871 Best Sights in England

Florence's Ponte Vecchio inspired this 18th-century span, one of the most famous landmarks in the city and the only work of Robert Adam in Bath. It's unique in Great Britain because shops line both sides of the bridge.

Built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this 560-acre parkland still boasts some of the city's best sporting arenas. The London Stadium, site of the London 2012 athletics competitions, is now home to local soccer team West Ham United; it also hosts major athletic events. In addition, it's open for behind-the-scenes tours; check the website for dates. You can try four types of cycling (track, road racing, BMX, and mountain biking) at the Lee Valley VeloPark, or go for a swim in the magnificent pool within the London Aquatics Centre, while the Copper Box Arena hosts basketball, netball, and volleyball contests.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit, an enormous sculpture, is well worth a visit—the views across London from the top are terrific. Thrill seekers have a couple of options when it comes to getting back down: a gasp-inducing slide that twists its way around the outside of the structure (art buffs might recognize it as the work of German-Belgian artist Carsten Höller) or via vertical rappelling (available on selected dates, advance booking essential). The highly acclaimed ABBA Voyage, a live music experience that includes avatars of the Swedish pop group in their heyday, continues to draw visitors while the development of the East Bank includes a 550-seat dance theater and hip-hop academy at Sadlers Wells East, with BBC studios and a V&A museum coming in 2025, making it one of London's newest cultural hubs.

Palatial houses and the Francis Hotel surround the garden in the center of this square designed by the older John Wood. An obelisk financed by Beau Nash celebrates the 1738 visit of Frederick, Prince of Wales.

One of the most eye-catching colleges, with a secluded "cloister court" look, Queens' is named after Margaret, wife of Henry VI, and Elizabeth, wife of Edward IV. Founded in 1448 and completed in the 1540s, the college is tucked away on Queens' Lane, next to the wide lawns that lead down from King's College to The Backs. The college's most famed piece of architecture is the wooden lattice Mathematical Bridge, first built in 1749. The original version is said to have been constructed without any fastenings, though the current bridge (reconstructed in 1902) is securely bolted.

Dating from the Elizabethan era, this former banqueting lodge that once formed part of a much larger property (long since disappeared) is beautifully preserved, with carved oak paneling and grand, manorial fireplaces. The Great Oak Room, along with two smaller spaces here, are the only surviving Elizabethan rooms in Bristol, and the plasterwork ceilings and sturdy oak furniture—including a four-poster bed—are among the finest you'll see anywhere from this period. Among the paintings is one which may be the earliest portrait of an enslaved person in the United Kingdom. There are also memories of the building's time as a reform school for girls, founded by the educational reformer Mary Carpenter and Lord Byron's widow, Annabella, who bought the property in 1854 and shared Carpenter's vision.

Named for the Celtic kingdom of Cumbria, Rheged is a modern, grass-covered multipurpose cultural center with a gallery that hosts rotating art and photography exhibits, as well as a massive, large-screen cinema that often live streams theatrical performances and concerts as well as new releases. Shops showcase Cumbrian food, drink, and crafts, and three different cafés offer drinks and light meals. Rheged is 2 miles southwest of Penrith and 1 mile west of Junction 40 on the M6.

Focusing on the history and sport of rowing, this absorbing museum built on stilts includes exhibits devoted to actual vessels, from a Saxon log boat to an elegant Victorian steam launch to Olympic boats. One gallery tells the story of the Thames as it flows from its source to the ocean, while another explores the history of the town and its famed regatta. A charming Wind in the Willows walk-through exhibit evokes the settings of the famous children's book.

Forget palm trees and white sand—this beach, part of the North York Moors National Park, is all about cliffs, dramatic views, and nature at its most powerful and elemental. It is scenic but deceptive. The tide rushes in quickly, so take care not to get cut off. Provided the tide is out, you can explore away from the town for a couple of hours along a rough stone shore full of rock pools, inlets, and sandy strands (a few are suitable for sunbathing) to the curiously named Boggle Hole, 3 miles to the south, where an old water mill nestles in a ravine. Farther south is Ravenscar, a Victorian village that consists of little more than a hotel. It can be reached by walking up the cliff along a hazardous but exhilarating path. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

The impressive ruins of Rochester Castle comprise a superb example of Norman military architecture. The keep, built in the 1100s using the old Roman city wall as a foundation, is the tallest in England. In 1215, during King John's struggle against the barons who wanted him to sign the Magna Carta, Rochester was subject to one of the most brutal sieges in English history. Thanks to the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633–1703), it's known that the ruins of Rochester Castle were already a popular tourist attraction in the 17th century. Today the structure has been shored up but left without floors, so that from the bottom you can see to the open roof and study the complex structure. The shop sells well-researched guides to the building.

