Monuments to visit United Kingdom

The Writers' Museum packed its suitcases full of books in Lady Stair's House, a narrow medieval house in the Royal Mile (1622). It traces the lives of three famous Scottish writers: Robert Burns (1759-1796), Robert L. Stevenson (1850-1894), and Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Through manuscripts, paintings, portraits, personal effects, engravings and photographs, their paths are retraced. The top floor features a superb Ballantyne press, on which Sir Walter Scott's first edition of Waverley was printed.

Welcome to this house from the 1600s. First go upstairs to discover what life in Edinburgh was like in the 17th century through an exhibition. Take a pose in a period costume, then, now that you are in the spirit of the place, go to the first floor and its fully furnished apartment. It's as if you've traveled back in time! Admire the sumptuous canopy bed, the upright dining room, the study cabinet.... Voluntary guides or descriptive sheets reveal the secrets of this beautiful residence.

A masterpiece of Victorian architecture, this residence, built for the first Lord Armstrong, is the first house in the world to have used hydro-electric power for lighting.

The unhappy Queen Mary Stuart spent a month here in October 1566. She was visiting her adviser, secret lover and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, in the Hermitage Castle. This beautiful 16th century stone house retraces his life, as tragic as it is fascinating. We discover for example one of his hair, a death mask, and his last thoughts in the Last letter room. It is all very informative, against a backdrop of politics, betrayals, murders and lies.

The magnificent colorful structure housing the UK's largest wholesale meat market was renovated a few years ago after long and heated debate. If you're a meat lover, you'll have to come at around 7am to see the market in full swing: meat, poultry, wholesale game... All in a typical, noisy and bustling atmosphere! Guided tours are available on reservation. There has been a market on the site for over 800 years. Today's market has been extensively modernized. A great local experience.

Exeter Cathedral is a beautiful medieval cathedral located in the heart of Exeter. It is one of the most impressive and historic buildings in the city and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century, and over the years, it has been expanded and improved upon by many different architects and craftsmen. It is famous for its Norman towers, carvings, and stained glass windows. Guided tours will show you around all the historical details that make the cathedral special.

This is the family house of Christopher Lloyd, who devoted his life to the development of his flower gardens. The location is peaceful and seems to be taken out of time. The amateurs will appreciate the places, which each visit allows to maintain.

Climb at the top of Plymouth lighthouse, built on Fn Reef in 1759, then moved (stone stone) at the beginning of the th century to its current site. At the top of the 93 steps, the view of the city and its port is worth a visit. Prone to vertige.

A 5-minute concert room from Gyllyngvase Beach, the programming of beautiful musical surprises.

This is an example of a basic Georgian house built in 1774 by a charity. Known as the "poor house", it was intended to provide shelter for those in need. The children were trained in the trades of weaving and spinning, which provided labor for the city's industries (and food for the children...). Now elegantly restored, the house remains a home for the homeless, with organized events and lectures on the theme of trade and industry.

This imposing six-story sandstone building was built in sections between 1899 and 1902. It faces the City Hall and is almost as imposing as it is, with its domes, Corinthian half-pillar façade, pediments, sculptures, sphinxes and bronze dolphins... It was once a place to manage Scottish funds, which were invested in Belfast at the time in commerce and industry. Today, the building houses offices.

These two giant, impressive yellow cranes in Belfast harbor are part of the historic heritage of Northern Ireland's capital and are preserved as such. They have become a veritable symbol of its culture. It's impossible to miss "Samson & Goliath", as they're nicknamed, which are 106 and 96 meters high respectively, and date back to the early 1970s. Despite the closure of the city's shipbuilding yards, these cranes have been carefully preserved and mark the surrounding skyline.

This sandstone and granite building typical of Victorian public buildings opened as Ireland's first library in 1888. It has three floors with a grand staircase, a reading room on the ground floor and an exhibition gallery on the top floor. The library has an extensive archival collection of Northern Irish music and Ulster and Irish studies. Local and Irish newspapers dating back to the 17th century are also available for consultation. A quiet place to soak up the past.

