Monuments to visit United Kingdom

Ellislad Farm is the farm where Robert Burns lived from 1788 to 1791. It was here that he wrote some of his most beloved nature poems. You will be immersed in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Almost nothing has changed since the poet and bard left the house. You will enjoy travelling back in time and discover the daily life in the 18th century, the farm buildings, the stable and the orchard... You will also be able to walk along the banks of the Nith and let yourself be carried away by bucolic inspirations...

St Nicholas Priory is a historic building originally built in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery, but over the centuries, it has been used for a variety of purposes, including a merchant's house, a workhouse, and a museum. Today, the priory is open to the public as a museum and offers visitors a unique insight into the life and history of Exeter. The museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's rich history, from the Roman occupation to the present day. Consult website for events.

Skipness Castle is a remnant of a castle, situated opposite the island of Arran and accessible from the east coast of Kintyre, south of the village of Skipness. It is one of the oldest castles still standing. It dates from the early 13th century and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Also known as MacSween Castle, after the clan that built it, it consisted of two floors with a modest entrance hall and a chapel dedicated to Saint Columba.

A huge 300 hectare park along the canal between Falkirk and Grangemouth. This ecopark connects more than 16 local communities. It is mainly known as the home of the Kelpies. These are the largest horse sculptures in the world! These two huge horse heads that are 9m high are inspired by mythical Scottish creatures. You can go inside if you book a guided tour.

Great place for families with velocipede boats, bike paths, water fountain area and an adventure playground.

This sumptuous castle with its curious architecture has its roots in the 13th century. It was for a long time a powerful defensive dungeon before being transformed into a noble palace over the years. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here in 1745 after the battle of Prestonpans and you can see the room that housed him. The interiors are very pleasant to visit, with painted ceilings, rare furniture, numerous paintings, porcelain and a collection of period toys. You can even rent luxury apartments.

The Glenfinann Viaduct was made famous by the Harry Potter saga. If the place is unavoidable for the fans, it gains to be seen by all, for its magnificent landscapes. The monument is impressive: a railway with a span of 1,000 feet (305 m), 100 feet (30.50 m) above the ground. A short hike, the Glenfinann Viaduct trail, allows you to discover it: 4 km (3 miles) in 1 to 2 hours, with a sometimes steep path (free route on walkhighlands.co.uk or in Visitor Centre). Take advantage of your excursion to visit the Glenfinann Monument.

Residence of the Archbishops of Moray, Spynie Palace rose from the ground in the 12th century and remained occupied by its illustrious residents until 1686. David's Tower is the most imposing tower-house still standing in Scotland, 22 m high. The remains of the Great Hall are a reminder of its former grandeur. Although the whole site is now partly in ruins, it is still impressive and beautiful, both in its architecture and its privileged natural environment. Royalty often used this palace as a guest house.

Overlooking the cliffs and the sea, the castle of St Andrews was first built in the 12th century and for a long time hosted the city's bishops. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The version we see today is the work of Bishop Walter Trail (1400). Parts of it were used as a prison. He also saw monarchs pass through, since James I received part of his education there. James III may even have been born there. The Reformation overcame his religious function, and then quickly overcame his condition once he was abandoned.

Dating from the 18th century, this former fisherman's shack is the birthplace of Arthur Anderson, the founder of P&O Ferries. It has been extensively refurbished and now houses the Shetland Textile Museum, which tells the story of this key industry in Shetland, with a collection of some 500 pieces and frequent demonstrations. You will see Fair Isle knitwear, Shetland lace, Shetland Taatit rugs and woven tweed, as well as tools. Papers and patterns are kept in the collection, with pieces dating back to 1870.

Discover here the most beautiful set of bells in Scotland (there are 10 of them) and the second largest collection in the world (by weight). You can discover the bell ringers as well as the mechanisms of the bells. On the ground floor, a free exhibition tells the story of the bells, cast in 1920, of their ringing and reveals their little names. It is possible to climb the 176 steps of the spiral staircase to gain height on Inveraray and admire the magnificent carillon, as well as the panoramic view of the mountains and Loch Fyne.

This lively and colorful attraction was developed in a former prison built in 1819. Thanks to actors in costume and a staging faithful to reality, one is immersed in the daily life of the prisoners, from their trial to the cells. Attention is paid to every detail and one is not left indifferent to the stories of torture and forced labor. Many men were subjected to it, but also women and children. The audio guide is included in the entrance fee, and there is a French version of the guided tour.

