Yorkshire is the largest county in England; it inspires thoughts of natural beauty, quaint villages, and, most frequently, Yorkshire Tea.

Couples are often drawn to Yorkshire for the romance of the countryside, its charming towns and villages, and the rugged coast.

In a county as large as Yorkshire – home to not one, but two of the UK’s most beautiful national parks – there are hundreds of things to do for couples. These are some of the best.

Explore a Gorgeous Yorkshire Town, Village or City

York

Yorkshire’s most beautiful city is overflowing with ‘things to do’ for couples. 

You could spend an afternoon in one of the city’s fantastic museums, potentially facing off with Viking animatronics in JORVIK or embarking on the classically romantic art of chocolate tasting in York’s Chocolate Story: two very different dates, but equally fun.

There’s the imposing York Minster, miles of ancient City Walls or the crumbling ruins in the Museum Gardens to explore for lovers of history and architecture. But just wandering around the city, with all its meandering medieval snickleways and crooked buildings, has a romantic feel. You can’t miss the famous Shambles, but going early enough will help you avoid the crowds, allowing you some alone time to stroll down one of England’s prettiest streets.

Another lovely feature of York is the River Ouse. You can buy tickets for a romantic dinner cruise along the river here.

York deserves an article of its own – which is why I wrote one on how to spend a whole day there. You can check it out here.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Tucked away on the North Yorkshire coastline is a quaint fishing village that is almost ridiculously picturesque. 

Beautiful stone cottages tumbling down to the seafront on streets of winding cobblestones: this is about as close to postcard-perfect as you can get. 

Walk hand-in-hand down one of the most photogenic lanes in England; by Sunny Place, a steep cobbled path lined with stone cottages and lanterns curves up around the hillside. The lower village is a lovely place to explore, as the houses all seem charmingly stacked up on top of one another.

At dusk, settle down on the beach, eat some fish and chips, and watch the sunset together.

Whitby

It doesn’t take a long time in Whitby to realise why Bram Stoker felt so inspired by the setting. Crashing waves against eroding cliffs, a stark silhouette of the Abbey ruins against a moody sky, and the desolate surroundings of ominous moorland: it is hard to imagine a more fitting setting for Dracula.

You can explore the famous 7th century ruins of Whitby Abbey and follow in the footsteps of Dracula; in the novel he fled to the ruins and graveyard after escaping a ship wreck. The Dracula Experience is a kooky and fun way to experience the story. It is only £4 to enter, and you are led through scenes of the novel by live actors, complete with special effects – whatever you feel about Dracula, this place is good for a laugh.

The rest of Whitby is also worth exploring. You can climb the famous 199 steps to help work off the inevitable fish and chips you will eat for dinner.

Harrogate 

Yorkshire’s premier spa town is the perfect place to set aside your worries and let yourself be pampered. Visiting a spa together can be a lovely way to spend some time just relaxing in one another’s company.

The Turkish Baths are arguably the best in town. 

To complete your day of decadent self-indulgence, you must experience the one thing, besides spas, that Harrogate excels in: afternoon tea. 

There are a number of refined, luxurious hotels that provide their own afternoon tea offerings, but the most famous in Harrogate is indisputably at Betty’s Tea Room. This is the original location for the respected brand that has expanded all over the country, and has been serving customers since 1919. You should book ahead for a table – there are normally queues winding outside the door.

Haworth

Another quaint village, this time in West Yorkshire, Haworth is most notable for its connection to the Brontë sisters. Escape to the countryside with a trip to Haworth; this is one of those rural villages that feels stuck in time.

The cobbled Main Street is filled with sweet little independent shops and boutiques, all housed in stone cottages. Although Haworth is pretty in its own right, the village draws in thousands of visitors because of its literary connections. You can visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum for some fascinating insight into the lives of the sisters.

The unbridled passion of Wuthering Heights came from Emily Brontë’s experience of the Yorkshire moors. You can walk together along that same moorland, and get a sense of what the author may have felt standing in the same spot centuries ago.

Staithes

Only 10 miles up the coast from Whitby is Staithes, a lovely little fishing village. The tiny collection of 18th century cottages and Staithes’ scenic harbour is nestled between the Cowbar and Penny Nab cliffs.

