AD – This is a collaborative post
Britain is awash with history dating back as far as prehistoric times, simply take a wander around any museum or English Heritage site and you will come face to face with a relic dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
While history has all been said and done, still we uncover new and exciting facts that paint a better picture of what life used to be like.
It is for that reason that we shouldn’t forget to look back on history – both the good and the bad – to truly appreciate where we are. Not only that but visiting some of the most historic landmarks is a fantastic excuse to see more of the country.
Stonehenge
This prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire is one of the most famous of its kind not just in Britain, but around the world. Archaeologists believe the structure dates back as far as 3000BC and no one is quite sure how or why the landmark was put together. Evidence suggests that the site was originally used as a burial ground; with human bone found that dates back to around the same time it is believed the structure was first erected. It has been listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 1986 and remains a popular tourist destination.
London
You cannot create a post on British history without a section dedicated to London. Our capital city is full of British history, so much so that some 38.8 million overseas tourists are expected to visit London in 2019.
Key landmarks, especially for those travelling from outside of the country, are landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Sites and structures that are ingrained in British culture that has been built around with modern landmarks such as the London Eye and the well-kept Hyde Park, that proves to be a big favourite in the summer months.
Equally, tourists also love to sink their teeth into the city’s darker past – and there is a lot here to get stuck into. London is probably home to history’s most revered serial killer, Jack the Ripper, who lurked the streets of Whitechapel in 1888. Many have attempted to follow the timeline of events in an attempt to unmask the otherwise anonymous killer, but no one has yet managed to do so…at least not convincingly.
Hadrian’s Wall
Stretching for 73 miles coast to coast close to the Scottish-English border is Hadrian’s Wall, first built by the Romans between 122-128AD. The wall, named after the Roman Emperor Hadrian, was designed as a defensive structure.
It is, in fact, a common misconception that the wall sits precisely on the border between Scotland and England, but this actually isn’t the case. Hadrian’s Wall sits entirely on English soil and was never erected as a means of separating the countries, contrary to some stories.
Tourists can walk along Hadrian’s Wall with a significant portion of the structure still standing. There are also regular events along the wall, such as battle re-enactments and various Roman workshops where all the family can get involved.
Image source Harry Feather/Shutterstock
Ben Nevis
In Scotland you will find the highest peak anywhere in Britain as you encounter Ben Nevis, formerly an active volcano. You don’t have to challenge yourself to climb the mountain as numerous walks take place all year round. Once you reach the summit you will find evidence of a previous eruption, with lightly coloured granite visible.
Over 125,000 walkers take on Ben Nevis annually, making this one of Britain’s most popular – and healthy – tourist attractions.
With history almost everywhere you turn, we are incredibly lucky to be able to explore and uncover various chapters of British history. Let’s make the most of it!
Featured image source Mr Nai/Shutterstock
*This is a collaborative post*
We have so much history here in the UK.
My fella has always wanted to visit Stonehenge and I’ve always wanted to visit London. x
London is brimming with history which I love. There’s some places I need to visit on your list. I can’t believe I’ve still not been to Stone Henge or Hadrians Wall.. They are such incredible landmarks and prove there’s more to the UK than just London
I am a history buff as you probably already know so this fascinates me. I do really love English history and hope to see some of those amazing historical sites someday! Thanks so much for hosting #MMBC
You got my attention with the photo of Stonehenge. I’ve always wanted to visit Britain and see Stonehenge and all the tourist spots. #MMBC
We do have some wonderful spots to visit in this country. I love visiting historical sites and I’ve been to all the ones you mentioned. It’s lovely to take the children to some of my favourite places and see it through their eyes. #MMBC
That is a wonderful picture of Ben Nevis! I’ve been to Stonehenge a couple of times but I would love to take my daughter :o)
#MMBC
Love these places! Would definitely love to take my family there in the future.
I was England, Wales, and Ireland once. I saw Stonehenge and London but not the others. I’d like to spend more time in London. #MMBC
Really should visit Stonehenge as not too far from us!
I love the history of Britain!! London always fascinates me and Im yet to visit the tower of London. Ive been to Stonehenge and it amazed me, how those huge stones even got there in the first place! Xx
Great article. Hadrian’s Wall is amazing, I loved my visit there.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hadrians wall.
Loved reading about these places, just on our doorsteps but most English families have not seen them
Would love to visit stone hange, so much history
These are all places on my list. We recently visited Hadrian’s wall, but I have always wanted to go to Ben Nevis
Fascinating insight into history on our doorstep and lots of great places to visit – thanks!
Great read, we have vowed to go new places in England each year as always too easy to go abroad yet we have a beautiful country just the weather let’s us down
What a lovely write up and very informative,
Some great places to visit, we said a couple of years ago each year we will do a UK break as well as abroad. Love exploring our own Country and finding new places.
There’s some really beautiful places to visit in the UK, Stonehenge is somewhere I’d love to visit.
We used to travel al over the country for our business & I visited a number of places whilst out & about including Stonehenge. I grew up in Coventry which has so much history which people all over come to see but I’ve only glipsed when I’m doing my shopping! This has made me want to explore more of what’s right on my doorstep.
Love the mystery around Stone Henge…yet to take my daughter for a visit!
Lots of great places!
Never been to ben Nevis – will put on my wishlist
I am putting Hadrain’s Wall and Ben Nevis on my bucket list now
I used to live near Stonehenge and it is pretty impressive!