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.
It now excludes places and things of interest in the North of England, including Yorkshire.
These can be found in ABAB’s Places.
Places to visit in England’s East Midlands are currently being moved to ABAB’s Places.
Tap/Click ‘find listings’ for a detailed search – or just have a browse.
St Nicholas Moreton is world famous for the unusual engraved glass windows by Laurence Whistler and for the grave of Lawrence of Arabia (soldier-philosopher T E Lawrence) in the nearby cemetery, following his funeral in the church. The church was originally dedicated to St Magnus Martyr, Earl of Orkney (why?), but this was changed to St. Nicholas in 1490. A German bomb on 8 October 1940 extensively damaged the church, blowing out all the glass. Created as part of the refurbishment following the war, the 13 engraved glass windows (1955-85) are by Sir Laurence Whistler, who revived glass engraving in the 20th century. Lawrence of Arabia had a bolt-hole at Clouds Hill nearby and was killed on his motorcycle just along the road from it in 1935.
Stonehenge is renowned the world over and, together with surrounding prehistoric monuments, is a World Heritage Site. It was begun in the Neolithic period, about 3000 BC as a circular ditch surrounding stone or wooden posts. The stones arrived about 500 years later, some (the Sarsen stones) from the Marlborough Downs about 16 miles to the north, other (the bluestones) from the Preseli Hills some 150 miles to the west, in Pembrokeshire. No one knows for certain why it was built - there is no shortage of theories. But it would have taken not only a lot of effort, but also a lot of organisation, to build Stonehenge. Further, it is situated in a landscape packed full of other monuments and reminders of our prehistoric ancestors. Stonehenge is extremely popular. There is a busy visitor centre with a compelling museum, exhibition gallery and reconstructed round-houses. You are transported part-way to the circle by shuttle bus, after which you can walk. The area has been landscaped so that the visitor centre is not visible from the monument. Note: Many visitors are disappointed by how crowded Stonehenge can be - and also that the circle is smaller than they have imagined.
Muchelney's impressive parish church dates from the 15th century, but is believed to have Saxon origins. The tower is a particular feature, but it is probably best-known for its Jacobean painted ceiling, which features images of bare-breasted angels. There is also a section of 13th century floor tiles (taken from the neighbouring abbey) and a rather nice font.
Nr Langport
Studland Bay is best known for its 4-mile stretch of sandy beach, popular with people of all ages. It sits between Poole Harbour and Old Harry Rocks, to the east of Swanage. There are actually five beaches - Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach - all but the last managed by the National Trust. There is a naturists (nudist) beach in the middle. Studland allegedly was the inspiration for Enid Blyton's Toytown ("Noddy, put your clothes back on at once"). The heathland behind the beaches is full of wildlife, including all six native British reptiles.
Heritage railway on the Isle of Purbeck. The Wareham-Swanage line was closed in 1972. Thanks to local support and the efforts of volunteers, the Swanage Railway is probably the best thing in town and ran its first service in 1979. The frequent service runs about 6 miles between Swanage and Norden, via Corfe Castle. Journey time between Swanage and Corfe is about 20 minutes.
Swanage
The Tank Museum at Bovington holds more than 300 vehicles and claims the largest collection of tanks in the world (though I'm sure the US, China and Russia have more). The enormous displays include the fascinating story of the tank, plus events and demonstrations of tanks in action. It is an amazing day out - especially if you like tanks.
Late medieval, possibly earlier, clapper bridge over the river Barle - said to be the longest clapper bridge in Britain. Pleasant walks nearby. Post code is for the nearby Tarr Steps Inn.
NB Post code is for nearby Tarr Steps Inn.
Tate holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art, with permanent locations in London and Liverpool. Tate St Ives shows work by modern British artists with links to the St Ives area and also hosts related events. The Tate also manages the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives.
Photo: Sara Charlesworth via Wikipedia
St Ives
The dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle perch precariously on the clifftops above a thundering sea. One half is on an island, now joined to the mainland by a stunning, modern, steel and oak footbridge. Below, at low tide, it is possible to enter Merlin's Cave - for Tintagel is most famously associated with the legend of King Arthur. According to 12th century writer Geoffrey of Monmouth, Tintagel Castle was the place of Arthur's magical conception, when Uther Pendragon slept with Ygraine of Cornwall through trickery, and consequently the legendary king's subsequent birthplace. The castle actually dates from the 13th century, built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, younger brother of King Henry III, and there is no hard evidence to associate it with the legendary king. However, recent work has revealed that Tintagel was a high-status community in the 5th-7th centuries, the so-called Dark Ages, when Arthur may have lived. So you never know.
In any event, Tintagel is one of the most evocative, romantic and inspirational places for a castle in Britain.
Tintagel
The charming garden of Tintinhull Hall, designed by an amateur gardener, Phyllis Reiss, who lived there from 1933 to 1961. The garden is divided into a series of 'rooms', each with its own character. Don't miss the swing!
The hall is not generally open to the public, but can be hired for self-catering breaks.
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.