A visit to Staithes is an escape from modern life. The traditional fishing village feels practically untouched by the 21st century; a frozen frame of a simpler lifestyle. There are dozens of cliffside walks leading off from the picturesque village, making it easy to spend a whole day in the area.

Romantic Things to Do in Yorkshire

Dramatic waterfalls, brooding moors, stately homes and scenic canals: Yorkshire is filled with romantic places to visit. Aside from the usual fancy restaurants and bars, these are some of the most romantic things to do in Yorkshire.

Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Opt for the dining experience in a Pullman Dining Carriage for a romantic meal on a classic historic steam train.

Enjoy a luxurious four-course meal as you traverse the wild landscapes of North Yorkshire. The views from the train are spectacular, and the vintage ambience in the carriage warm and welcoming. For an extra special experience, reserve a Private Coupe and have the carriage all to yourselves. 

For a slightly cheaper experience, hop on one of the trains as regular passengers. You can still enjoy the old-timey experience of riding a steam train, and can choose to visit Whitby, Goathland or Pickering, depending on the line you choose. All the trains run along scenic routes; the sections moving through the moors are unforgettable.

The most inexpensive tickets are for the Moors Explorer, which takes you to the Hogsmeade filming location of Goathland. They are £30.75 per adult – you can book through their website.

Visit Studley Royal Park

Spend a day together wandering the gorgeous grounds of Studley Royal Park. Ancient ruins of Fountains Abbey, a beautifully landscaped garden, a deer park and a Jacobean manor house can all be found on the grounds.

A visit to the park is a chance to get back in touch with nature and each other. The surroundings are so peaceful and serene that the atmosphere immediately relaxes you, and any worries float away. The Georgian Water Garden is particularly lovely in this regard, as the gentle waterways, still lakes and Classical features all promote a sense of tranquillity.

As you walk around the sprawling grounds, you are likely to spot some deer; Red Deer, Fallow Deer and Sika Deer all live within the park.

Bring a picnic with you for a romantic date – whether you are close to the Benedictine ruins or the water garden, the scenery surrounding you will be beautiful.

Explore the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail 

Yorkshire has a thousand romantic walks to try – not least in the North York Moors National Park – but there’s something about waterfalls and the Yorkshire Dales that is hard to resist.

The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail leads you to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Yorkshire. It is 7km of lovely scenery that takes you through ancient woodland, up spectacular gorges and chasing a series of incredible waterfalls together; Thornton Force is the most impressive. 

The £8 entry fee is steep, but the trail is well maintained and has facilities like toilets. The route is circular and easy for most fitness levels.

Only 15 minutes away by car is the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Time it right and you can sit and watch the unforgettable sight of a steam train passing by together.

Boating at Hebden Bridge

Is there anything more romantic than a simple boat ride through the beautiful countryside? It gives you a chance to spend some quality time alone together and laugh about any mishaps that happen along the way.

Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire is a lovely old mill town nestled in the stunning Calder Valley. It’s a town with an old-world feel, surrounded by an absolute abundance of greenery; it’s the classic English countryside.

The Rochdale canal that runs through the town adds to the picturesque image it emanates. 

Traditional narrowboats run up and down the canal – you can hire a boat for a single day, and travel to either Todmorden or Sowerby Bridge and back again. Take lunch with you on the boat, moor up at Sowerby Bridge and head into the woodland for a romantic picnic before your return journey.

See Bridgerton Come to Life at Castle Howard 

Explore the beautiful stately home of Castle Howard, owned by the Carlisle branch of one of England’s oldest noble families. The palatial building is only 24km north of York and is a gorgeous example of Baroque and Palladian architecture.

Learn all about the not-so-romantic relationship between one of the family’s most unfortunate members, Catherine Howard, and Henry VIII; she was executed while still only a teenager. 

The Howard family were deeply involved in court politics at the time, often to their detriment. Anne Boleyn, the most famous wife beheaded by Henry VIII, was also a member of the family through her mother: Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk was the grandfather of both women. You can learn all about the family’s history when visiting the castle, though it was built long after this time period, only 300 years ago.

Ignoring the decidedly unromantic family history, Castle Howard is a genuinely romantic place to visit as a couple. The castle grounds are magnificent, with an 18th century walled garden, a Great Lake and ornate fountains found all over the estate. The interior of the castle is as opulent as its exterior; marble hallways, furniture embossed with gold and elaborate décor everywhere you look. 

