There’s an undeniable appeal to visiting historical landmarks, and even if you’re not keen on learning all the minutiae of bygone eras, you’re bound to be impressed by them. If you’re a fan of castles, ancient artefacts and the cultural aspect of travelling, the UK is one of the best places you could visit this summer. There’s no shortage of destinations, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience guided tours, museum visits and journeys to outdoor sites. With that in mind, here are some of the spots that should definitely be on your itinerary this year.
Lindisfarne
Also referred to as the Holy Island, Lindisfarne lies on the northeast coast of England. It used to be an important place for Celtic Christianity and was home to a monastery that was famously destroyed during a Viking invasion in 793, an event which marked the beginning of the Viking Age. Following the Norman Conquest, the monastery was re-established before closing its doors again in 1536 after Henry VIII dissolved all monasteries. Nowadays. The Lindisfarne Priory can only be visited depending on the tide and the time of day. The 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle was renovated between 2016-2018 and is now once again open for visitors.
Skara Brae
Situated in the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of the Orkney Islands, this settlement dating back to the Neolithic will surely grab your attention. You’ll want to take a lot of pictures of your surroundings, so make sure to buy eSIM UK before heading out on your journey so that you can enjoy unlimited data and reliable connectivity regardless of your location. Skara Brae is a stunning example of the Neolithic lifestyle that was predominant in the region then. Historians believe that no more than fifty people lived in Skara Brae at any given time, and their dwellings contained furniture made of stone, including dressers, cupboards and other storage items.
Caerphilly Castle
Known as Castell Caerffili in Welsh, this mediaeval fortification was originally built between 1268 and 1290. The main material used is Pennant Measures, sedimentary rocks from the South Wales Coalfield, and the castle is surrounded by large artificial lakes, which historians consider to be the most complex water defences in the entire United Kingdom. Caerphilly is also the second-largest castle in the UK after Windsor Castle and was involved in several major historical events, including the Welsh Wars, the Invasion of England in 1326 and the English Civil War between 1642 and 1651.
Conwy Castle
In north Wales, you can find Conwy Castle, built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales between 1283 and 1287. The Conwy town walls are part of the fortification, and you must visit this impressive defensive structure alongside the castle as well. The castle is now a significant tourist attraction in Wales, a reputation it has enjoyed since around the second half of the 19th century. The castle’s architecture is also quite impressive, retaining the earliest machicolations in the UK and having one of the best-preserved mediaeval royal chambers suites not just in Wales but in the UK as well.
St Michael’s Mount
The tidal island of St Michael’s Mount can be visited in Cornwall. It might have been the site of a monastery between the 8th and the 11th centuries, and then later operated as a priory until Henry V dissolved all alien houses in the UK as a result of his wars in France. Visiting the island can be challenging due to the tide, and you must plan your trip in advance. When the tide is low, you can travel via the cobbled causeway, but if you happen to arrive when the tide is high, you will have to take a boat.
Callanish Stones
You are most likely familiar with Stonehenge, the megalithic structure dating back to prehistoric times located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. That is common knowledge that everyone is aware of. What fewer people know is that there are about 1,303 similar stone circles in Britain, Ireland and Brittany. The most significant number of them is in Scotland, with 508 sites. The Callanish Stones are one of them, and you can find them on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. According to Historic Environment Scotland, the stones were erected some 5,000 years ago, making them older than Stonehenge.
Dunnottar Castle
Not all castles dating back to the Middle Ages have kept their original layouts, but there’s a certain charm that only a ruined fortress can provide for a staunch lover of history. In the 17th century, the Honours of Scotland, the crown jewels historically worn by Scottish monarchs during their coronations, were hidden from the invading armies of Oliver Cromwell. Since the 20th century, the castle has seen restoration work and has been open to the public ever since. While the castle’s strategic location and defensive prowess made it a prominent setting for several noteworthy historical events, including the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, its position has become famous today due to the picturesque views of the surrounding panorama that it offers.
Roman Baths
When in Somerset, you must drop by the city of Bath, and when you’re there there’s just no way to miss the Roman Baths, built during the first decades of Roman Britain. The baths were designed specifically for public bathing, and while they were in ruins only about a century later, the natural springs were redeveloped several times throughout the Middle Ages. There’s also a museum at the Roman Baths dedicated to artefacts from the Roman period, including objects that used to be thrown in the Sacred Spring, perhaps as an offering to the gods. The main items used for this purpose were denarii coins, the standard Roman silver currency, of which there are more than 12,000 in the museum.
If you enjoy learning about history, there’s no better way to do it than by visiting ancient landmarks. You will truly feel as if you travelled back in time when walking down halls and paths where others trod hundreds if not thousands of years ago.
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Tags: Historical destinations
