Monuments of culture and nature of Great Britain. Historical monuments of Great Britain. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

Discover a world of stunning British landscapes.

The Needles, Isle of Wight

These three chalk cliffs, located at west coast The Isle of Wight was once part of the Cape. But under the influence of erosion, they gradually separated from the shore.

The most impressive views of The Needles are from The Needles Old Battery, a Victorian fortress built to protect Britain from seaborne invasions. On a clear day, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing combination of shimmering white cliffs, blue foaming waters and an endless horizon.

What is noteworthy is the fact that, in fact, none of these squat rocks are igloo-like, as the name might suggest. This natural attraction got its name thanks to two needle-like rocks that were located here until 1794. Unfortunately, during a storm they crashed into the sea.

Natural amphitheater Malham Cove, North Yorkshire, England (Malham Cove, North Yorkshire)

The amazing natural amphitheater Malham Cove is formed by cliffs 80 m high, lined up in a semicircle. It was created by the melting of a glacier at the end of the last ice age.

The top of the cliff consists of limestone steps, polished by retreating ice so that they resemble rough paving slabs. This “sidewalk” offers a fantastic view of the expanses national park Yorkshire Dales National Park), the surrounding area is excellent for hiking.

By the way, Malham Cove is probably familiar to all Harry Potter fans - after all, it was here that some shots of the film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” were filmed.

Jurassic Coast, East Devon, Dorset

This part of the coastline of East Devon and Dorset, otherwise known as the Jurassic Coast, became the first place in the world to be named a World Heritage Site. natural heritage. The length of the “dinosaur beach” is about 150 km.

A special feature of the local rocks is the multi-million-year-old layering of layers of sedimentary rocks, which shows almost the entire history of the Earth. Walking along the cliff from west to east, you can easily travel through time through three geological periods: Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. In other words, it is a “time capsule” containing 185 million years of our planet’s history.

Be sure to follow the local cliff paths to see some of England's most prominent geological features, including the Durdle Door, a large limestone arch shaped like a dinosaur's head.

By the way, the association with ancient lizards is not at all accidental. It was on this coast that fossils from the Mesozoic era were found. The list of the most ambitious discoveries includes the first dinosaurs, pterosaurs and gigantic marine reptiles that can strike terror even into the formidable T-Rexes! You can get acquainted with these witnesses of the first centuries of life on our planet in Historical Museum Dorset County Museum, where most of the ancestors are exhibited. And if you want to go hunting for ancient fossils yourself, head to Charmouth Beach.

The Oscar Wilde biopic Wilde, starring Stephen Fry and Jude Law, was filmed on the Jurassic Coast.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England

By the way, the Gaelic name of this cave, Uamh-Binn, translates as “cave of melodies.”

Trotternish Peninsula, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Trotternish Peninsula is the northernmost of the Isle of Skye. As you walk along the eastern shore, you'll see the jagged cliffs of the Quiraing landslide, straight out of the pages of Tolkien. And also the Old Man of Storr - a basalt monolith 49 m high.

It was in these landscapes of stunning natural beauty that Charles Edward Stuart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie, took refuge after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This fearless knight is famous for being a contender for the English and Scottish thrones and the leader of a rebellion against English rule in Scotland in the 18th century.

By the way, here, in Trotternish, is the colorful Kilt Rock waterfall, named after the Kilt, a famous element of the Scottish national costume.

Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr, Snowdonia

These two mountains are the brightest and most memorable representatives of the complete colorful landscapes Snowdonia region.

Glider Vag (994 m) is crowned by the famous rock, reminiscent of a massive stone beam skillfully balancing over an abyss. Thanks to this miracle of natural architecture, the mountain is always popular among rock climbers and lovers of original photos and selfies.

And Glyder Waue (1001 m) is famous for its intimidating pointed stone pillars, tilted like ancient tombstones.

It is also noteworthy that the Snowdonia National Park has the most high mountain England and Wales - Snowdon with a height of 1085 m.