The Norman fortress was erected in 1177 by John of Courcy and is, after Carrickfergus, an outstanding example of the Norman invasion of Northern Ireland. It was an essential part of the coastal defense. Located on a wooded hill to the northwest of the village, the fortress truly dominates the bay. The circular keep, the guardhouse and the twin towers were added successively throughout history. The castle was finally destroyed by Cromwell in 1652. Its ruins are now the subject of a pleasant walk.

The vast estate of Florence Court is located in the middle of spectacular hills, west of Upper Lough Erne. In the heart of a wooded park, the eighteenth-century palladian manor house, which is home to the Counts of Enniskillen, is decorated with rich rococo plaster moldings and furnished with a splendid collection of Irish furniture. Also visit a carpenter's workshop, a hydro-electric sawmill, a blacksmith's workshop and the nearby ring forest (the if Florence Court is a unique species!).

Overlooking the marshes, Weobley Castle (pronounced "web-lee") offers superb views: the Llanrhid salt flats and the Loughor estuary. Before accessing it, don't forget to pay for your ticket in the house opposite. Contrary to its name, Weobley Castle was a fortified mansion, a residence of the De La Bere family, built in the 14th century (1304-1327), and not a castle with a defensive purpose. It was attacked and severely damaged at the beginning of the 15th century by Owain's forces at Glyndŵr (be careful, last access 30 minutes before closing).

Muness Castle dates back to the late 1500s. It was built for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindia, half-brother of Robert Stuart, first Earl of Orkney, who is a prominent figure in Shetland. Accused of oppression, it is also described as heroic in some legends. It is the northernmost castle in Britain. It is also a remarkably fine tower-house, a superb example of this type of architecture, with many remarkable details. One can see the life of the family and the servants

This Victorian red brick covered market is the largest in Ireland. The original 1890 building was enlarged after it was bombed during World War II by the Germans. The entrance consists of three large Romanesque arches with inscriptions in Irish and Latin. Renovated in the 1990s, the market reopened in 1999. Since then it has been rated as one of the best markets in the UK. It brings together local producers and artisans from all communities. Concerts are also organized or evenings such as New Year's Eve. On Fridays, the market is made up of stalls selling second-hand books, antiques, second-hand clothes, fruit and vegetables and also a large selection of fish and seafood, all of which are fresh. On Saturdays, there is a nice selection of local cheeses, meats, fish and vegetables, often organically farmed. The Sunday market is a mix of the Friday and Saturday stalls. Delicious dishes cooked in front of you are also offered. It's a great place to have lunch on the go while listening to a local band. It is truly one of the most typical and warm experiences in Belfast. For the addresses, don't miss the Belfast BapCo, made of bread, bacon and sausages... In short, only fat, but it is very good and prepared in front of you! To ease your conscience afterwards, sip a fruity smoothie from Dabo Smoothies.

This handsome red-brick Gothic building was built in 1897. It became the administrative center of the Port of Cardiff in 1947. Since 2010, it has been a venue for events and conferences open to the public. It's also a museum, providing an insight into the history of the country and Cardiff Bay. From the golden age of its port, linked to iron ore and coal exports in the ^19th century, through the crises of the 1920s and 1950s, to the revival of the city since the 1980s.

Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 in this modest weaver's house. He is one of the main actors in the development of the steel industry in the United States. Nicknamed the richest man in the world in his day, he single-handedly embodied the American dream. He is remembered as a brilliant businessman and philanthropist, giving millions of dollars to various foundations and bequeathing his fortune to charities. The house traces his life and his work.

The neo-Gothic castle we can admire today was built in the ^19th century, but Margam Castle has a history of over 900 years behind it, and was originally a Cistercian monastery. Renovated in the ^19th century for the Talbot family, who occupied it for several generations, it is now a popular place to visit. The park is one of the region's must-see attractions, with lakes, waterfalls, greenhouses and even an orange grove, as well as a wide range of year-round activities.

