Interesting Historical Sites To Visit With Your Camera In The UK

The United Kingdom is full of history, whether it be our royal heritage, mythical or great historical events, it has had its fair share of them all. Visiting them all would be near impossible, but worth a try. Why not over the summer months get out your camera, take the family and visit some of the top historical sites the UK has to offer.

Here’s a list, in no particular order of the top places to visit, with one or two perhaps obscure places you might never have thought of to visit this summer.

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Opening times: (1st June - 31st Aug) 9am - 8pm, (1st Sept - 15 Oct) 9.30am - 7pm, (16th Oct - 15th March 2015) 9.30am - 5pm
Prices:Adult £13.90, Child (5-15) £8.30, Concessions £12.50, Free for National Trust/English Heritage members. Book before only.

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistorical sites in the UK, and is recognised across Europe, however some photography restrictions apply at certain locations, so you are advised to call ahead of your visit to check.

Stonehenge holds a curiosity to us as we can only guess at its original purpose. It is because of this that it holds many myths and why it is still seen by some as a religious place including the pagan and druids who flock there for the summer solstice on the longest day of the year. It is the perfect place for taking photographs not only of the stones themselves, but the landscape that surrounds them too.

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Photo by David Burleson

2. Tower of London, London

Opening Times: Summer (1st March - 31st Oct): Tues - Sat 9am - 5.30pm, Sun - Mon 10am - 5.30pm. Winter: (1st Nov - 28th Feb): Tues - Sat 9am - 4.30, Sun - Mon 10am - 4.30am
Prices:Adult £22, Child (5-15) £11, Concessions £18.70

The Tower of London which is in one of the most popular cities in the world, is perhaps one of the most well-known jails in history, with what could be the most famous and gruesome history in the UK. Visit the place that is famously known for where many royal inmates have not only been kept waiting for their execution but where a few of them lost their heads. See the exhibition on the prisoners and their life in the towers or if that’s not your taste, you can take a look at the crown jewels guarded by the famous beefeaters, or even just bask in the history that has taken place within its walls. There's plenty to keep both a keen photography busy and other family members who aren't so interested in taking photos.Do note that photography is not allowed in the Jewel House, the Martin Tower, the chapel of St John inside the White Tower or in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.

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3. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Opening times:10am - 5pm, November to Easter - 10.30am - 4.30pm
Prices:Free Admission

Sherwood Forest is most famously known as the home of the mythical Robin Hood. It is arguably one of England’s most famous forests, with beautiful landscapes and history entwined into one. As you take walks through the forest you will be surrounded by its nature and wildlife while searching for Robin’s big oak tree. If you visit during August you can join in with the Robin Hood Festival which celebrates our medieval past making it an ideal day out with the whole family and your camera.

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4. Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Opening times: Vary due to the tide,10am - 3pm, 10am - 4pm 12pm - 5pm or 11am - 5pm
Prices:Adult £6.70, Child: £3.35

Lindisfarne Castle can be seen for miles around on Holy Island and with its history going back over 400 years, the castle is definitely worth a visit. The breathtaking views of the island and the shore, plus the historical features within the castle and the many wildlife inhabitants found around the island make this place a photographer's dream. However, take note, Holy Island is only accessible when the tide is low so be sure to check the website before visiting for the tide times in order to ensure you do not get stuck on the island or even half-way across!

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Photo by Robin Whalley

5. Roman Baths, Bath

Opening Times:July - August -9am - 9pm September - October 9am - 5pm
Prices :Adult £14, Concession £11.75, Child (6-16) £8.80

Communal baths were a popular part of Roman culture and as such, they built magnificent baths in all the countries they invaded. Go back to the Roman era by visiting the Roman Baths in Bath. Experience this popular aspect of Roman culture, look round the old buildings and learn what life was like in this era. Walk through each of the rooms, with Roman costumed characters sharing what it was like throughout this period of time. A truly historical experience that's worth taking a photo or two of while you're on your tour.

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6. 1066 Battle of Hastings Battlefield and Abbey, Hastings

Opening times:1st April - 30th Sept 10am - 6pm, 1st Oct - 2nd Nov 10am - 5pm
Prices:Adult £8.60, Child (5-15) £4.80, Concessions £7.20 Free for English Heritage members.

The Battle of Hastings is one of the most famous battles in the UK, with almost every school child taught the date it took place and you can visit the battlefield in which it took place. Visit during the summer months and you could catch one of the number of events taking place that bring the era in which the battle took place to life. Plus, a re-enactment of the battle itself takes place in October. While you are here, why not visit the abbey considered to be the place in which King Harold is thought to have died, too.Please note that there are some photography restrictions at certain locations so you are advised to call ahead of your visit to check where photography is allowed.

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7. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Opening times: Summer (1st April - 30th Sept): 9.30am - 6pm, Winter (1st Oct - 31 Mar): 9.30am -5pm
Prices:Adults £16, Child £9.60, Concession £12.80

Edinburgh Castle sits majestically overlooking the historical city of Edinburgh. The castle has seen many battles and has been residence to many royal figures and as such has an abundance of British history. You can walk through the castle and explore the history that has taken place here and watch the one o'clock gun salute whilst looking over the city of Edinburgh, taking in its surroundings and landscape.

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Photo by Myles Manship

Article by Giorgina Parker.