This 13th century colossus is not lacking in singularity with its circular plan, its four massive towers and its high walls surrounded by water. Now partly in ruins, it was one of the residences of choice of the Stuart kings. It had an eventful fate during the Wars of Independence and the Three Kingdoms War, as it was regularly moved from one camp to another. After falling into oblivion, it underwent major restoration in the 19th century and is now open to the public. The Bute Museum, next door, also looks back on its history.

People come to Dean Castle both for its beautiful 80-hectare park, which is very popular with families, and for its old ^14th-century walls. Home to the Boyd family, it contains interesting collections of weapons, armor, tapestries and musical instruments. Ideal for a bucolic and historical outing. There is a tearoom at the visitor center. Between the visit of the castle, the walks in the immense park, the Adventure Play Space for the children and the animal farm, one can easily spend the day there.

Built in the late 16th century, this castle in the heart of Kirkcudbright was the residence of the MacLellan family until the 18th century, when it passed into the hands of the Earl of Selkirk. Now maintained by Historic Scotland, its ruins show the living conditions of the servants in the basement, as well as the curious Laird's Lug, a secret hole in the chimney from which guests were spied on... Take advantage of your visit to extend it by discovering Greyfriars church, which houses the memorial to Sir Thomas & Lady Grissel macLellan.

Built in 1734, this house was home to the artist E.A. Hornel from 1901 to 1933. E.A. Hornel was a member of theGlasgow Boys, many of his works are on display here, as well as pottery, ceramics, sculptures, bronzes and furniture from his acolytes. The house and studio are in Edwardian style. The library is probably the most beautiful room - he was a passionate collector - and the Japanese gardens are also worth a visit.

On an island in the middle of the River Dee, this keep was built in the 14th century by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway. Besieged by James II in 1455, its 30 m high walls are still impressive, despite the damage inflicted by time. To reach it, you have to park at Kelton Mains farm and walk 800 m to the landing stage. There you will use a bell to be picked up, don't hesitate to call if you have any problems. Please note, however, that the conditions of transport are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

The graves of Rob Roy and his wife Mary can be seen in the cemetery in the hamlet of Balquhidder, near the plaque proclaiming "MacGregor despite them" ("MacGregor malgré eux tous"). The church is a real treasure for lovers of heritage and religious history. Indeed, there is the tombstone of the first saint who evangelized the territory, representing him with the salvation cup in his hands. There are also copies of the pages of the Bible translated by Reverend Kirk and an exhibition of objects that belonged to Rob Roy.

This noble fortress will be one of your first glimpses of Mull, coming by the ferry from Oban. In the shadow of the mountains, bathed by the waters, it is the historic home of the Maclean clan, perched on its rock since the 13th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in 1661 and was ravaged before being abandoned. Sold in 1911 to Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, it was returned to its original family and fully restored. The visit includes the dungeon, the great hall, the rooms, a historical exhibition and the small garden.

It was built by Llywelyn the Great. This castle is quite different from the others in Llywelyn: it might even have been inspired by an English castle to make the plans! It was probably built between 1230 and 1240, then conquered by the English King Edward I in 1283. The latter considerably fortified the castle. He adapted the towers to catapult throwing. It was not until more than a century later that it fell into Welsh hands, those of the mythical hero, Owain Glyndwr, who seized the castle in 1404 during the Welsh Revolution.

Built between 1820 and 1830 by the miners with money from the slate quarries, for the benefit of their boss George Dawkins-Pennant, this small palace with its 300 rooms is considered by the Welsh as a mark of oppression of the rich English bosses. Nevertheless, just for the size of the castle and its excellent state of preservation, a visit is well worthwhile. It is also possible to visit only those gardens that are worth the detour, especially in winter when the castle is closed. Or the summer if you want to cut back a little bit.

North of Lamphey, (Llandyfái in Welsh); you can visit the ruins of Bishop's Palace (Lamphey Palace), dating from the 13th century, which was used as a second residence by the bishops of St. David's. Ruins with the appearance of a crypt, lost in the green moss and mist.... which testify to the opulence in which these holy men lived. It is a very beautiful visit, both for the ruins and for the environment in which they are located, which offers a very special atmosphere. And in addition, admission is free.