The Engine Shed invites you to explore Scotland's built heritage. Classical and interactive exhibitions provide an understanding of architecture over the centuries, capturing its history and becoming the ultimate in learning about Scotland's built heritage. The museum spaces are very modern: 3D theatres, augmented reality, participatory workshops... This very concrete visit puts you in a situation and makes you discover the buildings in all their states: plans, materials, know-how, engineering, technologies, and even practical advice.

Designed by William Adam in 1750, the House of Dun is an elegant Georgian-style country house set in the middle of a beautiful park of gardens and woods. This house is the architectural embodiment of the ideal of an 18th century laird. Nothing is left to chance. Everything is aesthetics, geometry, symmetry and classical art, down to the smallest detail, from the floors to the ceilings and all the ornamental and decorative elements. The kitchen was, for its time, ultra modern, which is what makes it so attractive today.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council offers an interesting tour to discover the most sumptuous houses in Penarth. It was north of the city, between Penarth Marina and Windsor Road, that wealthy owners took advantage of the city's heights by building large residences facing the waterfront.

From Beach Road, you can join the itinerary from Kymin Terrace, where you can see sumptuous Victorian properties.

Higher up, on Clive Crescent, is Osborne House, a large red brick house flanked by round towers with a pointed roof. On the right is a park, from which you have a beautiful view over the sea and the two islands Flat and Steep Holm.

We continue towards St. Augustin Church. The polychrome interior of the church is superb and original. It was the architect William Butterfield, then very popular in the 19th century, who created this bold and contrasting mix of stones in various colours. From the picturesque cemetery, there is an interesting panoramic view of Cardiff Bay.

The route then suggests continuing to Penarth Marina, but the interest of the buildings is less on this last part of the route. It is better to then go down directly to the centre.

Another interesting tour through the city is the Penarth Woman's Trail, which showcases 15 places of interest, women who have had an impact on the region through their accomplishment and commitment. A great opportunity to discover 15 local personalities.

It was one of the castles built by Edward I. Only the towers of the far north and south and some remains of the walls remain of the old fortress. The ruins are open-air, scattered on a green platform overlooking the sea. At the centre of this ensemble is the Gorsedd Stones Circle, where the opening ceremonies of Eisteddfod, a national festival of traditional Welsh singers and storytellers, took place. The thirteen erected stones each represent a county in Wales

Also known as Alisby Castle - probably the former governor of the castle - there is not much left of Crickhowell Castle, built in the 13th century to guard the Usk Valley. On a small hill overlooking the village, the ruins are nevertheless charming to see. The chance of conservation has made it the very aesthetic equivalent of outdoor sculptures, which the assault of wild vegetation has finished beautifying. However, if you are in the area, don't forget to take a look around, we will quickly take a look around.

This perfectly renovated ^17th-century manor house is well worth a visit. Set in the heart of Dinefwr Park, the Gothic facade you can admire today dates back to the ^19th century. Home to several generations of descendants of Lord Rhys, who ruled Deheubarth in the ^12th century, it is now open to the public. You can explore the elegant rooms or stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens. With interactive exhibits and guides, you can learn more about the family's past and its influence on the region's history.

Although in ruins, Carreg Cennen Castle still boasts numerous passageways and rooms, as well as the remains of towers and ramparts. As much for its historical interest as for its strategic location on a sheer cliff overlooking the surrounding Brecon Beacons park, the castle is well worth a visit. At the far end of the inner courtyard, on the left, don't miss the passageway to the cellars, which will take you deep into the castle, to the passages dug into the rock and said to be haunted.

This library is a pure jewel. Bibliophiles, lovers of literature or history, you must enter this cultural mecca, which spans 5 floors. It houses some of the finest national collections, including one of the world's largest collections of Burns manuscripts. It hosts many events. Genealogy enthusiasts can also research their Scottish ancestors at the Family History Centre. A café and an online store will allow you to prolong the immersion.

This medieval fortress, now in ruins, belonged to the Moray family and is one of the most beautiful motte and bailey castles in the country. Mottes were common in the 12th and 13th centuries before being replaced by stone castles. These fortifications consisted of a wooden keep, placed on top of an artificial mound. Some also had an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, with additional wooden buildings. This proud castle was once one of the strongest in Scotland. It has, alas, been abandoned since 1705.