The romance of Castle Howard has been noticed by filmmakers. 

Netflix phenomenon Bridgerton used the castle façade, entrance hall and grounds as a filming location – it’s the home of Simon and Daphne after their marriage.

Things to Do For Adventurous Couples

For the thrill-seeker couples out there, canal boats and steam trains may seem a little tame. These are some of the best things to do for people hoping for adventure in Yorkshire.

Go on an Adventure in the Yorkshire Dales 

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure to try as a pair, look no further than the Yorkshire Dales. The landscape of rugged crags, dramatic waterfalls and sweeping valleys lends itself well to the more daredevil activities you might want to try.

Besides the activities you might already have expected, like kayaking, climbing, or mountain biking, the Yorkshire Dales offers some adventures that can be hard to come by in the UK. 

• Canyoning. Canyoning involves following a river – usually including a series of waterfalls – downstream, by jumping from heights into the water below, sliding down rock chutes and abseiling past waterfalls. In Ingleton, Lost Earth Adventures offers this exhilarating experience on Beezley Falls.
• Caving. Couples that cave together, stay together. One of the longest cave systems in the world runs under the Yorkshire Dales. It makes sense, then, that this is one of the best places in Europe to try caving. It’s not the claustrophobic nightmare you might be thinking of: think underground rivers, huge caverns and thousands of stalactites instead. 
• Via Ferrata. If you want the views and adrenaline associated with climbing, but don’t necessarily have the experience, Via Ferrata is a fantastic alternative. You follow a path of metal rungs and ladders to traverse difficult terrain, all while safely attached to a permanently fixed wire. The only Via Ferrata in Yorkshire is at How Stean Gorge.
• Paragliding. Watch your significant other fly across the sky in one of the most incredible experiences for thrill-seekers available in the UK: paragliding. Get an astonishing birds-eye view over the Yorkshire Dales in a shared experience you will never forget. Active Edge offer paragliding experiences in the area.

Follow A Spectacular Mountain Bike Trail

Yorkshire has plenty of choices when it comes to mountain bike trails, but it really comes down to your skill and fitness level.

For an easier trail, try the 18km route from Ravenscar to Whitby. This is a spectacular bike ride, with views over the moors and the cliffs. As Ravenscar fades into the background, you will move through scenes of endless natural beauty, passing by Robin Hood’s Bay and finishing in Whitby.

Curbar Edge is great for riders of an intermediate skill level with good fitness. The 26km looped trail takes you past stunning views over the Derwent Valley. There are some shorter, easier routes in the same area, however.

Some of the more difficult trails, with draining ascents and tricky technical sections, include routes at Pen-Y-Ghent, Nidderdale and Threshfield Moor.

Hiking and Climbing at Brimham Rocks

Brimham Rocks are so unique that they seem almost bizarre. But as oddly shaped as many of the rocks are, their formation was completely natural; the ice age and years of wind, water and sand whipping away at the limestone helped leave behind the unusual Brimham Rocks we see today.

This site of precariously balanced rocks hovering over cliff edges has been a popular tourist attraction since Victorian times, and is now both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Geological Conservation Review, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can hike around the 400 acres site in just over an hour to see the area’s biggest attractions.

Couples should look out for Lover’s Leap, a rock formation with a legend of forbidden love behind it. According to folklore, two star-crossed lovers couldn’t bear to be apart so jumped from the ledge, only to miraculously fall gently to the ground. Their families, seeing this dedication, conceded and allowed the pair to marry.

Particularly adventurous couples will see little excitement in the hike around Brimham Rocks. But they may see an appeal in climbing them. You can try both bouldering and rope climbing at the site. Find out more on the National Trust website.

Unique Things to Do

Try something a little different for your romantic day out in Yorkshire.

The Deep

Hull has a bit of a reputation in the UK, where it has been somewhat affectionately assigned the nickname ‘Hell’ by a substantial chunk of the population. The reputation is a little unearned in my opinion, as the city has more to offer than you might expect. A pretty Old Town, lovely harbour, and, most importantly, a world-class aquarium in ‘The Deep’.