Britain had colonies all over the world for decades. to the globe, and therefore its contribution to culture can be considered one of the most significant in the world. English traditions have become a household name, and the culture of Great Britain influenced the development of music and painting, architecture and theater, fashion and literature among many nations.

Build to last

One of the main cultural features of the United Kingdom is its famous architectural monuments. England once became an influential architectural center, and many styles were reflected in its buildings. The famous Caterbury Cathedral, now under the protection of UNESCO, was built on the site where St. Augustine of Canterbury conducted mass baptisms local residents- the first Christians on the territory of the future Great Britain.
The architecture of Foggy Albion is closely connected with the history and political initiatives of the country. The Renaissance did not bring the same magnificent prosperity as on the mainland, but classicism took root and became the main direction in the construction of buildings and structures at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. Gothic and neo-Gothic styles of architecture turned out to be no less popular on the islands. Among the main cultural monuments of Great Britain are Westminster Abbey, the Tower, the ensemble Trafalgar Square, castles of Scotland, Buckingham Palace.

Shakespeare House

Literary researchers can argue for as long as they like whether Shakespeare existed, but his contribution to the world cultural heritage no one doubts it. Those who dream of going to the theater from which the victorious march of famous productions began around the world should book a tour to London. The Globe building is located here and a troupe of actors performs in which Shakespeare himself played four centuries ago. Other venues in the UK are no less popular among theatergoers:

Royal Opera theatre.
Edinburgh Theater Festival.
New Cardiff Theatre.
London Coliseum.
Irish Literary Theatre.

Many productions are performed in languages and dialects adopted in Ireland and Scotland, which greatly contributes to the preservation of the unique culture of Great Britain.

Literary heritage

The United Kingdom has given the world several dozen poets and writers who have become beloved by millions of readers in different countries. The list of literary giants includes D. G. Byron and Agatha Christie, Lewis Carroll and Walter Scott, Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw.

The sights of England are so numerous and varied that you should make a schedule for visiting and exploring them in advance. Especially if your trip will not last for a long time. Let's find out what you must see in England.

What to see first in England?

2. London Big Ben

Clock tower Big Ben in London

When planning your trip and exploring the main attractions of England, do not forget about the clock tower Palace of Westminster, created more than 150 years ago. Commemorative clocks proclaim the most important events of the state: the advent of the New Year, Minutes of Silence, etc. Until recently, it was Big Ben that had the largest dial on Earth - not a single photo or description can convey the full grandeur of the main symbol of London;

3. Lake District National Park

Nature of the Lake District National Park

The natural attractions of England are no less interesting than the man-made masterpieces of the country. An example is the park, founded in 1951. His total area is 885 sq. miles. The Lake District is famous for its excellent panoramic views and blooming rural areas, mountain and lake landscapes. The nature here is so unpredictable that in one day it can show all 4 seasons;

4. Hyde Park

Bird's eye view of Hyde Park

Few interesting places England is rich in attractions such as the Royal Hyde Park. There is the famous Speakers' Corner, an animal cemetery, a memorial in honor of Princess Diana, the Wellington Museum, the statue of Achilles - the list goes on for a long time. Folk festivals, large-scale celebrations and political rallies are regularly held in the park;

5. Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall or Hadrian's Wall - a defensive structure Ancient Rome

The length of this historical landmark of England is 117 km. It was built in 122-128 by the Romans to protect against attacks by the Brigantes and Picts. About 15 years ago, a hiking trail was opened for tourists along the defensive structure. Reviews from travelers claim that a walk along the rampart will be interesting not only for lovers of history and natural beauty, but also for people with any other vacation preferences;

Feel the atmosphere of England in this beautiful video!

