatles, a short detour to the St John's Wood district will allow you to see Abbey Road Studios still in operation and where the Beatles' presence remains tenacious. Pilgrimage for unconditional fans, because there is nothing to see or do except for the mythical photo of the pedestrian crossing slightly below on the eponymous album - be careful, there may even be a line to pass over the famous white stripes. If you want to bring back a souvenir, go to the Beatles Store on Baker Street instead.

You can't miss this castle if you follow the A837 and the North Coast 500. Its ruins, at the end of Loch Assynt, have an undeniable romantic appeal. The remains as much as the site are worth a stop, and a car park is just the place to be. There are information boards with some of its secrets. Built in 1597 by the McLeod clan, it is the former prison of the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 and is linked to a dark history of betrayal. Burned down in 1745, it was never rebuilt and has remained as a haunted ruin?

Built in 1665 to defend the bay of Bressay, the fort was rebuilt in 1781 and then modified during the Victorian era. Unfortunately, only the ramparts remain today. In good weather, take a walk along the small cliffs of the Knab, at the southern tip of the town, or to the loch of Clickimin, just west of the town. On a small island in this small lake, connected to the shore by a dyke, is a perfectly preserved circular brooch dating back to the Iron Age. The lake is frequented in particular by tufted ducks.

These two impressive ruins were the residences of the Bishops of Orkney from the 12th and 17th centuries respectively. The medieval Bishop's Palace is a sturdy building with beautiful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace was a model of refinement in its time. Its Renaissance architecture, its turrets and vast rooms make one imagine the splendour of its former days. Today, they provide a beautiful glimpse of their past grandeur.

In those days, it was said that two trips to St David's were worth one pilgrimage to Rome. Thousands of people came here, making St David's a major pilgrimage center in the country. The Bishop of Gower's architectural ambitions were high, making the complex a model of medieval refinement. Between 1328 and 1347, he transformed this former building for servants and animals into an immense palace. Built behind the cathedral between the ^13th and ^14th centuries, this imposing palace was once reserved for the nobility and clergy. It bears witness to the importance of this stopover on the road to Compostela. Now in ruins, it remains no less impressive. The palace is built around a central garden. The east wing was devoted to the bishop's private quarters, with his bedroom, small reception room and kitchens at the far end, linking the apartments with the south wing, which was more devoted to public reception areas. The room adjoining the hall was probably used to accommodate important visitors to St. David's. The west wing was probably used as a dormitory for less important visitors. Numerous architectural details come to light during the visit, testifying to the building's former splendor: finely ornamented windows and arches, corbels sculpted in the shape of faces or animals, arcade decoration... Today in ruins, it remains an impressive monument.

In the northeast of the city, there is an old Roman amphitheatre discovered in the 1960s. Far from being as grandiose as the ruins of Caerleon, the "Cavea" (semi-circular terraces distributed by radiant stairs) is still 46 metres long.

The Romans established their presence in Carmarthen in 75 AD. This amphitheatre, the westernmost in the Roman Empire, is also one of the seven still visible in Britain! Objects from various excavations in the area can be found at the Carmarthenshire County Museum in Abergwili.

In the small village of Tongwynlais stands the neo-Gothic style Coch Castle with its pointed roofs. In the middle of the woods, Castell Coch is the result of a whim of the architect William Burges who transformed the ruins of a 13th century building into a magical castle worthy of Walt Disney's most beautiful films.

Castell Coch was the summer residence of the wealthy Bute family, who also owned Cardiff Castle. The massive towers with their conical roofs house exuberant apartments, decorated with decor inspired by nature, legends and mythology.

There really remains very little of the castle: The tower, built in the th century, and the structure of the lobby of which one can see the three windows and the chimney.

The best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the country, built around 90 AD and now covered by grass. The arena was oval in shape, with eight entrances. Up to 6,000 spectators gathered on the stands more than 2,000 years ago to watch gladiatorial battles. The remains of the baths built for the soldiers who arrived around 74 AD consisted of rooms for hot and cold baths, exercise rooms, an open-air swimming pool...

Located below Cave Hill, Belfast Castle was built in 1870 by the third Marquess of Donegall in the style of the Scottish barons' houses. It also offers a splendid view on the city and the lake of Belfast by its height (100 m above the sea). The Shaftesburye family, thanks to a marriage, then inherited the site which was offered to the city in 1934. In Italian Renaissance style, it has a magnificent exterior spiral staircase where newlyweds now come to have their picture taken.

The Glasgow Tower offers a stunning panoramic view. Just the figures alone make you dizzy: it rotates 360°, it is referenced in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest fully rotating self-supporting structure in the world, it is 127 m high... Before climbing, you will discover the history of the tower and all the adventures and feats of its engineering. Climbing to the top of the tower takes just over 2 minutes. People prone to vertigo will be able to try the geolocated augmented reality experience on iPad.

Falkland Palace is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace. It was the country residence of the Stuart kings. You will follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots in the royal apartments. The rooms have been recreated in their former splendour. You will discover that the castle is full of secrets, fascinating stories... and there is even talk of a treasure. The formal gardens are superb, as is the landscaped park, and the tennis court, one of the oldest in Britain, is a curiosity to see.

Wooden house of the th century. You can't visit the inside, but the outside is worth a look.

Don't make a detour, but if you pass through it, it's a square tower built in the th century, originally as the governor's fortified residence and then as a gun powder warehouse. Massive and not very elegant.

Close to the seaside, you can begin by visiting the ruins of the fortified castle which dominates and those of its priory. We also have this rocky promontory of beautiful ocean views.

103 of these small towers were built between 1805 and 1812 to protect themselves from potential invasions of the French led by Napoleon. It is located in the east of Folkestone on the cliff edge.

Beautiful gardens. If construction began in the th century, it was completed in the th and th centuries and the style is now more rococo than medieval. Note the west elevation by Christopher Wren. The Duke of Malmesbury was the first to reside here. Today private property, however open to the public by appointment.

Visit of a former Roman villa and discovered the crafts of the time through manual activities.

West of Freshwater Bay and Alum Bay on the B 3322. This fort was built in 1860 to protect England from the threat of a French invasion: two cannons point to the sea. From here, an underground tunnel leads to a spectacular view of "needles". A little lower, there is a shopping centre with tea and coffee salon.