🇬🇧 Britain’s Must-Visit Highlights – History, Countryside & Coastal Views

If you’re planning a trip to Britain, there’s no shortage of iconic sights and memorable experiences. From royal pageantry in London to windswept coastlines in Cornwall, here are some of the top places to put on your list.

🏰 The Tower of London

A cornerstone of British history, the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of stories—some colourful, others grim. Join a Yeoman Warder tour to hear the fascinating (and sometimes grisly) tales that bring the place to life.

🌉 Tower Bridge

One of London’s most recognisable landmarks, Tower Bridge is well worth a walk across. Step onto the glass walkway for a different perspective of the Thames below.

🛍️ Harrods & Kensington High Street

No London visit is complete without a wander through Harrods. More than just a department store, it’s a destination—especially the food halls. For a less overwhelming experience, Kensington High Street is lined with stylish shops, cafés, and is a short stroll from Kensington Gardens.

🪖 Changing of the Guard Tours

While many visitors head to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard, a guided tour gives you deeper insight into the ceremony. You’ll learn about the regiments, uniforms, and traditions—details most people miss when they simply watch from the sidelines.

💡 Tip: Make sure you do your research before you go—knowing your royal family history is a must if you want to fully appreciate the experience. I’ve written more about how a little research can enrich your travels here: Who the Hell Were the Ottomans? Why a Little Research Goes a Long Way.

🪨 Stonehenge & Bath

For history lovers, Stonehenge and Bath make a perfect day trip from London. Stonehenge’s prehistoric stones remain one of the world’s great mysteries, while Bath is famed for its Roman baths and elegant Georgian architecture. To make it easy, consider a guided option like the Premium Tours Stonehenge Private Viewing Tour, which includes special access to the site. I've done this tour and it was magical, being able to touch the stones at Stonehenge was a bucket list moment.

🌳 The Cotswolds

A hire car is the best way to explore the Cotswolds, with its winding lanes, stone cottages, and postcard villages like Bourton-on-the-Water. Take your time, stop in local pubs or tearooms, and enjoy the slower pace.

🐄 Diddly Squat Farm Shop & Brewery

Made famous by Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm, this quirky spot in Oxfordshire is worth a detour. The shop sells local produce and tongue-in-cheek merchandise, and the on-site brewery serves up a pint with plenty of character.

🌊 Cornwall: St Ives & Land’s End

Hiring a car also opens the door to Cornwall, where you’ll find charming towns and dramatic coastline. St Ives is a favourite for its sandy beaches and lively art scene, while Land’s End is about as far west as you can go in England—clifftop views that are worth the drive alone.

🎨 Gillie and Marc Sculptures

Keep an eye out for Gillie and Marc’s public sculptures across London. Known for their distinctive animal-human hybrid figures, their art installations add a modern, thought-provoking layer to the city’s streets.

✨ Final Thoughts

Britain is best explored with a mix of guided tours—where expert commentary uncovers the details you’d never learn on your own—and a hire car, which lets you wander through villages, farms, and coastlines at your own pace. From the timeless traditions of the Guard to the sweeping cliffs of Land’s End, this is a country where history and culture are always just around the corner.