England is a country rich in history, with hundreds of historical landmarks and incredible stories behind them. Many of these landmarks are only a short distance from our Leonardo hotels – perfect for a fun, educational day trip.
From Hadrian’s Wall to Brighton Palace Pier, our guide explores seven well-known English landmarks and why you should visit them.
Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the oldest and most fascinating historical sites in England. It is the remains of a ring of standing stones that was built between 3000 and 2000 BC.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric structure, so nobody really knows what it was for – although speculation ranges from a clock, to a place of worship, to the supernatural. This landmark welcomes over 800,000 visitors annually, making it one of England’s most popular monuments.
Learn more about the history of Stonehenge with an in-depth audio guide. Available in 12 languages, it can be downloaded for free before your visit. Stonehenge has several facilities, including parking, a shop, a café, a picnic area and toilets. There is a fee to view the landmark up close – find out more about ticket prices here.
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, just an hour’s drive from our Swindon hotel.
From England’s oldest landmark to a very recent one. The Angel of the North is a sculpture of an angel with a wingspan of almost 200 feet. Construction of the sculpture took place between 1994 and 1998 and cost £1 million. It’s visited by around 150,000 people a year and seen by 90,000 people daily along the A1 motorway.
The Angel of the North is thought to be the world’s largest angel sculpture, with a wingspan greater than that of a Boeing 757 jet. It’s free to visit and accessible seven days a week.
You can find the Angel of the North in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. If you are staying at either of our Newcastle hotels, you may have seen the Angel of the North on your way into the city. This fascinating monument is only a short bus or car journey away – a must-visit attraction if you’re staying in Newcastle!
Next on our list of famous English landmarks is Hadrian’s Wall. This landmark was built over 1800 years ago by the Roman army at the request of the emperor Hadrian. The original wall stretched 73 miles from the North West to the North East coast to enclose those under Roman rule.
Various remnants of Hadrian’s Wall remain today, and since 1987, it has been a World Heritage Site. Learn more about this magnificent landmark at one of the historical sites along the wall’s route, including Chesters Roman Fort and Museum.
The remains of Hadrian’s Wall stretch from Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, to Wallsend, Newcastle. You can access them from our Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside, a 10-minute walk from Hadrian’s Wall Path. It’s a perfect stop-off if you’re continuing your journey up to Scotland!
Also known as the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster has been the central seat of the government for many years. It is the meeting location for the House of Commons and House of Lords, where new laws are passed and debates are held to discuss government policy.
If you want to find out more about the Palace of Westminster, join one of the guided tours that take place throughout the year. The Palace also holds talks and events to educate visitors about UK Parliament.
The Palace of Westminster is located on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster. This unmissable London attraction is easily accessible from our London hotels via the tube or overground train.
Brighton Palace Pier is the South East’s biggest attraction. Opened in May 1899, this Grade II listed pleasure pier is 1,722 feet long and has been labelled the finest pier ever built. Today, it’s one of the most-visited English landmarks outside the capital, welcoming over four million visitors yearly.
The Pier is free to visit and open every day (apart from Christmas Day). It has many fun attractions, including rides, arcades and food stalls. So whether you fancy fish and chips or want to try your hand at a traditional arcade game, Brighton Palace Pier is the place to visit.
Brighton Palace Pier is only a 12-minute walk from Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront and a 10-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Brighton.
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of England's most renowned historical places to visit. A working church and the seat of the Bishop of London, the Cathedral has been an important London icon since the 17th century. Many significant services have been held here, including the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Book a guided tour to gain insight into the Cathedral’s history to see key areas such as the Cathedral Floor and Crypt.
St Paul’s Cathedral is in central London, just a stone’s throw from Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s. It’s also close to several tube stations, including St Paul’s, Mansion House, and Blackfriars.
Liverpool Cathedral is an impressive structure located in the city’s heart. Built between 1904 and 1978, it’s Britain’s largest church and the eighth-largest church in the world. Journey to the top of Liverpool Cathedral tower and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings. On a clear day, you might even spot Blackpool Tower!
Liverpool Cathedral is situated on St James Road. It’s under a 10-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Liverpool.
Planning a UK trip? Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, our Leonardo hotels are the ideal place to rest your head. From Sheffield to Brighton, many of our hotels are close to historic places in England, making it easy to organise a fun-filled day out.
Browse our complete list of UK hotels to book your next stay and check out our blog for helpful travel inspiration.
Most Royal Regions in the UKMaking up a large and significant part of the ...
MORE +The Second Names of Cities in the UK and Around the WorldThe Big Apple, The City...
MORE +Widely considered the beating, bustling heart of the North of England, Mancheste...
MORE +