In ruins for more than 300 years, this castle is nevertheless particularly imposing and impressive, overlooking the sea. It was once more important than Culzean Castle, its famous neighbour. Its origins date back to 1200. The Kennedy family prospered here. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have stayed there for three days from August 4, 1563, as the guest of Gilbert Kennedy. The castle was the scene of battles and the object of many conflicts. It became a ruin around 1700 and was used as a quarry before becoming a romantic site.

This high ruined castle was built by Robert II in the 1370s, shortly after his accession to the throne. Because of its location on a promontory, it offers a superb view of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde. The visit allows to discover the history of the place and the building, from room to room. The surroundings are also interesting and worth putting on good shoes: Dundonald Woodland (large deciduous forest), access to Auchans Castle (remains), walk on Smuggler's Trail (leaflets at the castle).

This place is a must for those who are interested in the country's heritage or for budding genealogists. It has many resources on the history of the region, with newspapers, maps, photographs, books, official and unofficial archives. If you need to do genealogical research, you've come to the right place. At its heart is the statue of Robert Burns, the centerpiece of the original monument erected in 1879. It is the only place in Scotland to have archives dating back over 500 years. For £15, you can even do genealogical research.

This Edwardian mansion is full of surprises. It houses the Sharp Collection, rich in paintings, tapestries and ceramics. It also displays antique board games. The exteriors are beautiful and have many attractions. The walk through the woods to the hill is pleasant and offers a magnificent view of Perthshire. A botanical trail invites fascinating discoveries. The Kingarrock golf course has been restored and is available for play.

The prison in the old town can be visited on a guided tour with an actor in costume, taking turns playing different roles. Immersed in the gloomy atmosphere of the building, designated as one of the worst prisons in Britain, you will discover the history of crime and punishment in the Stirling of yesteryear. You will meet the executioner Jock "The Happy Hangman" Rankin, but also the murderers and the tortured. From the top of the tower you will enjoy a beautiful view of the historic town and the surrounding countryside.

This castle is believed to be the oldest surviving and well-preserved castle in Scotland. Erected in the 1100s, it is an impressive complex, adapted through the ages and architectural fashions up to the 1600s. The painted ceiling is a remnant of 17th century splendour. It successively belonged to the Mortimer, Randolph and Dougras families. The walled garden is an invitation to stroll, as are the terraces and park overlooking the Forth.

This ferry bridge, theonly one of its kind in Great Britain, was inaugurated in 1906. Its particular metal structure is explained by the fact that, since the banks of the Usk River are very low, the construction of a standard bridge would have made it impossible for boats to pass through. Towers 75 metres high have therefore been built and instead of crossing the bridge by rolling or walking, we drive on a platform dragged underneath the bridge structure! It can support a maximum of six cars at a time and 120 passengers.

Kilchurn castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. It must be said that its ruins are particularly photogenic, facing the loch and the hollow of the mountains. It was built in the 1400s and was the stronghold of the Campbells clan of Glenorchy for 150 years. After the first Jacobite uprising in 1689, it became a garrison stronghold, before being abandoned at the end of the 18th century. Currently, it is only visited from the outside. A car park a few hundred metres away makes it easy to stop there.

Emblematic site of Tarbert, its castle is a listed monument of national importance, thanks to the passage and action of Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland in 1325. He is the one who had it expanded and strengthened. If the site has been a ruin since the 18th century, it is very pleasant to visit for its view of Loch Fyne and its park, much appreciated by families for a picnic, a nature outing or to watch the sheep of the Hebrides shearing grass. It is him you will see, illuminated, at night, from the port of Tarbert.

Toilets, this is a public restroom... Recommending a toilet in a guidebook is not common, but you shouldn't miss it... Between the galley and the pier, the Victorian toilets of Rothesay are more than a place of ease, a stopover that has become unmistakable and even very attractive. Opened in 1899, these toilets are a fine example of the style of the period, with their ornate ceramics and mosaics.

