Britain is home to some of the coolest landmarks in the world -- Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey, to name a few. While these locations are super interesting and definitely worth a visit, there are many other cool landmarks that often get overlooked. Britain is filled to the brim with history and art, and anyone able to travel there should take advantage of that opportunity by seeing all there is to see -- even the places you might not have read about in your standard guide book. Take a look at our list for some ideas of must-see locations.
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10 10. Shell Grotto
There's nothing more fascinating than a mystery! Shell Grotto in Margate, Kent is a tunnel made of approximately 4.6 million seashells, giving almost every inch of the passageway a mosaic-like design. The beautiful passage is thought to have first been discovered in 1835. However, the actual origins of the tunnel have sadly been lost to time. Historians are still boggled about the purpose of Shell Grotto and the identity of its creators. In addition to the intriguing seashell artwork, there is an accompanying museum, cafe, and gift shop celebrating the mystery and beauty of Shell Grotto.
9 9. Singing Ringing Tree
The Singing Ringing Tree is part sculpture, part instrument. The structure resides at the top of Pennine Hill in Lancashire. This monument is one of the more recent art pieces in Britain, having been built in 2006. The Singing Ringing Tree is made of steel pipes that have been artfully arranged to form a "tree" of sorts. Each pipe was altered specifically so that a windy day could lead to a pleasant tune ringing from them. If the pretty music isn't enough, you can enjoy the view from the top of the hill, which overlooks the town of Burnley.
8 8. Westonbirt Arboretum
Located in Gloucestershire, the Westonbirt Arboretum is well known to British locals, but pretty foreign to tourists. It's home to over 18,000 trees and shrubs, many of which are considered rare.
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There are clearly marked paths so you can walk or bike through the variety of towering trees. For the best experience, try visiting in the fall when the leaves are the most colorful. Or you could always save your trip for December, as the park is illuminated every night in celebration of the holidays, making for a spectacular scene.
7 7. Chilsehurst Caves
These caves in London may be man-made, but they certainly still have a long history surrounding them. While they were first mining caves, they were eventually used to store weapons in World War I, and then used as a bomb shelter in World War II. For those who aren't history buffs, you may enjoy the pop culture aspect of the Chilsehurt Caves. The caves have been used for multiple movies, music videos, and television shows. If that weren't enough, iconic musicians such as David Bowie, Status Quo, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd have all performed in these caves!
6 6. Brooklands Racing Circuit
The Brooklands Racing Circuit in Surrey dates all the way back to 1907, and was technically the first ever racing track in the world. Some historians say it inspired the United States to build the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While the races ended in Brooklands in 1939, there is still a museum where you can learn all about the history of the racetrack. The museum also hosts some of the most iconic airliners in the world, as the racing circuit also served as one of Britain's first airfields. If you're a fan of racecars and aviation, this visit can absolutely not be skipped.
5 5. New Forest National Park
The New Forest is massive, covering parts of Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire counties. If you like animals and nature, you'll love New Forest National Park. With plenty of trails to take a nature walk on, you'll be in awe of the beauty.
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And if walking is a bit too laid-back for your taste, you can also horseback ride through the trails! Feel free to check out New Forest Wildlife Park while you're in the area, where you can get up close and personal with a myriad of creatures.
4 4. Blenheim Palace
Like many other castles, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has tours available where you can learn about the history and take in the architecture of the massive building. What really has locals buzzing, however, is the Grand Bridge, which was only recently drained last year for the first time in over 250 years. With Winston Churchill's father referring to the view from the bridge as "the finest view in England," workers are still uncovering more and more of the bridge and doing their darndest to preserve it. For the bridge alone, Winston Churchill's birthplace is for sure worth a stop!
3 3. Yorkshire Sculpture Park
At Yorkshire Sculpture Park, you don't always know what you're going to get! Sometimes referred to as a "gallery without walls," the park has various art installations by prominent artists that vary, as the exhibition is constantly changing with installations being added and removed frequently. There are some sculptures that tend to stick around, however, like the Deer Shelter Skyspace that is intended to help visitors focus on one single scrap of sky. While you're in the area, check out Longside Gallery, which overlooks the park.
2 2. Wimpole Home Farm
This farm is located South Cambridgeshire and is home to many different farm animals. Visitors get to take on livestock-related tasks such as grooming donkeys, retrieving eggs, milking cows, or feeding pigs. If you're less of a hands-on person, you can also get a history lesson as you explore some of the farms dating back to the 18th century and learn about the tools that were used back then. If you come during the spring, you may get to witness a lamb being born. End your day with a carriage ride and you're good to go!
1 1. Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
This tree garden in Bedfordshire is literally designed to depict a cathedral -- with sections representing a nave, chancel, and transepts of a church. The planting began after World War I in hopes of celebrating peace and faith. The area has since blossomed into its own piece of art. The spot was briefly overgrown during the turmoil of World War II, but is now being tended to on a regular basis. While it's a particularly popular spot for those searching for a spiritual experience, you don't have to be religious to visit and admire the beauty and artistry of nature.