The castle tour is well organized and includes an explanatory brochure. This is one of the strangest and most fascinating castles in the south of the country. Built between 1280 and 1310, it was considerably enlarged in the ^15th century, as evidenced by its Tudor-style windows. The cashier at the entrance is sure to tell you about the many visitors who have seen the ghosts of Sir Roland Rhys, one of the castle's tenants, and his monkey, come to haunt the northwest tower where they lived.

It is one of the castles built by the Normans in the south of the country. The fortification built on the top of a hill was naturally protected by water. This impregnable fortress never fell under Welsh control and so Pembroke won the title of capital of Little England beyond Wales. Today, the castle still has an impressive atmosphere. The towers are intact - especially the one where Henry VII was born in 1457 - and we pass from large rooms, to oak beams, to dark and biscornus corridors..

From the impressive 13th century castle built by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, there are only two massive round towers left overlooking a gorge on the Teifi River. In 1215, the castle had been taken by Llywelyn the Great. Its superb location inspired many artists, including Turner in 1799. Cilgerran Castle offers very beautiful views when you climb up the tower, very easily accessible. Beautiful walks lead to the river from the castle. In summer, some activities are offered for children.

Aberystwyth, Wales' first university city, has a recognised university, which opened in 1872 in a former seaside hotel. It was the first British university to accept women, and also the first in the world to open a faculty dedicated to international politics. It ranks fourth in the United Kingdom for the quality of its teaching. It is divided into several buildings and 18 departments. The most impressive is undoubtedly the one built facing the sea.

It is impossible not to notice this building, exuberant with its round towers with pointed roofs, elaborate windows, balconies and arches.

In 1864, when the city of Aberystwyth was connected to the national railway network, Thomas Savin bought the building and transformed it into a hotel. He asked the architect J.P. Seddon to give this Victorian building a more "Gothic Revival" look. Take the time to enter and discover the pretty circular balcony and the carved wooden ceiling. This strange architecture is a very successful mix of styles

A visit to the National Library of Wales is a must for anyone interested in the country's history. The oldest manuscript in Welsh, the Black Book of Carmarthen, is on display. The library also holds the only copy of the first book printed in Welsh, Yn y lhyvyr hwnn, dating from 1546. As you can see, the library houses a priceless heritage of Welsh and Celtic literary treasures.

Built in 1260 atop a ridge, on the site of an ancient Norman fort, during the reign of Edward ^I, it's a beautiful castle to visit, quite unlike the fortified castles of the west or the ruins of the south. Originally built for military purposes to control the border with England, the castle has been a pleasure residence for several centuries. Powis Castle is in excellent condition, having been transformed into a grand Elizabethan manor house in 1587 by Sir Edward Herbert, first Lord of Cherbury.

Emblematic decor of Powis Castle. Measuring some 8,500 square meters, the Italianate terraced gardens are as impressive as the castle itself, and have hardly changed since the ^17th century. Among the most famous in Britain, these gardens are also among the few masterpieces of the period that have not been altered by the unusual landscape designer Capability Brown. Take the time to stroll through them.

Some of the trees here are almost seventeen metres tall. A thought for the gardeners who trim the hedges every year on a large cherry picker!

In the former billiard room. And don't forget to take time to explore the Clive Museum, with its fine collections by Robert Clive (1725-1774), son of the infamous "Clive of India", and its art objects from Karnataka in India.
Numerous events (temporary exhibitions, workshops) are organized. Don't hesitate to check the agenda in advance via their website.

In the shadow of the castle, no fewer than three bridges span the estuary of the River Conwy and are well worth a visit.

The first is the Conwy Suspension Bridge. This is the oldest suspension bridge, built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, a Scottish architect and civil engineer who built many bridges and roads throughout the UK. Its suspension is made of wrought-iron chains, crossing the River Conwy. It is one of the world's first road suspension bridges. Its purpose was to provide a route for stagecoaches on their way to Holyhead. Telford's idea was also to harmonize the towers supporting the bridge with those of the nearby castle!

You can walk on this elegant footbridge, now reserved for pedestrians, which is part of Britain's cultural heritage due to its complex structure and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Conwy Railway Bridge. The second is the covered tube bridge, built in 1848 and reserved for trains on the Llandudno-Bangor line. Another monument to the industrial revolution, this railway bridge was built by a certain Robert Stephenson, the originator of the steam train.

Modern Conwy Bridge. Modern road bridge carrying the A547, used from 1958 to relieve traffic congestion.

