England has a plethora of beautiful landmarks to explore, each with its own rich history. In this blog, we’ll be touching on several must-see destinations to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and heritage.
From historic residences to breathtaking countryside views, here are our top landmarks in England to visit during your Celtic adventure.
historic royal residences
With roots tracing back to the ninth century, England’s monarchy has a fascinating history. Seeing these royal residences for yourself is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in English culture.
windsor castle
With 1000 years’ worth of royal history to explore, this Berkshire residence is one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world. Windsor Castle still operates as a royal palace, so it’s worth knowing that it can sometimes be closed to the public at short notice. You can also visit St George’s Chapel, the wedding place of various royal couples, which is located within the castle grounds.
hampton court palace
The home of Henry VIII and his six wives, Hampton Court Palace is a baroque palace surrounded by 60 acres of landscaped gardens and 750 acres of picturesque parkland. There’s no shortage of unique things to see, including Henry VIII’s Great Hall, the Cumberland Art Gallery and Hampton Court maze.
sandringham estate
Sandringham Estate is a countryside retreat for the current king and queen of England. The estate is home to a self-sufficient sawmill, the historic St Mary Magdalene church and the majestic Sandringham House.
The house and gardens are open to the public between March and October, with regular events taking place throughout the year.
cathedral cities and architectural wonders
When it comes to historic landmarks in England, some of the most beautiful architecture can be seen throughout its cathedrals. A driving tour provides you with the flexibility to explore multiple cities. You can see the very best that England has to offer in one trip.
york minster
Nestled in the walls of the city, York Minster is an iconic Gothic-style cathedral that is open to the general public. You can opt for a guided tour to learn about its 800 years of history, or even climb to the Central Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the idyllic city of York.
salisbury cathedral
At 123 metres tall, Wiltshire’s Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest cathedral spire in all of Britain. It’s also home to the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, with bell-ringing demonstrations taking place from Monday to Saturday. Guided tours are available to book to get up close with the cathedral tower’s history.
durham cathedral
Durham Cathedral’s claims to fame include being used as a filming location for the first two Harry Potter Films and for Avengers: Endgame. The cathedral is also set to display three rare Magna Carta documents between July and November 2025 in addition to its current unique exhibits.
Entry to Durham Cathedral is free, with an optional £5 donation to support conservation efforts
countryside landmarks
Our driving routes seamlessly connect you with both iconic and less-frequented countryside gems, allowing you to explore the best of England’s road trip destinations. From the comfort of your Land Rover, you can take in the breathtaking views surrounding these astonishing landmarks.
stonehenge
The grandeur of this ancient monument can only be truly appreciated in person. Here, you’ll also have the option to learn more about the Neolithic period and get up close with prehistoric artefacts. If you’re interested in walking within the Stonehenge Circle itself, there’s the option to book an early morning or evening ‘Stone Circle’ experience.
chatsworth house
Located in the heart of the Peak District, near the quaint town of Bakewell, Chatsworth House is a stately home quite like no other. With its grand 17th-century water cascade and 105 acres of manicured gardens, it’s no wonder Chatsworth featured in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Perfect for art and history lovers alike, ticket prices depend on which areas of the estate you wish to see.
white cliffs of dover
Used in defence during the First and Second World Wars, these chalk cliffs provide breathtaking views over the English Channel. For an unforgettable experience, you can even buy tickets to visit the Fan Bay Deep shelter, a network of tunnels built into the cliff to protect soldiers during WWII.
You need to pay for car parking, however, the cliffs themselves are free to explore with plenty of walking trails available.
coastal highlights
Get the most out of England’s most scenic viewpoints with the flexibility to visit multiple sites through a driving tour. When it comes to coastal landmarks, this island has no shortage of awe-inspiring locations to explore.
st. michael’s mount
This tidal island is a hidden gem located off the coast of Marazion, Cornwall. It is currently home to around 30 people. Whilst access to the island is limited during winter months, visiting during spring, summer or autumn will allow you to explore the quaint harbour village, castle and art gallery. Simply leave your vehicle parked on the mainland and head to the island by foot or by boat.
jurassic coast
The Jurassic Coast stretches between the counties of Devon and Dorset, and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Although the main attraction to this coastal landmark is the experience of fossil hunting, there’s also the opportunity to embark on a boat trip, visit a museum or admire the beauty of the coast on foot.
beachy head
As Britain’s tallest chalk sea cliff, Beachy Head has had its fair share of fame being the filming location for Harry Potter and James Bond. Not only are there plenty of iconic sights to see, such as the traditional Beachy Head Lighthouse, but there’s also the chance to add some more adventures to your visit. Mountain biking, horse riding and kayaking are just a few of the activities you can get involved in.
urban landmarks
With so many iconic sites in England to see, you might be wondering if it’s possible to fit everything into one trip. A driving tour is the perfect way to bridge both the old and new, showcasing England’s evolution throughout the centuries.
tower of london
No trip to England is complete without a visit to the world-famous Tower of London, within the bustling capital city. You’ll feel like one of the locals as you travel via the tube or an iconic double-decker bus, taking in the grandeur of London’s iconic castle. Time slot tickets can be booked online in advance, with the option to see the castle fortress, crown jewels and medieval palace.
shakespeare’s birthplace in stratford-upon-avon
Delve into William Shakespeare’s backstory with a visit to his childhood home in the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Highlights include live performances of Shakespeare’s most iconic scenes as well as the opportunity to explore a 16th-century schoolroom and the house where he grew up. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust recommends booking tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
manchester’s industrial heritage sites
Get acquainted with England’s “capital of the north” by exploring the city of Manchester’s industrial history. Home to the People’s History Museum and the Science & Industry Museum, to name a few, this north-western city is where the Industrial Revolution began. See its industrial history for yourself by booking a walking tour. This will guide you past important sites such as Castlefield Viaduct and the Royal Exchange building.
explore england on a bespoke trip
At Celtic Routes, we’re experts in curating memorable journeys that seamlessly blend culture, history, and natural beauty. We provide you with a truly unforgettable experience. Our insider knowledge is what makes our tours the perfect escape from daily life.
We’re here to guide you off the beaten path and along one of our bespoke travel itineraries. Why not embark on one of our driving tours of England to see its top landmarks for yourself?