6. British Museum

British Museum main entrance

If your list of what to visit in England does not include the oldest and one of the largest museums in the world, you will visit the country in vain. The British Museum, located in London, is the second most visited art museum, second only to the Louvre. Everything necessarily begins or ends here. You will see how mysterious exhibits and ancient artifacts, as well as the most famous objects of history that we have heard about since childhood;

7. Project Eden

Hexagonal domes of the Eden project

Recommendations from local flora and fauna lovers will certainly lead you to this Botanical Garden. It is located in the county of Cornwall, and is especially famous for its unique greenhouse (geodesic domes have collected plants from all over the Earth);

8. Yorkshire Dales National Park

The spectacular landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Even short description this attraction of England arouses interest in it: charming villages and towns, waterfalls and valleys, ideal for hiking, cave systems open to the public (within park area), rivers and stone fences, endless heaths and lush green pastures where cattle and sheep roam;

9. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Stone figure in The Lost Gardens of Heligan

A huge botanical garden with unique stone figures and exotic plants. It was also included in the list of “best attractions in England” for its original woven wire people that “welcome” guests throughout the territory, its own “jungle”, flower and vegetable gardens;

10. Leeds Castle

Lake in front medieval castle Leeds

See with your own eyes the most beautiful medieval building, located on the lake islands near the Len River, is a must for every tourist. At one time it was used as the residence of the royal family. Here are the bedrooms of Catherine of Aragon and Lady Bailey, the banquet hall of King Henry the Eighth and the library of Master Boudin;

11. Westminster Abbey

North façade of Westminster Abbey

Gothic church in Westminster, erected between 1245 and 1745. If you are wondering what to visit in England right now, you are unlikely to be able to get to this abbey - the number of tourists here is always large. The church attracts attention both with its majestic appearance and with its exhibitions: original-looking weapons, paintings, rare documents and ancient tomes;

12. Wembley Stadium

Panorama of Wembley Stadium Ed Webster

On the days of international football matches, when all the hotels in England are occupied by fans of the “number one game”, this stadium with red stands is visible to the whole world. The country's national team conducts its training here, and Champions League competitions are organized here. The date of foundation of the new stadium (the previous one was demolished back in 2003) is 2007;

13. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace and Flower Gardens

The official residence of Elizabeth II (Queen of England) in London. Fans of this landmark of England compare it to a small town. It has its own cinema, disco, several sports clubs, a bar, a hospital, post offices and police. Three miles of red carpet and 600 rooms, including state rooms, are serviced daily by more than 700 employees. It is also worth buying a ticket in advance;

14. Tower Bridge

Side view of Tower Bridge

Partially divorced, partially suspension bridge in neo-Gothic style, held over the Thames, located near the Tower. Another symbol of Britain lighting up in dark time days with hundreds of lights. From the bridge you can watch slowly moving ships and take memorable photos;

15. Stonehenge

Stonehenge - ruins of a monumental structure on Solbury Plain

Megalithic stone structure or "stone circle", listed by UNESCO, is called a huge stone mystery. The attraction consists of 5 arches pointing to the cardinal directions, 30 blocks and 82 megaliths. In the central part there is a 6-ton altar.

Sights of England: what else to visit in England?

16. Shambles Street in York

Shambles Street in York is full of quirky Jinx McCombs shops

Now you know where to go first in England. However, do not limit your excursion program to just these attractions. No less interesting to you will be, for example, Shambles Street in York. It is included in the TOP 10 most beautiful shopping streets in the world, and not only shopping fans should visit it.

17. Stratford-upon-Avon

Street in the English town of Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of W. Shakespeare. In a small town they are waiting for you national restaurants and pubs with simple and inexpensive but tasty dishes. The city center hosts the popular Mop Fair.

18. London Eye

London Eye Ferris wheel

Want to see all of London at once? Take a ride on Europe's largest Ferris wheel, the London Eye. To do this you need to go to South coast Thames to Lambeth area.

19. Tower

Walls medieval fortress Tower of London

The Tower is the historical center of the capital of England and a fortress on the north bank of the Thames. Long term The Tower was a prison and a repository for the jewels of English monarchs, but today it is a magnificent architectural monument. Buy a ticket for an evening tour, and perhaps you will be among those who see ghosts here. According to legend, here you can meet Sir Walter Raleigh (the navigator) and Anne Boleyn walking with her head in her right hand. Don't worry - you will be accompanied by security during your excursions.