The Deep is a fantastic date idea, and is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the UK. Learn about and see the creatures of the deep in person – sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and Gentoo penguins can all be found in the aquarium. 

The award-winning Deep is home to over 3500 species of fish, is a pioneer in research for marine conservation, and offers both an enjoyable and educational day out. A trip to an aquarium of this quality can be fun for people of all ages, but is a surprisingly fun date activity; especially if you happen to love penguins.

Flamingo Land

Slightly rundown, bizarrely named and a whole lot of fun? Small British theme parks are a unique experience of somewhat outdated theming, whacky mascots and wholesome fun. Flamingo Land is great for couples that don’t take themselves too seriously, and can enjoy the park for what it is.

You won’t find rides of the calibre of Disneyland or even Alton Towers here, but there are plenty of enjoyable roller-coasters and smaller rides to try out. Besides the theme park, Flamingo Land is also home to an award-winning zoo. 

Black rhinos, Sumatran tigers and African lions are just a few of the selection of animals cared for in the park. Flamingo Land is actively invested in wildlife conservation, conducting research projects worldwide and working with a network of other zoos in order to provide the best care for the animals.

The Forbidden Corner

Hidden away in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this unique labyrinth maze began as a wealthy estate owner’s private folly. It was opened to the public by popular demand, almost closed for issues with planning permission, then rescued by the same public.

The garden is located in the Tupgill Park Estate, and features a series of tunnels, puzzle rooms, tricky dead-ends and gigantic statues. As you lose yourselves in the maze, you will stumble across a glass pyramid, a temple of the underworld and some surprising water features as you journey through the garden. 

Ostensibly for children, but enjoyable for all ages, The Forbidden Corner is a unique date idea you’re sure to remember for years to come.

Wensleydale Creamery

Follow in the steps of Wallace and Gromit and enjoy a taste of the iconic Wensleydale cheese. Cheese fanatic couples should go straight to the source and head to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes.

You can watch the cheese being made by experts in the Demonstration Room, learn more about the history of both the cheese and the creamery in the visitor centre, and try a variety of cheeses during their interactive Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience. This is a bit outside of the box when it comes to couple activities, but any cheese – or Wallace and Gromit – fans are sure to have a great time.

Yorkshire For Couples

Yorkshire consists of not one, but four different counties. An area as huge as this inevitably has plenty of choice for things to do. Couples can pick from all manner of activities – if your idea of romance is a visit to Flamingo Land, abseiling down a waterfall, or a picnic in the park, Yorkshire has something for you.

Before the United Kingdom was even a concept, England had existed, in one form or another, for thousands of years. This has given the country plenty of time to accumulate some incredible landmarks, which have, in the centuries since, grown in fame and now attract millions of visitors every year.

Your mind might instantly jump to London – as it should; there are dozens of iconic landmarks in the capital – but England has countless landmarks equally worth your time outside of the city. This collection would look remiss without big-hitters like Big Ben and Stonehenge, but you will hopefully also discover some other famous (but lesser-known) landmarks here that peak your interest.

From London to the Lake District: this is a list of 24 of the most famous landmarks in England, and what you should expect.

Famous Buildings

Big Ben

Starting with the capital, and what is arguably the most famous landmark in the UK: Big Ben. After a 5 year renovation period, Big Ben, or the Elizabeth Tower as it is formally known, finally shook off its scaffolding in 2022. The gleaming gold of the world’s most famous clock is visible once again to the masses that crowd Parliament Square jostling for the best photo position.

When the clock tower first chimed all the way back in 1859, it was the largest clock in the world. It has since lost that title, but gained a new one as perhaps the most famous landmark in all of England. Any film, tv show or photograph that wants to establish the setting as London or England more generally, doesn’t need to look further than Big Ben. It’s instantly recognisable, and seared into the collective consciousness of onlookers as the representative of London.

Buckingham Palace

As the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace is at the centre of all the pomp and ceremony that comes with royal tradition. From royal weddings to jubilees, the decadent displays of opulent lavishness at the palace are part of the pageantry that makes the royal family so popular with tourists.

