City: England
Top Things to do in England
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What to do and see in England, United Kingdom: The Best Ancient Ruins
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom (green)
Restaurants in England
1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,875 reviews
We've loved having you back! Please note that you need to pre-book your ticket to visit at the moment via the website. Explore a great abbey and elegant water garden at this World Heritage Site near Harrogate. Cistercian monks chose this place to establish Fountains Abbey in 1132, and the walls echo with centuries-old stories. Follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden designed by visionaries John and William Aislabie in the 18th century. You can spend a day amongst statues, follies and cascades before venturing beyond the lake to Studley Royal deer park, with ancient lime tree avenues and red, fallow and sika deer. Eat, shop, stay Restaurant serving select range of hot food. Picnics welcome but please leave BBQs at home. Large shop with gardening section. Stay at one of 14 holiday cottages, including a cosy waterside lodge and elegant apartment inside Jacobean Fountains Hall. No drones please. Bikes and scooters welcome for children under 5.
Reviewed By Sal7thomp - Leeds, United Kingdom
Fantastic grounds, amazing view, wonderful gardens and lake with a great deer park and lovely abbey and great gift shop
2. Sandown Castle Community Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By rosemarye728 - Deal, United Kingdom
The hard work and dedication put in by local volunteers has made this a beautiful place to sit and relax and watch the sun set over the sea.
3. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,624 reviews
Dating from about 3000 BC, this is one of the first stone circles built in Britain, which is perched atop a high moor with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Reviewed By 90josephr - Cumbria, United Kingdom
Castlerigg Stone Circle on the outskirts of Keswick is a magical place. It is one of the oldest remaining stone circles in the British Isles, older than Stonehenge, and easily accessible either on foot, by bicycle or in a vehicle. The site is owned by the National Trust with free access to all. Standing in the middle of the Neolithic stone circle the stunning views of the surrounding fells (mountains) and valleys can seem subtly different as the clouds above pass overhead. When the cloud cover is above the fells the higher Lakeland peaks that can be seen from this dramatic amphitheatre include Helvellyn, Blencathra and Skiddaw. There are ample and free parking spaces on the adjacent road. Go through the kissing gates and there are recently restored information boards explaining the history and heritage of the stone circle. Follow in the footsteps of countless generations of scholars, writers, poets, artists and photographers and soak in the wonders of this enchanting location.
4. Tintagel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,358 reviews
This brooding 13th-century castle sits on the rugged and spectacular Atlantic coast in Cornwall, which recalls the myth and mystery associated with King Arthur and Merlin the magician. New exhibition explores the stories linking Tintagel to King Arthur which includes a 3D model of the site illustrating how it has changed over the centuries. Dog friendly and child friendly, this is a great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Excellent trip to the castle, im petrified of heights and still managed to get to the top, king Arthur is up on the highest of hills and the views from up there are breath taking... it is well worth a visit... excellent fun for ALL the family
5. Bignor Roman Villa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Visitors to the Roman villa at Bignor will tour the ancient site (circa AD190) that evolved over several centuries, and which houses some of the best preserved mosaics in England.
Reviewed By richardbK1046WT - Maidstone, United Kingdom
this is a wonderful example of a roman villa set in the heart of the wessex countryside, plenty of parking with a sweet little cafe.
6. Avebury Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,291 reviews
This mysterious stone circle is thought to have been constructed in Neolithic times between 2500 to 2000 BC by The Beaker people, who might have played a major role in the formation of another eerie ancient site at Stonehenge.
Reviewed By F5904TEianm - Ashbourne, United Kingdom
In many ways more impressive than Stonehenge, and such a lot to see. It's great to get up close and walk amongst and indeed touch the stones, also a beautiful picturesque village with pub, church, manor house and museum barn. Easily enough for a half day, or perhaps a full day. If you enjoy walking and exploring our history, a 5 mile circuit also taking in Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow makes a full and fine day!
7. Tynemouth Priory & Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Reviewed By WestCountryGreenMan - Worthing, United Kingdom
Tynemouth priory is a lovely, interesting place to visit and definitely worth it if you're in the area. There's some amazing views from the priory too.
8. Grimspound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By CanBrit1
We re-visit Grimspound every few years because it's probably the best example of an Iron Age settlement in easy reach of a road. The wall is intact. The house outlines with the draft-excluding shell shapes show how peoples of that time lived on the moor. Walk up to the neighbouring tor to get a better view. More adventurous walkers park at the Warren Inn and talk the trail across the moor. If you only visit one ancient site on Dartmoor, make it Grimspound.
9. York City Walls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,565 reviews
No visit to York is complete without a stroll along part of the 2 miles of historic walls that have protected the city for nearly 2000 years. The walls are completely free to walk, however bespoke guided tours can be booked with your own personal tour guide, meeting you at a time and place to suit you, and showing you the extensive hidden history to be found along the walls.
Reviewed By MKing1982 - Colchester, United Kingdom
One of the best preserved city walls we've been to. Well maintained and well marked - the York city wall walk provides a great progression around the city with plenty to look at (both old and new). The walk is atop the walls themselves and along the kings' pond/moat. The walk goes past the Minster and Shambles for a quick detour. Although there are benches along the walk, the wall portion requires the use of stairs. May be a consideration.
10. Glastonbury Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,736 reviews
A hidden jewel in the heart of Somerset, Glastonbury Abbey is traditionally associated with the earliest days of Christianity in Britain and figures such as Joseph of Arimathea, St Patrick and St David. It is also the resting place for three Saxon kings and the legendary King Arthur. Set in 36 acres of parkland in the middle of the town, the histories, mysteries and myths of Glastonbury Abbey define it as a place of extraordinary spiritual significance. Open 364 days a year, welcoming dogs on short leads, with summer cafe, costumed guides, accredited museum and gift shop.
Reviewed By bleuberry99 - San Diego, United States
To sit and take in the beautiful structures while daydreaming that King Arthur and Guinevere are buried here fulfills a wanderlust in my spirit that was awoken as a child when I was first told of the mythical legends and folklore that still entice me today. The height and architecture of some of the remaining structures are just awesome to gaze upon. Being there at sunset added to the beauty. If you love the legends a much as I do you’ll be happy to have stepped foot into this place.