Most impressive of all is the fact that there is a fourth road into Conwy. But this one's underground, submerged beneath the river!

These three bridges make for a pleasant stroll along the River Conwy!

Once you reach the lighthouse (Ynys Lawd in Welsh), the first thing you do is feel like you are at the end of the world, looking out over the Irish Sea. It is then possible to explore the interior of the building: visit the engine room, climb the lighthouse... One room has been converted into a didactic museum, which provides information on the island's fauna, flora and geology. Images of seabirds, taken by a camera fixed on a cliff on the island, are broadcast. It is also the occasion for a nice walk around the lighthouse, even if it is closed.

The smallest house in the country catches the eye with its bright red color. It dates back to the ^14th century and was inhabited until May 1900 by a fisherman measuring 1.80 meters! He was evicted after the house was declared uninhabitable due to its small size. He decided to go and measure small houses in the UK. By the end of his journey, he had proof that his was the smallest. It has since been listed in the Guinness Book of Records!

Built at the request of Edward ^I in 1282 by Henry de Lacy, one of his chief commanders during his conquest of Wales. It was built in two parts, the second of which began in 1294. Today, the grandiose ruins of a ^13th-century fortified castle remain, including three connecting towers (similar to those of Caernafon Castle), atop a hill near Denbigh. We particularly recommend the 1 km walk along the ramparts, dating from 1282: the architecture is impressive and the views fabulous.

A majestic, well-preserved fortified castle built around 1140 in the purest Norman style, its ruins overlooking the bay will transport even the most unimaginative into the realm of cloak-and-dagger fiction. For several centuries, it was the property of the Anglo-Norman de Barri family, and is now often used as a film set. Beautiful gardens surround the château, and make a fine picnic spot. Please note, however, that it is closed for private events (calendar on website).

Facing the Taf River, Laugharne Castle is a medieval castle built at the beginning of the 12th century, then transformed into a luxurious Elizabethan mansion by Sir John Perrot, the supposed illegitimate son of Henry VIII and half brother of Elizabeth ^I. In 1644, during the Civil War, the castle was taken by Cromwell's supporters. Today, it is nothing more than romantic ruins surrounded by secular cedars. But it is a pleasant visit that offers a beautiful view as it overlooks the estuary of the Taf River. Be careful, it's closed in the winter.

On the way, we pass in front of the boathouse where Dylan Thomas wrote. You will discover a bazaar of feathers and books, unchanged since his death. The Welsh poet and writer has made a profound contribution to the enrichment of the English language. In the house, suspended as if on stilts above the estuary, we can hear the poems recited by Dylan Thomas that were broadcast on the radio. A video retraces the artist's life by giving a voice to various authors. From the tea room tables, you can spend hours contemplating the view of the estuary.

For more than 800 years, the market has been a friendly and essential part of Carmarthen's local life. There are local products, crafts, second-hand books, spices, antiques, a little of everything... As well as the traditional stalls of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meat and fish... Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays (also outside). The Farmer's Market is held every first Friday of the month. Stands for eating on site and a coffee: Beth's Cafe, open every day from 8am to 4pm.

It's a handsome ^17th-century red-brick manor house, once home to the wealthy Morgan family. Move from room to room to discover, through reconstructions of interiors and genre scenes, what life might have been like for a bourgeois family of the time and its servants. Don't miss the gilded salon and the cedar cabinet with its fragrant panelling. You can visit the vast 36-hectare gardens, some of whose original features are still visible, such as geometric flowerbeds and a superb wrought-iron gate.

In 1799, fourteen locks were built on the banks of the Brecon Canal to link Newport to the vast mineral transport network. Today, this work of hydraulic engineering is the subject of a rehabilitation plan. The reservoirs and former locks, now overgrown with vegetation, are lined with trees and green spaces. People come here for picnics and walks. A visitor center tells us more about the history of this transportation route.

A bridge leads to the imposing fortress surrounded by water. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it impresses by its volume, its thick walls, its massive towers. This masterpiece of masonry has all the characteristics that can be expected of a medieval fortress. Built on a superb natural site, from the heights of the castle you can contemplate the surrounding landscape. It is probably the most spectacular and best preserved of the "Three Castles" (White, Skenfrith and Grosmont), whose threatening profile can be seen from the outset on the horizon.

Despite the assaults of the civil war against which the castle had to resist, its ruins remain impressive. And yet, he had to manage to endure a ten-week siege! The main entrance is imposing, with its semi-hexagonal towers with projecting edges, set like crowns of stones at their top.