You can walk through the halls of the Queen’s home on a guided tour during select times of the year; giving you a rare insight into a working royal residence. For the majority of visitors, the gates are as far into the palace as they will reach. From there you can still see the neoclassical façade of the 18th century building, and, more importantly, the stern emotionless faces of the Queen’s Guard hidden beneath their ridiculous but iconic bearskin hats.

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University 

Oxford University is an iconic institution in itself, but the image most recognisable when the university – or Oxford – is mentioned, is the imposing dome of the Radcliffe Camera.

This famous building is Oxford’s favourite postcard picture and tends to be the one that features in magazines and depictions of the city. You can see the Palladian-style building, designed by James Gibbs in the 18th century, in person by simply walking a few minutes from the city centre onto the university grounds. For a truly exceptional view of the Radcliffe Camera, you should climb the steps of St Mary’s Tower in the Church of St Mary the Virgin.

To go inside, you must be on a guided tour. It is part of the historic Bodleian Library complex and public access is restricted. 

Castles and Cathedrals

Tower of London

For almost a thousand years, the Tower of London has stood as a symbol of authoritarian power and judicial punishment. At first an ominous figure of fear and oppression, the castle is today a reminder of the storied history of England, and in particular, the monarchy.

Some of the most notorious events and executions in the history of the English throne have occurred in the tower; most of which occurred in the 15th and 16th centuries. This is where the two Princes in the Tower disappeared, thought to be murdered by their uncle Richard III in a coup for the throne. The unfortunate wives of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, and later the six-day queen, Lady Jane Grey, were also all beheaded on the grounds.

Its rather gruesome history is a fascinating one, and is best discovered on a tour with a Beefeater guide. After wandering past traitor’s gate, the expansive museum and the tower’s ravens (which can, of course, never leave the tower), you can see the Crown Jewels, which include the crown of Queen Elizabeth II and the Koh-i-Nûr diamond.

Canterbury Cathedral

There’s no shortage of spectacular cathedrals in England, but Canterbury Cathedral is up there with the best. The origins of the cathedral begin in the 6th century, though the current structure dates back to the 11th. 

It is one of the most ancient and impressive cathedrals in Europe. This magnificent Gothic structure is a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering; it is hard to comprehend how such a feat was accomplished almost a thousand years ago.

Most famously, the cathedral was the site of a murder of miscommunication, when the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, later sainted, was assassinated by a group of knights who believed they were enacting the King’s wishes. For centuries, the steps and interior of Canterbury Cathedral were a popular pilgrimage, as rumours of miracles and healing occurring swirled in the Middle Ages. This is the destination of the pilgrims in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is another of the Queen’s countless royal residences – and supposedly, one of her favourites. You can see almost a millennium of architectural design on show at the castle, which is the longest occupied palace in Europe. 

The castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion, and has sublime examples of Georgian, Tudor and medieval design within its grounds. You can wander through the lavish State Apartments, where the Queen normally hosts visitors, and shouldn’t miss the beautiful Perpendicular Gothic St. George’s Chapel, where Harry and Meghan were married.

Your day out in Windsor isn’t complete without witnessing the changing of the guard – which, as it turns out, is not limited to the one in London!

Westminster Abbey

When it comes to famous castles and cathedrals in England, you will find there is a bit of a pattern: they are typically ancient, and usually have clear royal connections. True to form, Westminster Abbey was built in the 13th century, and has ‘Royal Peculiar’ status, meaning it belongs to the reigning monarch.

This epic Gothic, Notre Dame-esque church has been used for coronations, royal weddings and important national ceremonies for centuries.

Amongst the numerous tombs of monarchs and royals, there are other famous figures in English history buried in the abbey. Poets’ Corner is the resting place for many of England’s greatest writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens. Memorials to the likes of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen can also be found here.

York Minster

York is one of the most ancient cities in England, and was even briefly the capital. For centuries, York was an incredibly important city to those in power – perhaps most famously during the Wars of the Roses. 

You can still see the history of the city etched into its walls – and the cathedral, which is the largest in northern Europe, belies the city’s previous importance. York Minster took centuries to build, starting in the 13th century and reaching completion in the 15th. All those years of careful craftsmanship and impressive medieval engineering created one of the most astonishing Gothic structures in the world.

The architecture of York Minster is breathtaking whether you are viewing the outside of the cathedral or have ventured inside. The famous Rose Window can be found within the South Transept; it was designed to highlight the union of the Houses of Lancaster and York and help legitimise the Tudor dynasty.