20. Albert Dock in Liverpool

Albert Dock in Liverpool - art space and entertainment area

Albert Dock in Liverpool, built entirely from cast iron, brick and stone (no timber), was the first enclosed dock in the world. Nowadays an annual festival is held here. large ships, sound, laser and light multimedia shows are organized on the water.

Madame Tussauds in Marylebone, London self-made

Along with Big Ben, the gallery is a real symbol of London and the whole of Great Britain wax figures Madame Tussauds is a museum with a human face, or more precisely, with a thousand faces represented in all branches of the famous museum. This establishment was founded back in the 19th century by the famous female sculptor Marie Tussaud. Her passion for creating wax figures was her life's work, and the first works were exhibited to the general public in 1835 - it was at this time that the ancient museum was opened. And half a century later, the collection moved to another building in the Marylebone quarter, where it remains to this day. The exhibition included sculptures of actors, politicians, musicians, athletes, writers, representatives of the royal dynasty, film characters and other famous personalities. History buffs are recommended to visit two halls set aside specifically for Napoleon; science buffs will see realistic figures of scientists. Every year, the number of people visiting Madame Tussauds is about 3 million people!

22. London National Gallery

London National Gallery in Trafalgar Square in London Roman Boed

The National Gallery of 1839, located in London's Trafalgar Square, is one of the largest art galleries kingdoms. In its spacious halls, countless masterpieces of fine art with names are located in chronological order , with a total number of more than 2 thousand. Here visitors can trace the entire history of the development of Western European painting from the 12th to the 20th centuries. Among the exhibits are works by court artists of the British kings, collections of Venetian masters, Italian and Spanish artists, French, German and Flemish painters. The gallery features a large collection of Rembrandt's works, reflecting his entire life. Rubens is no less widely represented, especially in the paintings of his late period. The London gallery gives its visitors the opportunity not only to see famous paintings, but also to learn how to create their own creations - master classes on drawing techniques are regularly held here.

23. Rochester Castle

View of Rochester Castle from the doors of Rochester Cathedral on east coast River Medway Hugh Llewelyn

Status as Britain's most iconic landmark , Perhaps Rochester Castle is worthy - a true symbol of England and its pride. A fortress with almost a thousand-year history is located in Kent, half an hour’s drive from London. In those years main goal The construction of the castle was to block the path of the conquerors to the English capital, and it is worth saying that the powerful stone structure completely coped with this task, despite numerous sieges. And even after repeated restorations, the majestic castle retained its original appearance - and today it is a striking example of Norman architecture. Throughout its history, the fortress inspired the writer Dickens and the artist Turner; its first floor was used for storerooms, the commandant lived on the second, and the owner and his retinue lived on the third. In the vicinity of the castle you can see fragments of thick fortress walls, and the 38-meter donjon tower is one of the best preserved monuments of the Middle Ages.

The Choir of Canterbury Cathedral standing in front of Trinity Chapel Diliff

London is a true treasure trove of Britain, full of architectural masterpieces, fashionable clubs and other tasty finds for tourists. But what to see in England, besides London? Among the first places worth visiting is Canterbury Cathedral from 603, located in ancient city Canterbury is in the south-eastern part of the country. Unfortunately, the original appearance of the cathedral has no longer been preserved - it was destroyed by fire in the 12th century, but during the restoration process a magnificent Gothic building was erected with the attached Trinity Chapel, where the relics of the murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket are kept. Of particular value to the cathedral are the colorful stained glass windows of the 12th-13th centuries. biblical stories, which can be seen in the west window. The choir of the cathedral is made in the early Gothic style, the chapels attached to it contain relics, including the Chair of St. Augustine, on which the consecration of archbishops is carried out, as well as the Crown of Bracket, thrown from the head of the archbishop during his assassination.