To the left of the entrance, the Great Tower, a building by William ap Thomas, is considered a masterpiece of defensive innovation. It was Thomas, Earl of Pembroke, who began to give the castle its palace character.

Redeveloped by the National Trust and open to the public, this townhouse bears witness to life in a Victorian building in the early 20th century. Miss Agnes Toward lived here for half a century and many of her possessions are still there. Gas lighting is still in use and is a far cry from the installations we know in today's society. Among the curiosities and unusual objects: a jar of plum jam made in 1929, coal-fired stoves, gas lamps still functional...

Right next to the cathedral, Provand's Lordship is Glasgow's oldest house, built in 1471. It was the residence of the chaplain of the Saint Nicholas Hospital and it gives a very interesting insight into what daily life was like in the Middle Ages. Completely refurbished as it was then, the furniture was donated by William Burrell, the philanthropist of the Burrell Collection. The carved wooden chairs, chests and cupboards, as well as the quantity of domestic objects give a very authentic dimension to this attraction.

The superb building on George Square is none other than the town hall: City Chambers. Built in 1888, it is a very fine example of Victorian civic architecture by William Young. In 1923 it expanded to John Street and in 1986 the Custom House on George Street increased its total area to 14,000 square metres. His classicism of great beauty has earned him the choice to embody the Kremlin or the Vatican in film shoots. The banqueting hall, the council chamber and the marble staircase are the highlights of the visit

The Biggar Puppet Theatre is an institution that extends far beyond Biggar's borders, as it is known around the world and regularly tours internationally. It is also the only institution of its kind in Scotland. For 40 years, the shows have been thrilling the childlike souls of their spectators and inviting them to poetic journeys. These are shows with large puppets, manipulated in the Bunraku style, designed for children, but widely appreciated and appreciated by adults.

It was in this small, simple, unadorned townhouse that Robert Burns spent the last years of his life until his death in 1796. The interiors give us a good idea of how the Scottish bard lived with his wife, Jean Armour, and their children. We enter the office where he wrote some of his most beloved works, as well as the different pieces of his daily life. The house became a true place of pilgrimage afterwards: Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats all passed through it to gather.

Mackintosh would almost make us forget the other great Scottish architects, such as William Adam, to whom we owe this charming 1752 villa. In addition to its lush green gardens with 1,000 rhododendrons, it contains a good number of master paintings. The Italians are well represented, with Francisco Goya, El Greco and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, but there is also the British William Blake, whose work is so inspired. This was the home of the Maxwell family, whose Edwardian lifestyle still lives on in every room.

This powerful fortress was built facing the sea in the 14th century by the Douglas Dynasty, who repeatedly opposed the crown. James IV and V both besieged and damaged it, as did Oliver Cromwell during his invasion of the country. It was then abandoned to birds and wild flowers. Today, its beautiful red stone ruins are scrolling up the cliffs for splendid views of Bass Rock and a small jump into the site's sulphurous past. It is also a well-known film location for moviegoers.

Craigmillar Castle is nicknamed "Edinburgh's other castle", located just 1 mile from the outer walls of Old Town. Mary Queen of Scotts used it as a refuge in 1566, but a year later its owner, Sir Simon Preston, became the Queen's jailer. Among its points of interest are the splendid view from the tower, but also the almost labyrinthine aspect of the castle, conferred by the multiplication of rooms, or the remains of a pond. As is often the case, a children's quiz makes the family visit more enjoyable.

Dalmeny House was built in 1817 in a Gothic style and belongs to the Primrose de Rosebery family. It houses beautiful interiors decorated with portraits and porcelain, as well as an interesting collection of Napoleonic objects, one of the largest of its kind in Britain. The beautiful backdrop is a large park and the Firth of Forth. Entry to the house is by small groups only, on a guided tour (in English). In high season and to be sure to see the inside of the house, consider booking.

Welcome to the world of the Edinburgh bourgeoisie, at No. 7 Charlotte Square. The Georgian House is a daily newspaper in New Town, in a classic house by architect James Craig. Throughout the plays, we immerse ourselves in the customs of the time, thanks to adapted furnishings and staging. The five families who have lived here in succession have all left their mark, from the Lamont to the Bute. We follow their typical days and those of their maidservants, from the musical education of young girls to social gatherings, including the preparation of refined dishes in the huge kitchen.