Listings

Find places to visit in Britain by name, location, type of attraction, or other keyword. This listings directory of over 950 entries is being phased out, to be replaced with ‘Places’.  You may find what you are looking for there. Tap/Click ‘find listings’ for a detailed search – or just have a browse.  If your […]

Britain, places to visit, attractions, heritage
Find places to visit in Britain by name, location, type of attraction, or other keyword.

This listings directory of over 950 entries is being phased out, to be replaced with ‘Places’.  You may find what you are looking for there.

Tap/Click ‘find listings’ for a detailed search – or just have a browse. 

BATTLE of ROSLIN

Memorial to the Battle of Roslin, erected in 1994. The battle was fought on 24th February 1303 between the Scots and English during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was a Scottish victory, but it does not figure in many history books and few people have even heard of it. Some accounts of the battle suggest that a divided force of 30,000 English troops was picked off in 3 separate engagements by a rapidly assembled Scottish army of 8,000 fighting on terrain they knew. However, evidence is lacking and the above story may be a myth; the battle could have been a skirmish, or series of skirmishes.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Dryden Cottages
Roslin
County
Midlothian
Post Code
EH25 9PP
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Rosslyn Chapel and Castle
Primary Management
Unknown
BATTLE of STIRLING BRIDGE

The battle was fought on 11 September 1297.  Following Scots support for the French, Edward I of England invaded Scotland, deposed the King, John Balliol and left an army of occupation. Sir William Wallace and Sir Andrew Moray led a rebellion and met an English army outside Stirling. The English advanced over a narrow bridge over the River Forth. The Scots fell upon the English from the high ground on Abbey Craig, cutting the invading army in two. The English commander, the Earl of Surrey, could not reinforce because of the narrowness of the bridge. The portion of his forces that had crossed the bridge were cut down, though some of managed to escape by swimming back across the river. The Scottish victory destroyed the myth of English invincibility.  Legend has it that the hated English treasurer, Hugh de Cressingham, was flayed after the battle and that Wallace made a belt from the skin.

The actual bridge of the battle was destroyed at the time. The current 'old' bridge was built downstream of it in the 16th century and is still in use by pedestrians. There is a plaque on the east end of the bridge, with a small portion of meadow adjacent, but it is thought that most of the fighting took place on ground that is now built over. It's a nice bridge, though. Post code is very approximate.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Bridgehaugh Road
Stirling
County
Stirlingshire
Post Code
FK9 5AL
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Tip/Nearby
Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument
BEACHY HEAD

Beachy Head is a famous chalk headland and landmark, immediately to the west of the town of Eastbourne. There are fine views and walks along the cliffs, approx 500 feet above sea level. There is parking nearby and at Birling Gap further along the coast. Beachy Head has an interesting history and was used as a listening and lookout post during WW2. The cliffs are, however, extremely dangerous and the area has a high death-rate, through a combination of foolish accident and, unfortunately, suicide. Beachy Head lighthouse began operating in 1902.

The post code below is for the nearby pub.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Eastbourne
County
East Sussex
Post Code
BN20 7YA
Main Historic Period
N/A
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Eastbourne, Seven Sisters Country Park
Primary Management
Local Authority
BEARSDEN ROMAN BATH HOUSE


Bearsden Roman Bath House is the excavated stone remains of a bathhouse and latrine annexed to the fort that stood nearby, part of the defences of the Antonine Wall, constructed c140 AD and abandoned 20 years later. The remains were discovered when Victorian houses were redeveloped in 1973 and are now displayed, with useful information boards, surrounded by late 20th century suburban residences. The boards allow easy interpretation of the remains. It is a fascinating site, but most people will not tarry longer than about 20 minutes. The fort is buried under modern housing and roads.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
8 Roman Court
Bearsden
Glasgow
County
East Dunbartonshire
Post Code
G61 2HS
Main Historic Period
Roman
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
About 8 miles north of Glasgow. Limited parking.
Primary Management
Local Authority
BEDD ARTHUR

Bedd Arthur, Beddarthur, or Arthur’s Grave is one of many sites in Britain associated with the burial of the legendary King Arthur. It is thought to be a small stone circle – actually vaguely elliptical in shape – now comprising 13 upright stones and 2 fallen ones. It is an unimpressive sight unless you are an enthusiast about these things and the stones are not large – about 2 feet (60cms) above ground. They seem to lean inward, leading to speculation that there was once a mound, or burial chamber, inside. It is a dramatic location, alongside an ancient trackway and overlooking the Carn Menyn outcrops, thought by some to be the main source of the Stonehenge bluestones. Some have even suggested that Bedd Arthur is a prototype Stonehenge.