25. Sherwood Forest

The picturesque landscape of Sherwood Forest in the vicinity of Climston

In the county of Nottinghamshire there is a mysterious forest covered in legends. Not only adult tourists go to Sherwood Forest, but also those who are looking for attractions of England for children - the spirit of adventure attracts the youngest travelers to this place. According to folk ballads, it was in this forest that the brave Robin Hood thought over his plans - here, in one ancient oak tree, the so-called hero’s headquarters was located. Today everyone can see a giant giant tree called the “Major Oak”. For half a century, the territory of this park has been protected and in demand as a popular recreation area. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this reserve every year: flora lovers can prepare original gifts in the form of acorns from Oak Major, and holiday fans can visit a major festival that is held here in summer time, with theatrical performances, circus performances and shows.

Let's sum it up

It is impossible to unequivocally and briefly answer the question of what you should definitely see in England. This country is ready to offer a lot of exciting and interesting attractions to every guest. So plan excursion route taking into account your own preferences in advance.

And on the other side Atlantic Ocean There is a country of freedom - Cuba. Read also about the best and get inspired for your further journey through the countries of America!

Of course, metropolitan London deserves close attention: you can live in the city for a very long time, but never cease to be amazed by its sights, constantly discovering new places. However, many other British cities also offer countless historical monuments, museums, theaters and inspiring cityscapes.

For example, the ancient university cities of Oxford and Cambridge are ideal for getting to know English traditions. One of the reasons to stay in York is the UK's largest National Railway Museum, after visiting which you can thoroughly enjoy strolls through the medieval quarters of York.

A trip to the cities of Scotland is unthinkable without a few days in Edinburgh. Tourists plan to walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, photograph the Forth Bridge at sunset and, of course, taste real Scotch whiskey to the tune of bagpipes.

Despite the fact that there are not many historical buildings in Glasgow, you can spend a busy day or two in the city, walking through the streets and parks, visiting museums and galleries, musicals and opera performances in theaters. Of particular interest are nature reserves and parks that are easily accessible from Glasgow. First and foremost is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a place of stunning scenery.

In search of colorful sights of Great Britain, it is worth visiting Liverpool, Durham, Bath, Canterbury, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Cardiff, and also small towns and villages.

Video "Sights of Great Britain"

Britain's rich and varied culture has played a major role in the culture of other countries, particularly influencing its former colonies such as Australia and Canada. It is very multifaceted due to the merger of 4 separate states that have preserved their ancient traditions.

We can talk about the cultural heritage of this country for a very long time. touches on every aspect of the development of world culture, be it science, literature, music or literature. Great Britain has always been famous for its talented creative people who have gained worldwide fame.

Religion of Great Britain

Main UK religion, which is preached by more than 70% of the population, is Christianity, which in turn is divided into such religious communities as Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian. Next in popularity are Islam, Hinduism and Judaism.

UK economy

Developed in many areas UK economy It ranks 6th in size in the world and second in Europe, second only to Germany. Despite the fact that Great Britain is part of the European Union, it has retained its historical currency - pounds sterling, equal to 100 pence.

UK Science

From the 17th century to the present day, UK science firmly occupies a leading position in development. This country has given the world such outstanding scientists as physicist Isaac Newton, naturalist Charles Darwin, and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. The UK is currently actively developing aviation industry and pharmaceutical industry.

UK art

All forms of art are widely developed in Great Britain, as is culture. Popular here different directions music and many folk motifs have been preserved. The most popular group is, of course, The Beatles. Fine UK art actively developed over several centuries thanks to the Royal Academy of Arts.

UK cuisine

As you know, the British are pedants. UK cuisine This feature of mentality was not spared. Each region of this country is famous for its traditional recipes: England for steaks and milk tea, Ireland for trout, Wales for lamb with mint sauce, and Scotland for porridge with meat and spices.

Customs and traditions of Great Britain

All customs and traditions of Great Britain are carefully protected by the local population, practically do not change and are passed on from generation to generation. Everyone knows how the British are sensitive to their time. Meals are taken strictly according to schedule. A feature of the mentality is restraint.

UK Sports

Many sports were born and developed in Great Britain, the most popular of which are football, badminton, tennis and golf. UK Sports developed at the highest level. Most often, teams play for their kingdom. But at major international competitions they all unite into a single team. London throughout history olympic games has already hosted the Olympics three times. And this is not an unimportant aspect, causing

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