If you were to look at a city from a distance, you’d most likely recognise it from its landmarks. Whether it’s Rome’s Colosseum or the Statue of Liberty in New York, landmarks give places an identity – a unique feature synonymous with the city, town, or even the whole region. Few countries contain the wealth of landmarks the UK boasts, scattered across every corner of our island. If you’re ticking things off the bucket list, these are the most famous landmarks in the UK you can visit today.
Big Ben, London
Quite possibly the most famous clock in the world, Big Ben – the name given to the bell within the Elizabeth Tower – dominates views of the Thames. It was completed in 1859, and towers above the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Back in 2022, a team of skilled craftspeople finally completed Big Ben's biggest makeover ever. It took five years, during which London locals and tourists had to witness the tower behind a sombre grey shroud. The project required a wealth of highly specialised skills that are almost lost to time, like stone masonry and gilding, which emphasised the importance of preserving these practices.
Today, Big Ben stands proud as a testament to the UK's architectural heritage, ready to chime on the hour, every hour for many years to come.
Tower Bridge, London
That Tower Bridge often gets mistaken for London Bridge is evidence of its noteworthiness and magnificence. One of the most beautiful bridges in the world, its blue steel structure and 19th-century Gothic architecture are immediately recognisable.
Back in the early planning days of Tower Bridge, one of the standout construction challenges was building it downstream from London Bridge without disrupting river traffic. In response, a public competition took place with the goal of generating some novel design ideas. In the end, it was decided that Tower Bridge would be operated by steam-powered hydraulics, and subsequently, oil and electricity, that could drive the bascules up as a ship approached.
Today, visitors can still witness this amazing sight, as there are roughly 800 vessels that pass through the bascules each year. We also recommend taking a trip to the bridge at nighttime to experience the landmark lit up.
Angel of the North, Gateshead
The Angel of the North is the UK’s answer to iconic landmarks like Cristo Redentor and the Statue of Liberty. Built by Sir Antony Gormley to represent the miners working in that area of Gateshead, it towers 20 metres high into the skyline and has a wingspan of 54 metres. On a sunny day, the red copper contrasts beautifully with the blue sky.
According to the artist, the angel serves both as a poignant reminder of the two centuries the miners spent toiling in the ground below and as a marker of transition and change, from industrial into the information age. It's a cornerstone that represents our hopes and fears for the future and will stand tall for over one hundred years to come.
The Kelpies, Falkirk
The Kelpies are two equine structures along the Forth and Clyde Canal, designed to represent Scotland’s horse-powered heritage. Towering above visitors at 100ft tall and weighing 300 tonnes, these iconic sculptures form a gateway between the east and west of Scotland. Take a tour inside the landmark or visit at night to see them illuminated with a purple glow.
The Kelpies are part of the wider Heart of Falkirk Trail, a 16km circular route beginning and ending at The Helix Park that winds through the Kelpies, the Rosebank Distillery, The Falkirk Wheel, and the Callendar House and Park. A perfect year-round activity for the family.
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Aliens? Giants? Not quite. While we’re certain Stonehenge is a manmade monument, scientists are still unsure as to how – with such limited technology – it was built thousands of years ago. This all adds to the mystique around this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Over two hundred archaeological objects have been found in the areas around Stonehenge during its long life. Now, visitors can witness these miraculous finds all in one place, from bones to battle axes to arrowheads, there's plenty of prehistory to discover at the Stonehenge exhibition. The best time to visit Stonehenge is during the summer and winter solstice when hundreds come to celebrate the longest and shortest days of the year.
London Eye, London
The Shard may have pipped the top spot for the best view of the capital city, but the London Eye still offers a magnificent view of England’s most iconic skyline and a unique way to experience it. And that’s not the only thing the Millennium Wheel has to offer; it’s a stunning UK landmark and the most recognisable feature along London’s Southbank. As one of the country's most popular paid tourist attractions, be prepared for hustle and bustle when visiting.
The London Eye was opened in 1999 and was originally intended as a temporary attraction, able to be picked up and moved to a new location. However, its immense popularity prompted the structure to become a permanent addition to Southbank, and now it stands as, perhaps, the most recognisable aspect of London today.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Sitting majestically atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a beacon of Scotland’s capital. It’s one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe and one of the most impressive in the world. Catch a glimpse of it as you exit Edinburgh Waverley, and make sure to visit during August to witness the incredible Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival.
Edinburgh Castle interestingly sits atop an extinct volcano. During the Carboniferous period, around 340 million years ago, an eruption at this site occurred. The boiling magma that reached the surface eventually cooled and hardened to create a plug, effectively ending the volcano's life for good. However, there is still evidence of an ancient volcanic system that runs down beneath the city.
Conwy Castle, Conwy
Overlooking the town of Conwy, North Wales, Conwy Castle is an impressive 13th-century fortress built by Edward I of England. It’s ideally situated next to the River Conwy, and on sunny days you can catch stunning views of Snowdonia’s mountain ranges. This World Heritage Site has a rich history that begs to be explored.
For those looking to visit Conwy for a day trip, be sure to also check out one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the UK, the Smallest House in Great Britain.
Roman Baths, Bath
Few landmarks can boast they gave a city its name, but the Roman Baths did exactly that. Built around 70AD, the world-renowned taprooms and bathhouses are easily one of the best historical locations to visit in the UK. Situated in the heart of Bath, the best time to visit the Roman Baths is late on a winter’s day. Fire torches, steam, and magnificent architecture? When in Rome…
Throughout summer, the Roman Baths remain open until 10 pm, to provide a spectacular view of the sunset over the water. Visiting at this time is a great way to avoid crowds and to enjoy the experience at a more leisurely pace. There's also a pop-up bar available too, so sip a cool beverage and soak in the atmosphere.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Wales’s capital has an abundance of recognisable landmarks, but few have the aesthetic impact of Cardiff Castle. Situated within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular streets, the fortress was built in the 11th century and boasts a dense history. Discover stunning Victorian Gothic architecture outside and delve inside for incredible views of Cardiff.
Cardiff Castle has an eclectic offering when it comes to historical treasures. A visit will reward visitors with original Roman stonework, a Norman motte and bailey founded by William the Conqueror, and a stunning Victorian banqueting hall and library.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-shire
While the Glenfinnan Viaduct was a magnificent piece of architecture before 2001, it gained most of it's notoriety as one of the UK’s most famous landmarks after appearing in the Harry Potter films. Its 21 arches and curved track are immediately recognisable if you’re a fan of the movies. The Jacobite Steam Train, one of Britain's most famous trains, traverses the viaduct on its journey to Mallaig and, with luck, will stop for a time to allow passengers to take in the breathtaking views.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is a stunning fortress surrounded by vast grounds and glorious gardens. With so many royal ceremonies having taken place here, it's a British pilgrimage. Tours of the fabulous interior and incredible architecture make it a landmark not to be missed.
One fun fact about Windsor Castle is that it's home to the oldest working kitchen in the country. The kitchen and its generations of staff have been tasked with feeding kings and queens for centuries. The clocks in the kitchen are even set five minutes fast to keep dinner service running shipshape.
If you’re planning a tour of the UK's best landmarks, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia