England is filled with culture and historical sites to visit, many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hadrian’s Wall which are worth seeing on your next trip to Britain.
There’s also the mysterious Stonehenge which makes for an amazing guided tour, along with other sites like Westminster Palace – home of both Houses of Parliament.
Leicester Cathedral
The cathedral that contains King Richard III’s tomb draws many visitors each year, particularly since his tomb was reinterred during a ceremony that was watched around the globe in 2015.
Built more than 900 years ago by Normans and initially known as St Martins Church, it later evolved to become Civic Church with strong links to merchant guilds in its vicinity. Later still, when the diocese was reinstated in 1927 it gained cathedral status and eventually cathedral status was bestowed upon it.
Archaeologists have discovered a Roman altar stone in Leicester cathedral’s cellar that would have served as the primary site for sacrifices during Roman times. This significant discovery sheds light on its sacral heritage.
Royal Albert Dock
Royal Albert Dock was an architectural wonder, vast in scale, and achieved global renown at the close of the 19th century. It revolutionized how Liverpool’s waterfront operated; fireproof warehouses made business possible before import taxes became due, while hydraulic cranes hauled heavy cargo across quayside flagstones to dramatically decrease unloading time for ships arriving and departing dock.
Today, the iconic complex of piers and warehouses houses multiple museums, restaurants, bars and independent shops – as well as serving as an inspiration source with its timeless brick construction and old warehouse aesthetics that has become more commonplace in modern living spaces and office designs.
White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic landmark, rich with stories. To the English people, the cliffs symbolize home; in particular they serve as an important marker marking where mainland Europe begins and ends – so many travelers first or last sight them upon crossing into England from continental Europe.
The White Cliffs derive their white hue from erosion of Cretaceous period chalk deposits. Hikers often visit these breathtaking cliffs as well as William Shakespeare, who often sought inspiration in them for writing plays such as Macbeth. Furthermore, these reminders of global Flood serve to bring to mind biblical accounts of this event.
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, has seen much throughout its long history. Built as a motte and bailey fortress by William the Conqueror himself, Warwick later served as home for Earls of Warwick.
The Earldom has passed through several great families including the Nevilles, Riches and Grevilles. Sir Fulke Greville spent an immense sum renovating and restoring the castle during the 1600s; as evidenced in its lavish state rooms.
At the Castle you will also be able to witness one of the world’s largest working siege machines – an enormous medieval trebuchet capable of throwing cannonballs 100 meters in an instant!
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral was established by St Augustine in 597AD and remains one of England’s oldest and most historic Christian structures. Furthermore, it serves as the mother church of Anglican Communion and serves as home to Archbishop of Canterbury.
The cathedral has had an eventful history, from Saint Augustine’s arrival in 597 to Thomas Becket’s death and subsequent burial – an incident immortalized in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – in 1170 and drawing pilgrims from around the globe as per pilgrimage routes.
Recent excavations, for service and paving works, have yielded fascinating archaeological finds such as medieval glassware fragments and graffiti exalting Christ. Volunteer and visitor experiences with these historic graffiti inscriptions have demonstrated positive contributions to visitors’ understanding of past events.
Tower of London
William the Conqueror built this castle, fortress and palace nearly one millennium ago as a place of defense. Over time it became home to a royal mint, displayed exotic animals as part of its collection and housed the crown jewels.
Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Jane Grey were incarcerated there before their headless remains were interred at this chapel under guard by an image of a raven statue.
At one point, it hosted coronations ceremonies. Charles II upheld this tradition until 1660 despite its poor state; although his accommodation proved inadequate and so he did not stay the night prior. Today, however, its beauty still inspires as home of Crown Jewels and ravens adorned in protective garb.
