Monuments to visit United Kingdom

Very pleasant visit in a very different castle. We are here in a beautiful house built in 1300, on the model of Beaumaris, but whose interior dates mainly from the 18th century (rich furniture, majestic staircase, Mortlake tapestries ...). The building is still partly inhabited by the Myddelton family since 1595, when their ancestor bought the castle for £5,000.

Don't miss the superb park, a small jewel of English gardens, laid out at the end of the 18th century by a great British landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

These magnificent market halls date back to the ^14th century. More than just a place to shop, it's a real monument to be visited, as it's one of London's oldest markets. In the ^19th century, the stone building was replaced by a magnificent arcaded structure combining wrought iron and glass, giving a unique atmosphere to the market, which is now spacious and bright. Stroll through the aisles and stores and take a break in one of the charming little cafés. For the curious, the market was the setting for the first Harry Potter film.

Located in a charming and quiet cobbled street, Merton College was founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton, former Chancellor of England and later Bishop of Rochester. It is one of Oxford's oldest and most important colleges with its medieval buildings and 13th century chapel overlooking nature and the Thames. J.R.R.R. Tolkien was a professor here. Sociologist Theodor Adorno and poet T.S. Eliot also went through Merton College. To discover, a chapel, superb gardens and the library, one of the oldest still in operation.

Here's a chance to relive the district's glorious literary past, with a visit to the home of the great Romantic poet John Keats, whose life was as short (25 years) as it was productive. It was in this house that he spent his last two years and, despite the tuberculosis that weakened him, wrote his most famous verses. Here you can discover an important collection of manuscripts, books and annotated letters, not forgetting the engagement ring that Fanny, his bride, continued to wear until her death.

Last castle of the Iron Ring, the iron belt erected by Edward I of England to contain the Welsh, it is not completely finished but very well preserved.

Begun in 1295, it uses the technique of "walls within walls" - to make it even more invincible although it has never known a battle. It therefore combines double enclosure structures, typical of the 13th century, with a central plan. Enjoy a walk on the walls to soak up the atmosphere and admire the view from its superb position overlooking the Menai Strait.

The most beautiful view of the Royal Naval College is on the other side of the Thames: you can admire the view of the buildings. The first part, the oldest, was built by John Webb, Inigo Jones' nephew and assistant, in the 1660s at the request of Charles II, who wanted a new palace. The project was abandoned due to financial obstacles and it was King William III and his wife who transformed the site into a hospital for wounded sailors. The construction of the building was entrusted to Christopher Wren and completed by Hawksmoor and then by Vanbrugh.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust looks after five buildings associated with William Shakespeare and his family (Shakespeare's Birthplace, New Place & Nash's House, Hall's Croft (temporarily closed), Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Harden's House). The first three are located in the city center, while the other two are a little out of the way. You can buy a combined ticket for all five houses online, at a more attractive price.

This lovely 500-year-old farm cottage, surrounded by flowers and greenery, was Anne Hathaway's home until her marriage to William Shakespeare. The period furnishings, including Anne Hathaway's bed, provide a change of scenery, and the flower-filled gardens are ideal for pleasant strolls. Orchard, English garden and aromatic plants... It's a truly charming and picturesque place, not to be missed. You'll discover the history of the place and the 13 generations of the family who lived there. The visit takes 2 hours.

It is a true college of excellence where princes William and Harry attended school. With its traditions, imposing buildings and students in costume, Eton College is the most prestigious of the public schools (as its name does not indicate, a private school), founded in 1440 by Henri VI. It is one of four schools in England reserved exclusively for boys. Very expensive, of course. A few steps from Windsor Castle, it is a must-see visit and the second most important attraction in the Windsor area.

Commissioned in 1692 by King Charles II, this beautiful building was built by Christopher Wren and was used to rescue veterans wounded during the war. This mission is still relevant today. The museum traces the history of these residents from the 17th century to the present day. The entrance hall is dedicated to the Duke of Wellington and features articles about George Jones and the Battle of Waterloo (1820). He also has a contemporary painting of Queen Elizabeth II by Andrew Festing (1998). It is here that the Chelsea Flower Show is held every May.