Post code is nearby.  Access by foot only, wearing suitable clothing.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Mynachlog-ddu
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA66 7RY
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Tip/Nearby
Foel Trygarn, Carn Menyn
Primary Management
National Park
BEN NEVIS

Ben Nevis - Beinn Nibheis - is the highest mountain in Britain (4412 feet, 1345 metres). The summit is the collapsed dome of an ancient volcano.  It is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William, and is affectionately known as 'The Ben.' It is immensely popular with walkers, who mainly follow a well-constructed track from the south, as well as serious climbers. Ben Nevis can be a dangerous place. Conditions can change very quickly and deaths from falls as well as from exposure are not uncommon. It is essential to take precautions before attempting an ascent, including telling people you are going up and wearing/taking appropriate clothing and equipment.

The mountain is looked after by the John Muir Trust.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Fort William
County
Highland
Post Code
PH33 6SY
Main Historic Period
N/A
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Fort William
Primary Management
Other
BERKHAMSTED CASTLE

Ruined remains of motte and bailey castle at Berkhamsted dating from 11th to 15th centuries. Berkhamsted was home to kings, besieged by the French and scene of the Saxon surrender to William the Conqueror in 1066. And it's a great place for a picnic.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Berkhamsted
County
Hertfordshire
Post Code
HP4 1HH
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Primary Management
English Heritage
BERLIN WALL

There's a small section of the Berlin Wall, taken from the Leuschnerdamm in the Kreuzberg district of the city, outside the Imperial War Museum in London. On it, the main item of graffiti is the phrase 'CHANGE YOUR LIFE' by the graffiti artist 'Indiano'. The Berlin Wall was erected by the East German authorities from the 13 August 1961, dividing the city between east and west. It was breached by ordinary Berliners on 9 November 1989, an event seen by many as marking the end of the Cold War. It also paved the way for German reunification. The Wall was finally dismantled between 1990-94.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Lambeth Road
Lambeth
County
London
Post Code
SE1 6HZ
Main Historic Period
Modern
Useful Website Address
Primary Management
Imperial War Museum
Blackfriars Chapel, St Andrews

The tiny ruins of Blackfriars' Chapel are the only visible remains of a Dominican Friary that was established in St Andrews c1464. The friars wore black robes - hence the name. The chapel was built in 1525 as an extension to the church, but was destroyed during the Scottish Reformation, presumably when, or shortly after, the friars were 'violently expelled' in 1559. So, there's very little to see but it's worth having a look when you're in town.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
South Street
St Andrews
County
Fife
Post Code
KY16 9EH
Main Historic Period
Tudor
Tip/Nearby
West Port, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle
Primary Management
Historic Scotland
Blakeney

In the Middle Ages, the small village of Blakeney was a thriving port handling exotic products like spices. Silting of the harbour changed its fortunes and it’s now an attractive tourist destination and a good base for exploring north Norfolk. It is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Norfolk Coastal Path passes through the village and the whole area is a magnet for walkers and wildlife lovers. The harbour and surrounding marshes are owned by the National Trust and is a nature reserve. Within the village are the remains of the medieval Blakeney Guildhall, the twin-towered medieval St Nicholas church as well as pubs and restaurants. The largest seal colony in England can be visited by boat to Blakeney Point, which (with restrictions to protect wildlife) can also be walked to from nearby Cley-next-the-Sea. Samphire is grown on the point and, as well as seals, ringed plovers, oystercatchers, brent geese and common teal can also be spotted.

Region/Nation
County
Norfolk
Post Code
NR25 7NE
Main Historic Period
All
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Nature reserve, seal spotting, Holkham Hall, Castle Acre...
Primary Management
Local Authority

If your favourite attraction is not listed yet, and you have a good quality digital photograph of it that you are able to freely send, please get in touch. 

Scroll to Top