Tourist attractions Great Britain

Built between 1446 and 1515, this building represents the apogee of the Perpendicular Gothic style. Its scale is more in keeping with the chancel of a cathedral than a college chapel. Of twelve bays, the nave soars upwards supported by buttressing so..

A 4km-walk along the clifftop leads to South Foreland lighthouse , from where there are extraordinary views of the cliffs, Dover, the Channel and, on a clear day, France.

At Chatsworth, the genius that was Lancelot “Capability” Brown created one of the finest parks of the 18C. The most astonishing feature is the cascade (1696), its waters feeding the Emperor Fountain on the southern parterre. The avenues leading t..

The chapel has fine stained-glass windows designed in the 19C by Edward Burne-Jones and executed by William Morris in 1872. The subject matter is classic Pre-Raphaelite; from left to right: The Annunciation , The Nativity , The Adoration of the Ma..

The park is one of the greatest surviving examples of the golden age of landscaping. Various different compositions display views and architectural follies to best effect: the gateway into the park; the fountain of Atlas (to the south); the lake surr..

Built at Henry VII’s behest in the early 16C, this magnificent chapel is a fine example of the Perpendicular style. The pillars support magnificent fan vaulting on projecting keystones separated by a network of slender ribs. The entrance has bronze g..

The Tower of London owes its name to its oldest building, the White Tower, which stands in the centre. This keep has been much modified since it was first built in the 11C. It acquired its name during the reign of Henry III when its walls were whitew..

Kept at the Tower of London since the 17C, the Crown Jewels have since 1971 been displayed in the imposing 19C Waterloo Barracks. Most of the pieces are used in the coronation ceremony. The earliest date from Charles II’s coronation at the time of th..

The Order of the Garter’s spiritual home, this chapel is also the resting place of 10 monarchs. Begun in 1475, the structure was completed by Henry VIII in 1528 and is a masterpiece of the Perpendicular style. Inside, don’t miss the carved choir stal..

The British Museum is one of the most remarkable institutions of its kind and its collections encompass a vast span of historical civilisation. At its heart lies Lord Foster’s architectural wonder, the Great Court . Visitors will be uplifted by the ..

The dome of St Paul’s is one of London’s most iconic sights. The building’s harmonious proportions, huge dimensions and majestic demeanour are breathtaking. Climb up to the Whispering Gallery to admire the dome’s painted decorative scheme and get a..

This temple to the sciences – 5 floors covering 5ha in all – is remarkable for the richness of its collections, and for the methods it employs to engage visitors, through its exhibits, interactive displays and experiments. If pushed for time – and re..

The focal point of Trafalgar Square, the perennially popular National Gallery is one of the capital’s main attractions. Its collection of European painting is world class. From its portico, there is a splendid view of the square and Whitehall. With m..

Bordered to the north by Regent’s Canal, fine terraces and splendid villas, this is a delighful landscape feature where natural beauty blends with refined artistic tastes. The attractions of its zoo will appeal to young and old alike. The rose garden..

Tate Britain’s imposing building is exclusively dedicated to British art from 1500 to the present day. Starting with 16C court artists, it culminates with David Hockney’s Pop Art and conceptual art, taking in among others Turner, to whom the Clore Ga..

The Tower of London’s romantic silhouette, so emblematic of British history, has been the backdrop for some horrific episodes as well as moments of royal splendour. A visit is a must in order to see the Crown Jewels , and to admire the Yeomen of the..

Dedicated to decorative arts, this museum has some world-class treasures – drawn from all epochs, all corners of the world and all stylistic movements – making it a joy to wander around its labyrinthine corridors and galleries. Connoisseurs will have..

The largest private art collection, bequeathed to the nation in 1900, can be found in Hertford House, a beautiful private mansion in Marylebone. Brought together by the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford , from the beginning of the 18C onwards, ..

With Big Ben soaring above it, the Palace of Westminster bewitched Monet, who was inspired to paint one of his most famous series of paintings by the combination of monumental stonework, river and sky. Cradle of British democracy, it is composed of t..

Necropolis of sovereigns, pantheon of national glories, masterpiece of Gothic art, Westminster Abbey's twin towers push up into the London sky and have looked down for centuries on the setting of great royal ceremonies. Its dimensions are impressive ..