Another landmark in York worth noting is the Shambles, a ramshackle street of wonky medieval houses and cobblestones popular with visitors. You can easily see everything York has to offer in a single day. 

St. Paul’s

Rounding out the cathedrals is St. Paul’s, an iconic part of London’s skyline. Walking up to the top treats you to fantastic views over the city.

It is hard to imagine the bank of the Thames without St. Paul’s, but it came close to destruction in the 1940s. The dome of this white cathedral miraculously stood through the bombing of the Blitz, becoming a symbol of hope during WWII. 

Iconic Bridges

Tower Bridge  

Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable bridges in the world, but is often misnomered as London Bridge, which is barely a kilometre up stream. The Neo-Gothic Victorian Tower Bridge was designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry, and built in 1886, though it took almost a decade to complete.

Tower Bridge is situated next to its namesake, the Tower of London. Its elegant towers were designed to conform with the ancient look of the medieval castle; an attempt which delightfully created both an elaborate and picturesque end result.

You can climb up to a viewpoint within Tower Bridge for views over the Thames. If you’re lucky, you might see the raising of the bridge when you visit, which happens roughly 800 times a year and only takes a handful of minutes to complete. 

Clifton Bridge

Sitting high above the trendy city of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a marvel of Victorian engineering. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the spectacular bridge spans the distance between Avon Gorge and the River Avon.

For the best views of the bridge, you can walk up to the bridge and through Leigh Woods in an hour-long circular walk from Clifton. 

Landmarks of Historical Significance

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon 

England’s most famous writer does of course attract a huge amount of interest; people flock to places connected to his life. His grave in the Holy Trinity Church is one of those places, his birthplace and childhood home, also in Stratford-upon-Avon, is another.

William Shakespeare is arguably the most famous playwright in the history of literature. You can learn more about the early days of his life, and the following years after his marriage to Anne Hathaway, during your visit.

Stonehenge

Are there any prehistoric monuments more iconic than Stonehenge? Just a silhouette is enough to instantly recognise this landmark; the shape and image of Stonehenge is so widely known that it would be almost impossible to mistake it for anything else.

It is a landmark that could arguably be claimed as ‘the most famous’ landmark in England. Stonehenge is in the same ballpark as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace when it comes to fame, and is almost certainly the most widely known landmark outside of London. 

The ancient stone circle has stood for thousands of years. It is believed to be 5000 years old, starting in the Neolithic period with finishing touches added in the Bronze Age. What the purpose of Stonehenge was and how it was built is largely up for debate, though there are many theories, from pagan worship to wild alien conspiracies, regarding this unmissable structure on Salisbury Plain.

Hadrian’s Wall

Initially built to keep the untameable barbarians to the north out and away from the civilised society of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall became little more than a way to partition cattle after the empire’s fall.

Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, this remnant of one of history’s greatest empires is a nod to Roman presence in Britain, and the advanced engineering techniques in use almost 2000 years ago. While not the most impressive landmark visually, the history behind it – and the surrounding scenery – make this a worthwhile visit.

Roman Baths

Speaking of the Romans… the city of Bath’s namesake, the Roman Baths, are a stunning historical landmark visited by over a million people every year.

Taking advantage of the natural thermal springs that run beneath the city, the Romans constructed the bathhouse in around 70AD to indulge in the mineral-rich waters. With luminous emerald water surrounded by pillars and classical architecture, the baths are an unmissable sight for anyone visiting the south west of England.

Iconic Natural Landmarks

Durdle Door

Situated on the gorgeous Jurassic Coast in Dorset, Durdle Door is a landmark 140 million years in the making. 

Wander over the cliffs to Lulworth Cove and you will find one of England’s most outstanding views. The golden sands and gentle blue waves of Lulworth Cove frame the iconic stone arch; it is one of the most famous natural features in the UK, and is the standout attraction in a stellar lineup of beautiful places in Devon and Dorset.

White Cliffs of Dover or Seven Sisters

Long the marker of arriving home from the continent, the chalk-white cliffs of Dover have been the subject of warbling WWII ballads, countless poems and even Shakespeare plays. 

