Seven of the most unique places to visit in England

St. Michael’s Mount is a monastery from the twelfth century that’s only accessible during low tide or by ferry. Sounds magical, right? The island has been home to some type of monastery since the 800s, so when you explore the area, you’re walking through a thousand years of rich history. Legend has it St. Michael himself visited this mount to guide the Cornwall fishermen to the best spots to dip their nets — and today it’s the private residence of the St. Aubyn family. Tour the ancient monastery, the armory, a monk’s refectory, the library and more fascinating corners of this unique English spot. Take the hassle out of traveling to the island and visit with Princess — and get ready to step back in time. 

Less than an hour’s drive from the port of Invergordon, the stately Dunrobin Castle looks like it belongs in Versailles rather than Scotland. With fairytale spires and immaculate 19th-century formal gardens, the castle is the largest in the Northern Highlands and one of Britain’s oldest continuously occupied houses. It dates back to the early 1300s and has previously been used as both a boarding school and a naval hospital during the First World War. The ancestral home of the Earls of Sutherland, the majestic castle now houses a museum and superb art collection in its grand rooms, while visitors can watch a falconry display in its pristine grounds.

Explore this unforgettable spot with Princess and also enjoy a beautiful drive through the lush green firths and stone villages.

Stonehenge isn’t the oldest spot you can visit in the UK. Long before those stones were laid, Skara Brae was a thriving village on the Orkney Islands — a vibrant archipelago of 70 Scottish islands. This 5,000 year old settlement is the best preserved Neolithic site in Western Europe and the perfect place to learn more about ancient life in Scotland. Check out the nine original structures, a replica that demonstrates how people lived, a nearby seventeenth century mansion, artifacts from the Neolithic period and stunning scenery. See Skara Brae with Princess and stop at the Ring of Brodgar, Stone Age slabs that are from 2700 B.C.

At the first glimpse of sun in Liverpool, head straight to the eighth floor of West Africa House to enjoy the most captivating views of the city with an ice-cold drink in hand. The secret garden of the Oh Me Oh My café, Goodness Gracious only opens in good weather between March and October but its airy, plant-filled space and decked terrace commands panoramic views of the city skyline, the iconic Royal Liver Building and Mersey Ferries crossing the waterfront beyond. Explore these gardens and more of Liverpool’s vibrant downtown on a Princess walking tour. 

A limestone arch, turquoise seas and white chalk cliffs are what make Durdle Door jaw-droppingly beautiful. Hike along the cliffs for one of the best views in England and then drop down to the beach to soak in some sun on the sand. Warm day? Wade into the calm azure waters to cool down for a bit. The water just offshore is shallow and perfect for swimming, so bring the whole family. Dorset is only about an hour away from the Princess port in Southampton, so this beach is the perfect day trip before or after your cruise. 

The white cliffs might get all the attention, but Dover has a much more intriguing attraction hidden out of sight. Deep inside the cliffs below Dover Castle are a labyrinth of tunnels first excavated during the Napoleonic Wars and later made a command center and military hospital by Winston Churchill during World War II. Now one of the most unique places to visit in Britain, the eerie tunnels are open for visitors to discover the story behind Operation Dynamo, a crucial wartime mission directed from here to evacuate soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. This unique spot is only a 5 minute drive or 40 minute walk from the Princess Cruise port in Dover, so it’s an easy place to visit for a few hours during port call. 

Everyone knows Cornwall’s stunning coastline, famous for its wide sandy beaches and crashing waves. But the tiny Bosahan beach is a well-kept Cornish secret, tucked away on the banks of the Helford river rather than the sea and reached only through a shaded woodland walk, not far from port in Falmouth. Pop into a local market and grab a few nibbles to enjoy as you soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquility – there's a good chance you’ll have the sand all to yourself. Afterward, visit the exotic gardens at the nearby Bosahan estate (open summer weekdays only), a little-known but delightful alternative to Cornwall’s ever-busy Eden Project. This stunning beach is a perfect day trip when your cruise stops in Cornwall. 

Get ready to uncover the unexpected side of the British Isles. These seven unique destinations reveal a whole new layer of Britain, from tranquil beaches and fairytale castles to hidden gardens and Neolithic villages. Each stop promises a different kind of beauty, a piece of history, or a moment of peace to savor with loved ones. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or inspiration, there’s something magical waiting for everyone. 

Let us guide you to Britain's best-kept secrets when you visit the isles with Princess. You can kick back and relax in the luxury you can expect from Princess — with the best food on the seven seas and top-tier service.  Learn more about Princess British Isles cruises and book the vacation of a lifetime.