Great Britain is one of the most famous island states in the whole world. Millions of tourists come here every year to see the best attractions.
This territory includes four administrative and political units: England, Wales, Ireland, as well as Scotland. The most visited of them is England. Many, unfortunately, very often confuse Britain with England, thinking that it is one and the same. This is not such.
In this article we will tell you about the most popular attractions of each of the four administrative and political districts. As you know, they are rich in famous castles, as well as masterpieces of local architecture.
Windsor castle
It is one of the oldest castles in the world. It is interesting in that it still functions. The place is considered the official residence of the queen.
Luxury and wealth are exactly these two words that can describe the majestic Windsor Castle. This building was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle in the world, at least for this reason it can be called one of the main attractions of the UK.
It should also be noted that here you can see the most famous puppet castle on the planet, the royal library, magnificent gardens, works of famous artists and an exhibition dedicated to the royal dynasty.
St. David's Cathedral
This cathedral was built in the 12th century. Its architectural appearance took several centuries. It is worth noting that the building was repeatedly subjected to significant damage, but, as you can see, in modern times it looks amazing.
This cathedral in Wales is considered the holiest place, because here are located the relics of the patron saint of Wales - St. David.
In addition, it is worth noting that a bishop's palace was built here in the 14th century, and at the beginning of the 16th century a chapel of the Holy Trinity appeared.
London Big Ben
One of the most popular attractions in the UK. Beg Ben is the main bell of the Palace of Westminster. This building has a centuries-old history, since it was built in the 13th century. It was destroyed several times, but, of course, restored.
In terms of size and volume, the tower weighs about thirteen tons. Previously, the nickname Big Ben was worn only by a bell, but now the whole tower is called that.
By the way, it is believed that the building received such a name due to the fact that one of the architects is Benjamin Hall. It was large enough, for which he received such a nickname.
In addition, it is worth noting that since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed and is now called the Tower of Elizabeth.
This place is considered a kind of business card of the UK, and you can not argue with that.
Edinburgh castle
Edinburgh Castle was nicknamed the door to Scotland. The walls guard her for many centuries. The castle is considered one of the most famous and at the same time mysterious in the whole kingdom. It is located in Edinburgh. Due to the fact that it has a very rich history and also has a rather complicated style, it is visited annually by millions of people from all over the world.
The date of construction of the building is 1139. By the way, until recently, it belonged to the British Department of Defense.
Tower of London
This fortress is located on the north bank of the Thames. The age of this building is more than 900 years. He is known for constantly changing his meaning over his long history. The Tower of London managed to visit a prison, a fortress, a palace, as well as an observatory, a repository of the English crown and not only.
By the way, the prison was not easy. People with royal blood were imprisoned here. Once upon a time, such noble personalities as Thomas More, Queen Maria Tudor, as well as several wives of Henry XVIII managed to visit this place. It is worth noting that the Tower of London ceased to be a prison in the twentieth century.
Previously, this place was the residence of the monarchs.
Buckingham Palace
This building is the official residence of the ruling dynasty. The foundation date of this historic building is considered to be 1703, and the architect is William Wilde, familiar to every resident of England. This complex is considered one of the most famous attractions in the UK.
The place is quite young compared to other historical monuments of the city. Initially, the palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham, but was bought by George III.
In modern times, this place has more than 800 rooms, and around the perimeter of the building there is a hospital, restaurant, post office and not only. All this is built specifically for royalty.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
This famous building is located in the capital of Ireland. The cathedral was built specifically in honor of the main holy country - Patrick. The cathedral is very important for the state. Once this saint managed to save the city from snakes, and also to form a national consciousness among citizens.
The building was built in a fairly simple English style.
Palace of Westminster
One of the most famous attractions in the UK. Since the fifteenth century, the British Parliament has been sitting in this place. Until that moment, the building served as the monarch's residence.
This palace is located in the heart of London - on the banks of the Thames. Beginning in the eleventh century, English kings settled in this place.
Over the many centuries of its presence here, the building has been rebuilt and reconstructed a large number of times. The last time the architectural structure underwent external changes in the nineteenth century in connection with a large-scale fire.
As for visiting the palace, tourists can get inside only during the summer parliamentary holidays.
Blarney Castle
This place is a fortification. Located in County Cork. The building stands on this place for a very long time (from the 10th century) and managed to survive quite a lot of raids and attacks. Quite a lot of people lived in it, having survived due to the fact that the walls are very firmly protected.
In addition, it is known that this place has a stone of Oratory. He gives talent to all those who kiss him.
St Paul's Cathedral
This beautiful church is located on Ludgate Hill. From the very beginning of the Middle Ages Christian churches were built here. The last of them fell under Henry VIII.
The construction of a new temple began only in the seventeenth century, according to the design of Christopher Wren. It is also worth noting that a lot of famous British personalities are buried in this place, including Winston Churchill, Admiral Nelson, as well as many other iconic figures.
Trafalgar Square
One of the main attractions of the UK. The description is worth starting with the fact that tourists love it very much, since it is here that the British zero kilometer passes. It is here that numerous events are constantly held. Among them are carnivals, holidays and festivals. In addition, it is worth noting that it is here that the main Christmas tree is established.
The square appeared on this place in 1820 on the site of the old stables. The territory is named after the victory of the British in 1805 at Cape Trafalgar.
Isle of Skye
This island is considered one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. People come here to enjoy nature, take a walk along the promenade, and also climb to the very top of the Isle of Skye - Mount Kulin. In addition, there is the opportunity to see Dunvegan Castle. You can get to this place using a bridge or a ferry.
Royal Mile in Edinburgh
These are several streets located in the center of Edinburgh. There are only four of them, and they follow each other from west to east. The history of the Royal Mile begins in the 12th century. It’s definitely not possible to get around this place. It has a very beautiful architecture, numerous shops, as well as street musicians and artists. It is on this street that the most beautiful sights of the city are located.
Conclusion
Sights of Great Britain, the list of which is very long, are considered interesting and mysterious. Of course, every person should at least once see them.