The site is dated around 2500 BC. Arthur's Stone, a former burial chamber, is a fifteen-ton stone that rests on six others. However, before 1693, this rock was much larger, until an incident broke it and dropped more than ten tons. Mystery still reigns around this event. Countless legends exist, including that of King Arthur, who, embarrassed by a stone in his shoe, threw it away with force. He fell eleven kilometres further on, on Cefn Bryn, having accumulated magical powers during his flight.

It is the most famous criminal court in the country where the greatest trials take place, such as that of Oscar Wilde in 1895. The Old Bailey was built on the site of the former Newgate prison, one of the most terrible of its time. On the roof, with a sword in one hand and a balance in the other, the allegorical statue of Justice looks towards the Place de Grève, where the executions took place in the past. If major high-profile trials take place during your stay, you will need to get up early. Several guided tours are organized.

The British Library collects every text published in England. It has 325 km of shelving and can hold no fewer than 12 million books. Permanent exhibition rooms showcase historical documents such as the Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible, as well as literary documents such as the complete works of Shakespeare, dating from 1623, and the handwritten and illustrated copy ofAlice in Wonderland that Lewis Carroll gave to Alice Liddell, the little girl who inspired him to write the book. But also texts by the Beatles.

This is the only house you'll be able to visit in this neighborhood, which is home to many examples of modernist architecture, and was designed by architect Ernö Goldfinger in 1939 for himself and his family. At the time, the area attracted many artists, including architects, who had their homes built in an avant-garde style. The tour takes in the interior, which has been left untouched and houses a fine collection of modern art, including works by Henry Moore, Bridget Riley and Max Ernst.

This palace was built by Samuel Fortrey in 1631. The building was originally a manor house of moderate proportions, situated opposite the old Kings' Palace. It belonged to the Levett family, who inherited it from King George III. The property remained in the family for a long time, and was rented from time to time to royalty, notably Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was particularly fond of coming to Richmond. George III briefly took up residence here, and had a Gothic palace built. The new palace was still not ready in 1810, and the king's madness forced him to withdraw from public life and leave the palace. His successor did not like the design of the new palace, and had part of the project dismantled and destroyed, moving the staircase, for example, to Buckingham Palace. George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, died at Kew in 1818. Queen Victoria, on her accession to the throne, donated most of the gardens to the nation, retaining only a small summer pavilion for her personal use. The building, restored and reopened in 2006, was used to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. The history of the building can be retraced inside the palace, which is open to the public. Visit the royal kitchens, unchanged for 200 years, and discover the culinary secrets and gourmet habits of the crowned heads of the ^18th and ^19th centuries... A treat in the heart of sublime Kew Gardens. In April 2020, the 300th anniversary of the death of George III was commemorated here.

The Inns of Court are professional training institutions for lawyers who come to study here. London has four Inns of Court: Inner Temple (King's Bench Walk), Middle Temple (Middle Temple Lane), Lincoln's Inn (Lincoln's Inn Field) and Gray's Inn (Gray's Inn Road). In addition to their role in the training of lawyers, they also supervise the profession. Each barrister (lawyer) belongs to one of these schools. Barristers wear the traditional white wigs and only they are authorized to defend or prosecute the accused and to plead in court. Since the 13th century, the Inns of Court have strictly controlled admission to the English bar and those who wish to become barristers must still study at one of the four Inns of Court today. The system is actually a kind of patronage, in that it is difficult to become a barrister without a network of good contacts. These venerable and traditionalist institutions are built around a central courtyard, modelled on the Oxford and Cambridge colleges. The Inns of Court are a collection of passages, courtyards and lawns of undeniable charm. Lincoln's Inn is the oldest and certainly the most beautiful with its Tudor-style gate and chapel dating back to 1623. Famous figures such as Thomas More, Oliver Cromwell and Margaret Thatcher studied there. Just next door is Lincoln's Inn Field, London's largest square, built in 1640.

