When you really think about it, Britain’s history is so saucy is would even make Love Island fans blush. Scandalous behaviour from the royals (yep, we watched The Crown), bloodthirsty raids by hairy Vikings and, well, we won’t even get started on the Roman’s favourite pastime. Apparently, the togas were optional, if you catch our drift.
Fancy experiencing some of it for yourself? No judgement here. Luckily, there are history-steeped attractions up and down the UK that bring the past to life even better than the telly. Discover the best historical places to visit in the UK
Warwick Castle is the perfect mix of beauty and brutality. There’s a lovely Victorian rose garden before you reach the two sets of ancient portcullis protected by murder holes above (for throwing dung and dead bodies down at attackers). It’s quite the juxtaposition.
The 14th century Caesar’s Tower is cracking too, but what really sets Warwick Castle apart are its events. Forget boring guided tours - think jousting tournaments, battle re-enactments, archery and falconry all year round. Winner.
Whether you’re a die-hard Royalist or not, Buckingham Palace is still a pretty cool place to tick off your historical attractions hitlist. It’s surprisingly good for young ones too.
Children under 5 get in for free and there’s a cool (and kid-friendly) multimedia experience where Rex the Corgi is the tour guide, teaching you all about the Palace’s history. Highlights include the Throne Room and Ballroom (big enough to hold 84 double-deckers), plush Marble Hall and Palace Garden.
Edinburgh’s really beautiful. But all those old buildings make it pretty creepy too.
If you want to really ramp up the fright factor, The Edinburgh Dungeon takes you on a tour through the dark side of the Scottish capital’s history. You’ll meet body snatchers Burke and Hare in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. Have lunch at cannibal Sawney Bean’s cave. And feel what it was like to freefall from the gallows on the Drop Dead ride. You know that feeling in your stomach? Yeah, that’s guaranteed.
Loads of us nowadays know the story of the Titanic through the 90s movie with Leo and Kate. Nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t beat a visit to Titanic Belfast when you want the gospel about the world’s most famous ship (and why it sank).
In this interactive experience you find out about boomtown Belfast in the early 20th century, take a ride through the shipyards, find out about the ship’s 5-star fit out and experience the shock of its sinking. Lots of amazing original Titanic artefacts along the way too – like the last lunch menu first class passengers enjoyed the day the ship hit the iceberg.
This circle of massive standing stones near Salisbury isn’t just a summer solstice meeting spot for the hippies, it’s Britain's most mysterious historical site. Seriously, how did it actually get there?
Well, legend has it, they were assembled by giants in Ireland and then some wizard named Merlin magically transported them to where they are today. Other folklore tale says they were ruins of the Roman temple, and that they were put up with invading Danes. The jury’s still out on that one.
Stonehenge is also part of English Heritage, you can save 15% on an annual English Heritage membership to enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic places!
Fancy learning more about the gruesome history of the royal family? Get your Tower of London tickets for all the latest and greatest goss. Like the scandalous beheading of Anne Boleyn or the daring escape attempts of Sir Walter Raleigh.
This castle (Yes, it's a castle! Who knew?! Well probably you, seeing as you're a history buff...) has seen it all - from being a castle fit for a king to a dank, dreary prison.
Into historic weapons? The White Tower is the one for you, packed full of medieval armaments. If bling is more your thing, don't fret - the Tower of London is home to the iconic Crown Jewels.
Trust us, this place should definitely be on any history lovers bucket-list.
This grand palace, built by the infamous King Henry VIII himself, is a pretty big deal. Get your Hampton Court Palace tickets here to feel like royalty as you stroll through the palace's lush gardens, majestic halls, and even the kitchens where some serious feasts have been cooked.
You can even get lost in the famous hedge maze. Will you find you way out? Hopefully! Don't blame us if you don't...
This is definitely one to visit, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the palace's rich history and legendary inhabitants.
So grab your scepter, throw on your finest cape, and let's party like it's 1959 at Hampton Court Palace!
Another London palace you should definetly add to your list, Kensington Palace has more stories than a gossip column, and they're all juicy.
Former home to Princess Diana, you can't go wrong with a trip to Kensington Palace.
Take a tour through the beautiful state apartments, where the royals used to get their swank on, or check out the exhibits on the palace's famous inhabitants including Queen Victoria. You can also wander through the sunken garden (if the weather allows!)
The largest exhibition ever to be staged at Kensington Palace is currently on show. 'Crown to Couture' features the power of dress in the Georgian era and how it has inspired today's iconic red-carpet looks. With over 200 pieces from fashion history on display including Lady Gaga's luminous green MTV Awards dress and Lizzo's spectacular Thom Browne dress from the 2022 Met Gala. Entry to this exhibit is included in your standard Kensington Palace ticket.
At Days Out, you can book the UK’s best attractions (y’know the proper FOMO inducing ones?) -- we know where’s perfect for you. Find your next adventure.
