Architectural wonders
From sumptuous stuccoed villas to handsome Roman aqueducts, thrillingly high-tech suspension bridges and beautiful baroque palaces, English architecture competes valiantly with everything the natural world creates. Discover the architectural heritage of our country, with different styles and periods on display throughout every town, often within the same edifice.
The historical architecture of cathedrals that took more than 1,000 years to complete will dazzle. Keep cameras ready for impressive Norman and gothic buildings. If you prefer something more contemporary, check out striking public buildings, libraries and performing arts centres, which have been designed with function as much as form in mind.
Climb the 311 steps of the Monument for views over the City
The Monument, built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, is the tallest isolated stone column in the world and offers panoramic views of London.
Location: London, Greater London
Admire the iconic architectural landmarks of the City
Explore the fusion of historical and modern architecture in the ever-evolving City of London.
Location: London, Greater London
Take the cultural quarter trail in Leicester
Absorb yourself in rich performances and visual arts in Leicester’s cultural quarter and enjoy architectural splendour and fine dining.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Visit the Angel of the North
Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is one of the UK’s most famous pieces of public art.
Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
A coastal break with a unique twist
Swap a standard double for a balancing barn or geometric house, both are worthy of spot on Grand Designs.
Location: Thorrington & Thorpeness, Suffolk
Holiday amongst the clouds
For a fairytale holiday on the Suffolk Coast, drop your bags off at The House in the Clouds, a weird and wonderful holiday home.
Location: Thorpeness, Suffolk
Stay in a 200-year-old tower
Book a stay in a converted 19th century fort, where sea views and dreamy skies are all part of the décor.
Location: Shingle Street, Suffolk
Take your loved one to the top of Greenwich at Up at The O2
The O2 offers a unique expedition over its famous roof for amazing 360° views of London, and is an experience worth sharing with your loved one.
Location: Greenwich, London
Stand astride the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Stand with one foot in the east and one in the west and feel on top of the world at this historic observatory.
Location: Greenwich, London
Explore the beautiful and curious Rushton Triangular Lodge
This place is proof that in England you'll find architectural treasures in the most unlikely places.
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Explore Cambridge University
Take a walking tour through the colleges that make up one of the most prestigious universities in the world – Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
See an open-air play at the Minack Theatre
Carved into a granite cliff face on the southern tip of Cornwall, the Minack Theatre is a wonderfully unique theatrical experience.
Location: Porthcurno, Cornwall
Explore the historic and lively city of Lancaster
Uncover Lancaster’s ancient and haunting history at its hilltop castle and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in one of England’s Heritage Cities.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Take a tour of Liverpool’s architectural marvels
See this handsome, historic city with fresh eyes; join an expert-led RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) tour of its loveliest buildings.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
View Hull from above from the iconic Humber Bridge
The world’s longest single-span suspension bridge when it opened in 1981, the Humber Bridge is an impressive sight that includes its own country park.
Location: Hull, East Yorkshire