Augustine of Canterbury ordained the first English bishop in a small cathedral that stood on this site in the year 604. The current cathedral, England's second oldest, is a jumble of architectural styles. Much of the original Norman building from 1077 remains, including the striking west front, the highly carved portal, and the tympanum above the doorway. Some medieval art survives, including a 13th-century Wheel of Fortune on the choir walls; it's a reminder of how difficult medieval life was. Informative, 60-minute guided tours are available most days, and there are occasional special evening viewings and events.

One of the last country houses constructed (1909–29) using traditional methods and materials is furnished with specially commissioned pieces in the Arts and Crafts style. Ernest Barnsley, a follower of William Morris, worked on the house and grounds, which are 5 miles northeast of Tetbury. Eight acres of gardens—wild, winter, sunken, and white—are divided into "rooms" bounded by hedges of holly, beech, and yew. Hours are limited spring through fall; the gardens are also open on certain dates in February, when people come to see the snowdrops.

A reminder of the ancient civilizations of Britain can be seen about 8 miles east of Moreton, where three stone groups occupy a high position on the wolds. The site lacks the grandeur of Stonehenge and Avebury, but has a peace and beauty of its own and is almost as important. Legend gives the stones, dating from before 1500 BC, the names of the King's Men, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights.

At the garrison fort of Carvoran, this museum makes an excellent introduction to Hadrian's Wall. Full-size models and excavations bring this remote outpost of the empire to life, with a host of historic artifacts including authentic Roman graffiti adorning the walls of an excavated barracks. There's also a flashy 3-D film that puts it all into historical context. Opposite the museum, at Walltown Crags on the Pennine Way (one of Britain's long-distance national hiking trails), are 400 yards of the best-preserved section of the wall. The museum is a mile northeast of Greenhead.

Believed to have been a hotel for Roman travelers crossing the English Channel, the remains of this nearly 2,000-year-old structure were excavated in the 1970s. It includes some Roman wall paintings (mostly dedicated to Bacchus, the god of revelry), along with the remnants of an ingenious heating system. Check ahead as ongoing renovations have resulted in closures.

Your imagination can take you back to AD 130 as you walk around the ruins of this 2,000-seat Roman Theater, one of the few in the country. Next to it are the scant ruins of a Roman town house, shops, and a shrine. Believed to be the "oldest producing theatre" in the U.K., you can catch shows here throughout the year.

This extraordinary cylindrical building was constructed in 1829 as the Museum of Coastal Heritage and Geology to house Jurassic fossils and minerals found nearby. Designed by William Smith, known as "the father of English geology," it now displays important archaeological finds, evidence of local dinosaurs, and a unique Bronze Age skeleton. Don't miss the frieze illustrating the geology of the nearby coastline.

These gardens behind the Royal Albert Memorial Museum were laid out at the end of the 18th century. The land was once part of the defensive ditch of Rougemont Castle, built in 1068 by decree of William the Conqueror. The adjoining Northernhay Gardens contain the original Norman gatehouse and the remains of the Roman city wall, the latter forming part of the ancient castle's outer wall.

Occupying a redeveloped 13-acre dockland site 15 minutes from the city center, this state-of-the-art museum houses armaments in a collection that was begun during the reign of Elizabeth I, when select objects were displayed at the Tower of London. Four themed galleries (War, Tournament, Self-Defense, and Asian and African) trace the history of weaponry from around the world through some 4,500 objects. See Indian elephant battle armor (said to be the largest animal armor on display in the world), models of warriors on horseback, Henry VIII's suit of armor, and floor-to-ceiling tents. See daily spirited demonstrations of hand-to-hand combat, shoot a crossbow (extra charge), direct operations on a battlefield, or experience an Elizabethan joust (around Easter and the end of August).

This huge citadel was built by Charles II in 1666 and still operates as a military center. Tours of the installation are conducted by Armada Tours and must be booked via Eventbrite ( www.eventbrite.co.uk) at least 24 hours ahead of time. Meet at the Commando Memorial on Lambhay Hill to the north of the Citadel at 2 pm; tours last about two hours. Note that children under seven are not allowed, photo ID is required, and photography is not permitted. There is no parking on-site and no toilet facilities.

In a Georgian building, this museum displays some fine examples of Cornwall-inspired art, a sampling of Cornish archaeology, an absorbing hodgepodge of local history, and an extensive collection of minerals. There's also a small shop and an adjacent café.

Here is the vast Victorian Gothic pile of 35 million bricks containing the nation's principal law courts, with 1,000-odd rooms running off 3½ miles of corridors. This is where the most important civil law cases—that's everything from divorce to fraud, with libel in between—are heard. You can sit in the viewing gallery to watch any trial you like, for a live version of Court TV; the more dramatic criminal cases are heard at the Old Bailey. Other sights are the 238-foot-long Great Hall and the compact exhibition of judges' robes. Guided tours run Monday through Friday but must be booked online in advance; they include a chance to view original court documents relating to a certain Guy Fawkes.

