A
brief guide to some lesser known historical, cultural and natural sites in the U.K.
Simply an overview or series of suggestions for less well known places to visit across Great Britain (mainly England). At some point in the last twenty years I have visited all but one of these sites. The list is arranged according to region and then alphabetically.
Unless stated, the images displayed are not my own and are believed to be in the public domain for non profit purposes.
Please note that any images (in this guide section only) that are not my own do not link to larger versions. Only my own images link to large scale versions if so indicated.
| South East | South West | The Midlands |
| The North | Wales & Scotland | |
| South West Region |
Well known depending on your associations. Set at the foot of the Tor (a well known hill surmounted by a medieval tower) are attractive and peaceful gardens which contain the ancient holy well once believed to have been the hiding place of the Holy Grail by Joseph of Arimathea. This has been a ritual site for millennia, with archaeological evidence to show that it has been in use for over two thousand years and continues to be of importance to a great variety of people to the present day. The water is still claimed to have healing abilities and was once the only absolutely reliable source of fresh water for the town.
Charge. (Photo: K. Marriott)
Click to enlarge
A neglected medieval relic amongst the fields outside of Malvern. This was an offshoot and apparently a kind of holiday home for monks from the more famous priory in the town centre. Many people visit the priory church which also still survives in the town (and certainly should be seen for its architecture and medieval glass) but who are in no way aware of this church. The chancel and central tower survive in use, along with the ruins of the transepts. Inside there are many sculptural fragments and some panels of rare medieval glass remain in the east window. Medieval tiles and the monks choir stalls, though damaged by puritan vandals, also survive. A pleasant and quiet building.
Free. (Photo: K. Marriott)
Click to enlarge
A former monastic church in an isolated village near to the sea. A strikingly whitewashed, cruciform building with a raised chancel and effigy tombs. The church was already in existence when the priory was established in the 12th century. The monks built a new east end (choir) which they divided from the parochial section of the church. Monastic life ceased here in the 15th century. There are some remains of a 12th century moated castle in the village.
Free.
A former Augustinian priory founded by King Henry II and converted into a house after the dissolution. Much of the original buildings remain encased within later developments, most obviously the chapter house, used as a private chapel and the west front of the church retained as an ornamental feature. This was most significantly the home of the infamous regency period poet and adventurer: George Gordon, Lord Byron.
Charge.
| South East | South West | The Midlands |
| The North | Wales & Scotland |