Before air travel was readily available, these chalk cliffs were the last thing travellers would see when departing Britain, and the first sight they would see upon returning. This has made the distinctive white cliffs an iconic symbol of home, and a reminder of the efforts required defending the coastline in wartime.

Several miles down the coast in Sussex is a less culturally significant but altogether prettier landmark. The sparkling white cliffs of the Seven Sisters are one of the UK’s most beautiful natural landmarks.

Sherwood Forest

Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men once roamed these woods, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. 

It is their legend that has made Sherwood Forest a famous landmark in England – you can walk on several trails through the woods, try your hand at archery, and learn more about the local folk hero of Nottinghamshire during your visit.

Relatively Recent Famous Landmarks

Eden Project

A far more modern addition to the south west’s iconic sights is the Eden Project. This unmissable eco project is comprised of the two famous geodesic domed biomes and outdoor botanical gardens.

You can experience the climates, habitats and wildlife of the Mediterranean and the rainforest within these biomes. The exotic varieties of flora and fauna feel a world away from Cornwall, but the experience of the Eden Project has proved to be one of the region’s most popular attractions since its opening in 2001.

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton is known for being fun, flighty and fancy-free. The coastal town has become the most popular beach resort in the UK, and Brighton Palace Pier is the star attraction.

Opening in 1899, the Victorian pier was the third to be constructed in Brighton – and is the only one not in ruins. It’s an impressive and iconic sight in the city, stretching out for over 500m into the sea, and is lovingly maintained to keep its gleaming appearance intact.

It’s one of the larger piers in the UK, and goes beyond the small amusements and fish and chips you might expect from a typical seaside resort’s pier. There’s a small theme park at the end of the pier, with enough space to fit a rollercoaster and a log flume. You can also eat anything from churros to frozen yoghurt or pizza while admiring the lovely views over Brighton and the English Channel.

Angel of the North

This Anthony Gormley sculpture towers above the A1, and has done so ever since it was completed in 1998; it is one of the most impactful contemporary sculptures in the UK.

With a wingspan larger than a Boeing 757 and a height of 20 metres tall, this imposing steel sculpture is a spectacular icon of Gateshead, and has quickly become a symbol of home for the residents of Newcastle.

The National Parks

The Cotswolds

Quaint and quintessentially English, the Cotswolds are the unofficial representative of rural England. 

Charming villages and gentle rolling countryside, with winding rivers and honey-coloured cottages are the norm here. A visit to the Cotswolds is a relaxing escape into the countryside. You will likely spend your time slowly meandering from place to place, embarking on walks with sweeping views and partaking in afternoon teas in adorable village cafes.

Even if you can’t set aside time for more than a day, you can still experience a trip to the Cotswolds. If you live somewhere relatively close, like London, there are several day trip itineraries that you can enjoy.

Lake District

Exchange the rolling hills of the Cotswolds for the dramatic ridges and mountains of the Lake District, the most visited national park in England.

In regards to iconic landmarks; to narrow it down further, Lake Windermere is easily the most famous landmark in the Lake District. The 18km long lake attracts flocks of tourists – the cute towns and villages on the banks of the lake do as much to help its popularity as the scenery of the lake itself.

The wonderful landscape and quiet serenity of the Lake District has inspired countless poets, painters and Romantics. It’s a landmark that has stood the test of time, and is unlikely to lose its appeal with visitors any time soon.

Peak District 

Similar to the Cotswolds in its quaint gentility and charming villages, but with the rugged peaks that give it its name: the Peak District gives visitors the best of both worlds. It is both a relaxing and active outdoor location, with lots of lovely towns and villages to visit.

Within the Peak District itself, the most famous landmark is a toss-up between the viewpoint at Mam Tor and the remarkable palatial Chatsworth House. While in the Peak District, don’t forget to try the truly unmissable landmark: a Bakewell Pudding from the original shop!

Famous Landmarks in England

There are so many iconic landmarks to visit in England – and as you can see, many reside outside of London. Once you have had your fill of the sights in the capital, you can venture out to explore the more remote corners of England.

While this is a pretty expansive list, there are even more popular landmarks to see in the country; it is larger than you might think! You can enjoy everything from ancient Roman ruins to contemporary art sculptures while touring the most famous landmarks England has to offer.