Britain's Architectural Splendors

With land ruled by a royal monarchy for centuries, there's no surprise the United Kingdom is decorated with impressive architecture. Some of the most celebrated architects were born here, designing captivating masterpieces from floors to ceilings. From lavish cathedrals to medieval castles, these are architectural sites worth exploring up close.

1. Westminster Abbey, England

As a venue for royal weddings and the burial place of kings, famous musicians, and warriors, there’s no wonder Westminister Abbey is one of the most visited landmarks in England. It’s a grandeur Coronation church of the nation, with the highest Gothic vault in the country, with narrow halls to make it appear even taller. It features elaborate moldings, detailed arches, marble columns, and epic statues.

2. Shakespeare’s Globe, England

Shakespeare’s Globe speaks of the origins of theatre through its walls. The minimalist structure is a prime example of historic playhouses throughout the country. The open-air round theatre is a 20-sided structure made of green oak that was designed and carved with traditional methods. Watch a play in the brilliance of its carefully thought-out architecture for viewing purposes.

3. St Pancras International, England

The magnificent design of the famous railway station was influenced by Italian Gothic architecture and Victorian engineering. The exterior is almost entirely made of red brick. It’s a multipurpose building with the Renaissance Hotel as the main attraction, featuring an incredibly lavish interior design of patterned walls and intricate detailing. Stepping on the grand staircase will take you on a climb of visual splendor.

4. Tower Of London, England

For over 500 years monarchs used the tower as their luxurious palace, hence why it’s a sight to behold. As the guardian of the most expensive royal possessions, it’s a visual symbol of admiration and fear rich in history. The building design reflects typical Norman defensive architecture, with a bell tower, an outer wall, and a moat making up a castle with many layers of defense.

5. Lincoln Cathedral, England

The Lincoln Cathedral is a jaw-dropping spectacle inside and out. Its Gothic architectural style reflects the times with pointed arches that soar to the sky, intricate carvings and paintings, and captivating ribbed vaults. You’ll want a peak yourself–– its unique rose windows set it apart from traditional medieval architecture.

6. Bodleian Library, England

The Bodleian Library at the prestigious University of Oxford could be written in a fairytale. It is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second-largest library in Britain. With its distinct domed building as the focal point, the building stands out as an impressive piece of classical architecture.

7. Highclere Castle, England

Originally built in 1679, this 5000-acre estate boasts a historic castle featuring well-kept renovations from the 1840s. It stands with an elegant blend of Jacobethan and Italianate design with pristine stonework, incredible facades, and a majestic ambiance throughout its interior. The fine details in the carvings are worth a close-up look.

8. Glasgow City Chambers, Scotland

Take a tour of Glasgow’s most prestigious building. As the headquarters of the Scottish parliament, it was built to impressive standards, showcasing the riches of the 18th to 20th centuries. The enormous Victorian structure boasts impeccable marble and artistic detailing on its walls. It was built with classical columns and a high tower that dominates the sky.

9. Conwy Castle, Wales

The Conwy Castle is an ancient splendor that defines a quintessential medieval castle. Jumping off the pages of a fairytale, this Welsh castle boasts towers and walls made from limestone and sandstone taken from its surrounding rocky ridge. Experience its haunting history up close as you take in its complex network of defense walls, bridges, and gatehouses.

10. Dunmore Pineapple, Scotland

This 18th-century summerhouse building is as sweet as it sounds. Featuring a giant stone pineapple as an impressive focal point, the building is a unique architectural delight. The whimsical design reflects its purpose as a heated glasshouse enabled to grow fruit, including pineapples. It's a glorious architectural piece that emerges from a wooded garden.

11. Brighton Royal Pavilion, England

The Royal Pavilion was built in Indo-Saracenic style, reminiscent of India in the 19th century. The architecture blends the most gorgeous designs from Mughal, European, and Chinese influences as well, featuring ornate domes and minarets. The building stands out with its captivating size and exquisite style as a rare gem.

12. Wales Millennium Centre, Wales

The building is unmistakably built for the arts with its iconic contemporary design. Although it’s a modern building, the architects respected traditional Welsh architecture including copper, stone, and nostalgic calligraphy in its design. The building is applauded for showcasing a structure that is unique to Wales inside and out.

13. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is another example of a medieval castle straight from a storybook. Situated on top of an extinct volcano, the historic castle stands high, showcasing traditional features of medieval Scottish architecture. It is a stone fortress of towers and crumbling walls rich in tales of battles and royalty.

14. Turner Contemporary, England

This art gallery is of impeccable modern design influenced heavily by the architect’s fondness for Margate’s cloudscapes. The interior design attempts to reflect a dramatic, temperamental sky, with windows that let in as much light as possible. Views of the bustling seafront provide a backdrop as you gaze through the marvelous glass.

15. Sheffield Winter Garden, England

England is renowned for its historical buildings but this modern urbanized oasis is worth a look. The indoor garden is alluring enough to get you inside but its wooden structural design is just as breathtaking. The architectural style is a modern take on Gothic inspiration with clean-cut details and sky-reaching ceilings.

16. Everyman Theatre, England

The Everyman Theatre is a conceptual masterpiece blending old and new. With part of the original building still intact, the contemporary renovations give the structure a distinct look. Once inside, you’ll be in awe of the theatre's ornate details and old-fashioned charm. Your eyes are in for a treat as you watch a show on Liverpool’s spectacular stage.

17. Royal Albert Hall, England

The Royal Albert Hall is a visual feast of red brick and colorful mosaics. The design reflects the amphitheaters of ancient Rome with a frieze of mosaic slabs featuring the “Triumph of the Arts and Sciences” with Terracotta lettering above. The dome is made of wrought iron and glass which is a visual spectacle on its own.

18. Bath Abbey, England

Bath Abbey is said to be a premier example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. The magnificent cathedral is a medieval structure portraying elaborate stone carvings, elongated pointed arches, and daunting towers. Its enormous stained glass windows let a kaleidoscope of light into the spacious rooms and the textured ceilings will have you gazing up in awe.

19. Exeter Cathedral, England

The Exeter Cathedral is arguably one of the most remarkable churches in Europe. It’s a grandeur spectacle from the 12th century built in an English Decorated style. Marvel at the hundreds of statues carved into its walls and bask in its royal historical glory. The Cathedral is said to boast the longest unbroken stretch of Gothic stone vaulting in the world.

20. The Lighthouse Glasgow, Scotland

The Lighthouse was built by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is home to Scotland’s Centre for Architecture. For obvious reasons, this building is a standout attraction in the city of Glasgow. It features an incredible spiral staircase inside with unobstructed city views from its windows. The rustic simplicity of Lighthouse adds to its charm without the need for frills.