Charles II founded this residence for elderly and infirm soldiers in 1682 to reward the troops who had fought for him in the civil wars of 1642–46 and 1648. No sick people are treated here today; it's more of a history-packed retirement home for veterans. A creation of three of England's greatest architects—Wren, Vanbrugh, and Hawksmoor—this small enclave of brick and Portland stone set in expansive manicured grounds surrounds the Figure Court (the figure being a 1682 gilded bronze statue of Charles II dressed as a Roman general). The Figure Court, the Great Hall (the hospital's dining room), the beautiful Wren-designed chapel, and a small museum devoted to the history of the resident "Chelsea Pensioners" are open to the public via 90-minute guided tours; led by a resident, tours take place at 2 pm and must be booked in advance via Eventbrite.

The real attraction, along with the building, is the approximately 300 pensioners themselves. Recognizable by their traditional scarlet frock coats with gold buttons, medals, and tricorne hats, they are all actual veterans, who wear the uniform, and the history it represents, with a great deal of pride. On Sunday morning at 10:45 am from April through November, you can see groups of pensioners in full uniform on parade in the Figure Court. Individuals can also visit the chapel on Sunday between 11 and noon for services.

The 322-foot-tall Royal Liver (pronounced lie-ver) Building with its twin towers is topped by two 18-foot-high copper birds representing the mythical Liver Birds, the town symbol; local legend has it that if they fly away, Liverpool will cease to exist. For decades, Liverpudlians looked to the Royal Liver Society for assistance—it was originally a burial club to which families paid contributions to ensure a decent send-off. The building, now offices, can best be seen from one of the Mersey ferries.

Fairy-tale gold-and-glass coaches and sleek Rolls-Royce state cars emanate from the Royal Mews, next door to the Queen's Gallery. Designed by John Nash, the Mews serves as the headquarters for His Majesty's travel department (so beware of closures for state visits), complete with the King's own special breed of horses, ridden by wigged postilions decked in red-and-gold regalia. Between the stables and the riding school arena are exhibits of polished saddlery and riding tack. The highlight of the Mews is the splendid Gold State Coach, a piece of art on wheels, with its sculpted tritons and sea gods. There are activities for children, and free guided tours are available April through October (daily at 10:15, then hourly 11–4). Family tours take place June through October (weekends at 11:30 and 1:30).

Here you can learn about submarine history and the rigors of life below the waves with the help of family-friendly interactive games. The highlight is a tour of the HMS Alliance, the only surviving World War II–era submarine in the United Kingdom, and the midget-class HMS X24, from the cramped living quarters to the engine rooms. Also on the large site is the first Royal Navy sub, Holland 1, built in 1901, and a Biber, a German WWII midget submarine. From Portsmouth Harbour, take the ferry to Gosport and walk along Millennium Promenade past the huge sundial clock. From April to October, an hourly free waterbus runs from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Built in 1842 over the sulfur wells (which are Europe's strongest and still have a pungent odor) that made Harrogate a 19th-century wellness destination, the pump room in this octagonal structure sold 1,500 glasses of water to spa-goers in its heyday (so no, designer water is not a modern phenomenon). Today, it houses the town's museum, with displays of bygone spa-treatment paraphernalia alongside an eccentric collection of 19th-century clothes, fine china, and bicycles.

For three days in mid-June, this agricultural show presents rare animal breeds, equestrian events, competitions for the best cows, pigs, and sheep, and plenty of food. Other events, such as collectors’ fairs, dog shows, and the Malvern Autumn Show, take place at the showground year-round.

Originally designed as an arboretum, this tidy expanse of lawns and shady walks just west of the Royal Crescent provides the perfect setting for pleasant strolls and leisurely picnics. The park has a pond, the Botanical Gardens, and an adventure playground with plenty for kids. The Great Dell Aerial Walkway at the park's northern end provides lovely views across the park. Hot-air balloon launches and open-air shows at festival time enliven the atmosphere.

A giant step in the history of democracy was taken at Runnymede on the Thames outside Egham. Here, King John, under his barons' compulsion, signed the Magna Carta in 1215, affirming in theory that individuals had the right to justice and liberty. There's not much to see, though you can stroll the woodlands. On the hillside, in a meadow given to the United States by Queen Elizabeth in 1965, stands a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Nearby is another memorial, a classical temple in style, erected by the American Bar Association for the 750th anniversary of the signing. There is no visitor center at Runnymede, just informational plaques, a nice tearoom, and a parking lot (small charge). The site is on the south side of A308 (traffic is noisy); on the opposite bank of the Thames are the ruins of the 11th-century St. Mary's Priory and the 2,000-year-old Ankerwycke Yew.