St James Palace is one of the oldest palaces in London. Commissioned by Henry VIII in 1530, it was built in 3 years between 1553 and 1556 in the Tudor style and was built around four courts: Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court and Colour Court. In 1558, it was within the palace that Mary Tudor signed the treaty that returned the city of Calais to France. Henry VIII's children died there, the first in 1536, an illegitimate son of the king, and Marie Tudor whose remains lie in Westminster Abbey with her half-sister. Charles II and James II were both born and baptized in St. James, as were Mary of York (Mary II), Anne of York (Queen Anne) and James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Suitor). It was the residence of British rulers from 1698, when the Whitehall Palace was destroyed by fire, and remained the royal residence for nearly three centuries, until Queen Victoria's arrival on the throne in 1837. William IV was the last ruler to reside at the Palace of St James. After his death, and until 1939, certain court decisions were still held at the Palais de Saint-James. It is also within the royal chapel that Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. The building still houses members of the royal family, Prince Charles and his sons lived there. The large apartments contain many furnishings and an interesting range of royal portraits from the time of Henry VIII.

One of London's oldest markets, resurrected today to offer fresh, organic and quality products. The stands will whet your appetite with stalls of fish and seafood, cheese, fresh milk, breads and cakes, meat... The market also sells clothes including vintage clothes from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, cosmetics, jewellery... After a morning of shopping, let yourself be tempted by a short break in one of the many bars in the district. Good plan for the mornings, some stands open before 9am.

Separated by a wall and 200 years old, 23 and 25 Brook Street are the homes of two musicians who chose London as their home. Handel House was opened to the public in 2001. The museum is housed in the home of German-born composer Georg Friedrich Handel. Hendrix's space has been restored as it was when he lived there (1968-69). A permanent exhibition presents Hendrix's place in the musical and social world of 1960s London.

Built in 1866 by George Aitchison, this sumptuous house is the home and studio of Sir Frederic Leighton, a painter and sculptor at the Royal Academy of which he was president in 1878. One of the most fascinating rooms is the magnificent entrance hall decorated entirely with mosaics in an oriental style, sumptuous! The other rooms feature works by the artist and some of his friends. Temporary exhibitions and guided tours are organized throughout the year, so you can learn more!

This gallery presents works from the Royal Collection. Major themed exhibitions are organized to showcase these collections, which are three times larger than those of the National Gallery... They cover all the arts and all eras. Designed by John Nash, the Queen's Gallery was modelled on the other two conservatories at Buckingham Palace, and adopts the architecture of the Ionic temples, on the south-west corner of the palace overlooking the garden. It was completed in 1831. In 1997, John Simpson & Partners were chosen to extend and modernize the pavilion. The new entrance portico uses the Doric order derived from Greek architecture, as John Nash had done in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace. On the gallery level, two friezes symbolize the Queen's reign and four panels represent the patron saints of the United Kingdom, created by Scottish sculptor Alexander Stoddart. The expansion of the Queen's Gallery was the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in 150 years. The project involved stonemasons, wood and plaster carvers, copper and bronze workers, specialist carpenters, blacksmiths, specialist painters and cabinetmakers. The Queen's Gallery was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in May 2002, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. It hosts a program of temporary exhibitions, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Collection.

Founded in 1352 by the bourgeoisie of Cambridge in the heart of the city, it is a fine example of early medieval architecture. It is one of 31 colleges at Cambridge University. Novelist Christopher Marlowe was one of his famous residents, as was navigator Sir Thomas Cavendish and more recently Downtown Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville. Another specific feature is that the college carefully maintains a unique collection of Anglo-Saxon manuscripts. It has one of the smallest numbers of students.

Internationally renowned artist for his breathtaking anamorphoses in situ, Felice Varini invites us to experience it at the site of the Cardiff Bay Dam. First, we notice, in various places, thin segments of yellow paint. Seen from a certain angle (it is up to you to find out which one!), these scattered fragments are then recomposed in the form of three interlocking circles, called "Three Ellispes for Three Locks". This Swiss artist has also worked extensively in France, from the gardens of the Château de Versailles to Marseille.

Senedd (pronounced "Senn-eth") is the seat of the National Assembly for Wales. The National Assembly was formed in 1999, following the 1997 referendum on devolution. In 1997, more than 50% of voters were in favor, whereas in 1979, 80% voted no in the same referendum. This second vote represents a significant milestone in the centuries-old history ofdevolution .

Since its inauguration in 2006, it has become one of the country's most symbolic buildings. It is a model of ecology and transparency, designed by architect Richard Rogers. It features glass walls and a focus on renewable energies. For example, ventilation is natural, and rainwater is recycled to supply the toilets. Its magnificent wooden roof, reminiscent of the movement of waves, is made from red cedar from the sustainably managed forests of British Columbia, and South Wales steel.

