Durdle Door is a famous natural rock arch located near Lulworth on the coastline of South Dorset. The region’s coast is known as the Jurassic Coast — known for its many fossils, the area was designated England’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The limestone arch of Durdle Door was formed by wave erosion. Its name comes from an old English word meaning “drill.”

“Angel of the North” is one of many pieces of public art around the U.K. created by artist Antony Gormley. The giant 65.6-foot-tall piece of metalwork was installed in 1998 and features a wingspan as wide as a commercial jet (177 feet). Among Gormley’s other famous pieces are “Another Place,” located in Merseyside and featuring 100 naked figures facing out to sea.

The Royal Pavilion is a notable landmark in England’s southern coastal resort town of Brighton. The Indian-inspired building was constructed in the early 19th century for King George IV, who wanted an extravagant seaside palace for hosting lavish parties. In 1850, Queen Victoria sold it to the town of Brighton. It was used as a hospital during World War I but has undergone extensive restoration in recent years.

After launching in 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia sailed the world for more than four decades, serving as a royal holiday escape and means of transportation. During its service, the ship sailed more than a million miles and was operated by a crew of around 250 people. The Britannia was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a hotel and museum in Edinburgh.

The Globe Theatre, located on the South Bank of the Thames, was where Shakespeare’s plays were once performed. The historic theater was built in 1599, but a fire caused by cannon fire during a performance destroyed it in 1613. In 1997, a replacement, built in the design of the original, was reopened just a few hundred feet away. It is the only building in London allowed to have a thatch roof.

The Roman Baths for which Bath is named date back more than 2,000 years. Hot water flows from the area’s natural springs, and the water has long been thought to have healing powers. During the Georgian era, Bath was a fashionable place to visit. Today, the public can visit the baths and see a variety of excavated treasures from the pre-Roman and Roman eras.

Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Overlooking the River Thames, it is the world’s oldest continuously occupied castle. Over the centuries, various extensions were added to convert it into a royal residence. In 1992, a fire destroyed the chapel and 115 rooms, but restoration work began immediately and was completed within five years.

Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the official residence of the British monarch when he or she is in Scotland. Holyroodhouse was originally the site of an abbey, built in 1128 by David I. James IV of Scotland decided to turn it into a palace in 1503. Abandoned during the English Civil War, it has been an official royal residence since 1660.

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the mysterious beast said to live beneath its waters. Legend has it that a local hotel owner claimed to spot something rising out of the loch as she took a drive along the shores. It sparked an international frenzy that continues today. Visitors can join one of the tour boats that continues the search.

Westminster Abbey was founded in 960 CE by Benedictine monks. In 1066, it was used for the coronation of William the Conqueror, and it has been used to crown British monarchs ever since. Seventeen monarchs are buried there, as well as many famous writers and politicians. The abbey has also hosted many royal weddings and funerals.

Hadrian’s Wall stretches for 73 miles from coast to coast in northern England. Despite popular misconceptions, it is not the border between England and Scotland; instead, it formed the northern boundary of Roman Britain at the time of its construction in 122 CE. A second wall, the Antonine Wall, was later partially constructed within modern-day Scotland but was abandoned shortly after. Hadrian’s Wall is a popular walking destination with many Roman ruins along the route.

The Tower of London has a long history as a castle, a fortress, and now the home of the Crown Jewels. It is also famously home to seven ravens. According to legend, if the ravens leave the tower, the monarchy will fall. The Tower of London is guarded by the Yeoman Warders, who are also known as Beefeaters. They are easily recognizable with their distinctive red and black uniforms.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway consists of an estimated 40,000 hexagonal-shaped basalt columns, which are thought to be about 60 million years old. The landmark looks like a pavement of massive stepping stones, hence the name. According to legend, Irish giant Finn McCool built the stones to help him reach Scotland so that he could fight rival giant Benandonner.

To this day, archaeologists and historians still speculate what Stonehenge might have been used for. Many theorize that it was a place of important religious and ceremonial significance. The prehistoric stone circle is designed to carefully line up with the sun on the dawn of the winter and summer solstices. As a result, some have suggested it might be a form of ancient calendar.

Playwright William Shakespeare’s legacy can be seen throughout the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Among the many historic houses with a Shakespeare connection are his birthplace, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and his mother Mary Arden’s farm. The Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatre is based in the town. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 and died there in 1616.

The Houses of Parliament form a striking sight alongside the banks of the River Thames, but perhaps no building here is more famous than the clock tower commonly known as Big Ben. To be accurate, the tower is called Elizabeth’s Tower, and Big Ben is the giant bell inside that chimes every hour. However, Brits affectionately refer to the clock and often the entire tower as Big Ben.

The instantly recognizable Tower Bridge was officially opened in June 1894, after eight years of construction. At the time, it was the largest bridge of its type in the world. It is a bascule bridge, with a lever on either side opening to let larger boats through. Both towers contain exhibits detailing the history and construction of the bridge.

The famous White Cliffs of Dover stand guard over the English Channel. Just 21 miles from the French coastline, they are visible in France on a clear day. Atop the chalk cliffs is Dover Castle, and beneath the castle and carved into the cliffs are an intricate series of tunnels. During World War II, the tunnels served as an army hospital and a secret communications base.

The Millenium Wheel, more commonly known as the London Eye, officially opened on December 31, 1999. The 443-foot-tall Ferris wheel is fitted with 32 glass passenger pods, one to represent each of London’s 32 boroughs. The pods provide an excellent view (25 miles on a clear day) over many of the sights of the city, including the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.

Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous landmarks. At royal weddings and the recent coronation of King Charles III, crowds gather outside the gates hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family on the balcony. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live in the palace, making it her home when she ascended to the throne in 1837. It has been the main royal residence ever since.