These ruins will undoubtedly be among those that will impress you the most. The castle looks like a ghost ship, a stone ship stranded on a cliff. It bears two names: Girnigoe, first for a first construction, then Sinclair, named after the clan that erected it in this form at the end of the 15th century. It has survived several battles and was demolished by cannon fire, never to be rebuilt. Now preserved and protected, it is accessible to all.

Kellie Castle is a Victorian castle. It is admired for its artwork, its ornate plasterwork - the majestic ceiling of its library is one of the oldest in Scotland - and the great beauty of its Arts and Crafts garden, with the fragrance of ancient rose varieties. The stables are also an exhibition space: they pay tribute to the sculptor Hew Lorimer. It is even possible to visit his sculpture workshop. The castle is open to the public, with volunteers present in the rooms to reveal the secrets and guided tours.

The "Fortress of the Crows" is a ruined prehistoric fort, perched at 266 meters. There is not much to see from the castle but the view is superb and the place is full of legends. According to these legends, the fortress was built by one of Queen Corwena's twin sons, Bran, after his brother Beli moved to London, and the Queen to another city. Legend has it that the name Bran was actually a code name of the Princes of Arthur for the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail would be, therefore, buried in the foundations of Dinas Bran!

The architecture of this concert hall is unprecedented, with its combination of metal, wood, glass and slate. Its façade is composed of words, in Welsh on the left (" Creu Gwir Fel Gwydr O Ffwrnais Awen ") and English on the right (" In These Stones Horizons Sing "), forming a verse written for the occasion by Gwyneth Lewis, the great Welsh poet born in Cardiff in 1959. To give you an idea of the translation, it would be "In these stones, horizons sing". Featuring a vast auditorium with ideal acoustics, it can accommodate both opera and theater.

This house was the home of Victorian writer and historian Thomas Carlyle and his wife from 1834 to 1881. It quickly became a social event in the literary world. Other Victorian personalities such as Charles Dickens or Alfred Tennyson also frequented the area. You will see the couple's kitchen, dining room, drawing room and bedroom, preserved as they are, as well as the garden where you can imagine the writer in meditation... And discover a true Victorian house.

You will need to be well organized not to miss this visit, which takes place only one hour a day. The building built in 1737 is the place where Lenin had an office from 1902 to 1903, publishing 17 editions of the Bolshevik newspaper Iskra. This office is maintained as it was at the time and can still be visited. The library itself was opened in 1933 to mark the 50th anniversary of Karl Marx's death. It gathers a beautiful collection of books on the history of Marxism, socialism and social movements.

From the small village of Penmaen, reported from the parking lot, a circuit lets you browse a set of archaeological sites between Three Cliffs Bay Bay and Oxwich Bay: medieval church, iron age burial rooms, and ruins of a late th century Norman castle, Pennard Castle. The location of this castle perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the beach of Three Cliffs Bay is impressive and the panorama deserves the ascent!

The doors open, and you're transported back to the prison world of the ^19th century: instruments of torture, prisoners' names engraved on the walls, remind us of the fate of these men who weren't always dangerous criminals. In 1840, Gaynor Jones was sentenced to a month's hard labor for stealing some milk. The women prisoners, separated from the men, did the cooking and were sometimes allowed to cradle their children born within the walls... We stroll through the rooms, witness to gloomy anecdotes.

The medieval castle offers a splendid view of the bay. It was built in the 12th century by Henri de Beaumont, Duke of Gower. As his main residence was built on the current Swansea site, Oystermouth Castle was in fact primarily intended to expand the northwestern surveillance field. The strange appearance of the main façade comes from the absence of the two towers that should have flanked its entrance; they were never built. Even when closed, the castle and park are still worth a look.

Built in 1897, the pretty Pier was a place of relaxation for Victorian and Edwardian society. You can walk on the footbridge above the sea or stop in the café of the kiosk at the summer tone. Behind the Pier is a tiny little beach that overlooks two small islets of rock, the famous "Mumbles". The lighthouse is on one of them and the other rocky promontory, accessible at low tide, is a delight for fishermen and the curious..