The galleries (on the first floor) are open to the public: you can attend a plenary session attended by the Assembly's sixty members. Don't worry, headphones are available to listen to the English translation of any debate in Welsh. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Welsh politics!

From 1999 to the opening of the Senedd in 2006, plenary sessions of the Assembly were held at Crickhowell House (behind the Senedd).

Classy!^18th-century manor house, owned by the Marquis of Anglesey, on the shores of Menai Strait. 700 years of history in one place. Inside, Gothic-style hall, paintings, trompe-l'oeil, frescoes, etc., as well as a military museum. This elegant residence offers a magnificent view of Snowdonia. If the castle is closed, don't hesitate to take a tour of the grounds and gardens. There's also a café on site.

As you stroll through the grounds of Hampstead Heath, you'll come across Kenwood House, a sumptuous ^18th-century mansion once owned by the Earl of Mansfield. In 1925, the house was bought by beer magnate Edward Cecil Guiness, who installed his art collection here, including several paintings by British masters, as well as a set of four canvases by François Boucher, a self-portrait by Rembrandt, and works by Van Dyck and Vermeer. Outside, the beautiful English garden plunges into the park.

Dunster Castle is situated on a wooded hillside 10 minutes from Minehead. After serving as a medieval fortress, in the ^19th century it became a sumptuous residence belonging to the Luttrell family, who lived there for almost 600 years. The magnificent garden features many varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Further down, the river leads to the mill, which is still in operation. From the castle, you can enjoy sublime views over the Bristol Channel.

From Llandeilo, you can explore the ruins of Dinefwr Castle (approx. 2 km from the town center, leaving your car in the parking lot and completing the journey on foot). Overlooking the River Tywi, you'll discover the remains of the great hall, residential apartments, square towers and ramparts characteristic of the place and of Welsh medieval architecture. The parkland you walk through to reach the castle also holds many secrets, and don't hesitate to pass through the deer park on the way.

Also known as Fawr Bridge - or sometimes "Shaking Bridge" - Three Arched Bridge, this three-arched bridge dates from the 17th century. It was completed with additional work in 1636. It overlooks the River Conwy and is believed to be the work of the famous English architect and town planner Inigo Jones (1573-1652), although this attribution has never really been proven. It leads to Tu Hwnt i'r Bont, a beautifully restored 15th century house, which now serves as a tea room. The opportunity for a nice walk.

University College, Oxford, is steeped in history and renowned for its prestigious academic tradition. Founded in 1249, the college has witnessed many remarkable events and personalities over the centuries. The poet Shelley was expelled for atheism. Nevertheless, a statue is dedicated to him today, although a modest veil is drawn over the reason for his expulsion: a pamphlet entitled The Necessity of Atheism. Although the college dates back to 1249, the current buildings were mainly constructed in the ^17th century.

The National Assembly for Wales, also known as the Senedd Cymru, is the unicameral parliament of Wales. Located in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, it was created in 1999 following a referendum on devolution. The Welsh Parliament has the power to legislate in certain areas, set taxes and control the Welsh Government. The National Assembly for Wales building is open to the public and can be visited. It is located in the Cardiff Bay district, close to many other tourist attractions. Visitors can discover the building's modern architecture and learn more about the workings of the Welsh Parliament through interactive exhibits. Guided tours are also available for those wishing to learn more about the history and role of the National Assembly for Wales. A visit to the National Assembly for Wales is an excellent opportunity to discover Welsh politics and culture.

Carreg Cennen Castle is located in the village of Trap, four miles south of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is situated near the Afon Cennen and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy panoramic views from the ramparts. There's also a gift store and tea room on site. Admission is £5.50 for adults, £4.50 for over-60s, £3.50 for concessions and £16.00 for a family ticket. The rest of the site is free to visit. The castle is open all year round, with the exception of Christmas.

The Tron Kirk is an old church, built between 1636 and 1647. Its imposing spire can be seen from all over the city, making it the meeting point for the Hogmanay festival. It was here that goods and goods were weighed, as were souls, in a way, since criminals were punished. After having survived the centuries as best it could, it came under the temporary control of the Edinburgh World Heritage. The organization offers an exhibition on Scotland's historical and landscape treasures: an excellent introduction to refine your stay!