Best military sites to visit in the UK

Our green and pleasant land hasn’t always been so peaceful, indeed many important military actions have been fought within these shores. Today it’s easy for anyone to journey around the UK to visit some of these incredible sites. From museums and heritage centres to castle ruins and famous battlefields all these spots provide a poignant reminder that much we hold dear today had to be fought for. That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide to some of the best military sites worth visiting.

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Military history sites worth visiting in the UK

Best for a broad view of our island’s military history – Dover Castle, Kent

As the closest Britain comes to its long-time historical adversary France, Dover’s military history is extensive. Its castle perched on those infamous white cliffs has a history stretching back thousands of years to the arrival of the Romans. Through the Anglo-Saxon period, the medieval King Henry II and on to the elaborate defences of the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors today can see all of this along with the pivotal role the castle played in both world wars and after.

Best for England’s defining battle – Battle Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex

In 1066 the stunning Sussex downs witnessed the defeat of the Saxon King Harold by William the Conqueror. A battle which perhaps more than any other changed the landscape of England beyond measure. Modern day history buffs should visit Battle Abbey’s meadows and visitor centre where the conflict raged and walk the battlefield trail.

Shivers will surely run down your spine as you hear tales of how the enemy armies clashed together right where you’re standing. If you’re in the area then just along the coast from Hastings you can visit Pevensey Castle where William first landed his invasion army.

Best for military strategy – Churchill War Rooms, Whitehall, London

Time and again in votes for the ‘Greatest Briton of All Time’ the figure of war time leader Winston Churchill looms large. If you want to get close to understanding the life, leadership and legacy of this larger-than-life character then visit the cabinet war rooms. Here war strategy was planned deep underground in Churchill’s secret headquarters as early as 1939.

London is full of military sites well worth visiting including the Imperial War Museum in south east London, HMS Belfast on the River Thames, the formidable Tower of London and the National Army Museum in Chelsea. There really are too many to list.

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Best for the next generation of cyber soldiers – Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

When it comes to military exploits it isn’t always brute force and derring-do that wins the day. Once the top-secret home of the UK’s crack team of Second World War codebreakers, Bletchley Park is a country estate 50 miles north of London.

Known by the codename Station X, it was at Bletchley that Britain’s unsung heroes (including mathematician Alan Turing) managed to decipher the Nazis’ highly effective military codes.

Today, visitors can explore the history of Bletchley Park through a museum, visitor centre and an interactive multimedia guide.

Best for understanding how Britannia ruled the waves – Royal Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire

As a proud sea-faring nation it’s no surprise one of the most fascinating military sites to visit is the Royal Naval Base in Portsmouth. Take a tour around the incredible Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the three historic ships found here.

Best for revolutionary army hardware – The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset

A symbol of British military ingenuity, the tank first saw action during the First World War. Located on the site of a First World War tank training centre, the Tank Museum has the world’s biggest and best collection of tanks.

Best for battles on sea and air – The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Ilchester, Somerset

Home to Europe’s largest naval aviation collection, the Fleet Air Arm Museum charts the development of naval aviation from early experimentation to modern aircraft.

Best for castle life and Welsh military history – Caernarfon Castle, North Wales

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in the UK, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Caernarfon Castle was built in Wales by Edward I during the 13th Century.

Best for the War of the Roses – Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Leicestershire

The rivalry between the house of Lancaster and the house of York led to one of the most turbulent periods in our history. Explore the battlefield trail and immersive visitor centre.

Best for lovers of Top Gun – RAF Museum, Cosford, Shropshire

This vast museum showcases the history of the world’s oldest independent air force with aircraft, simulators and interactive exhibits.

Best for Scottish military history – National War Museum, Edinburgh, Scotland

Discover the story of Scotland at war with a visit to this marvellous museum in Edinburgh Castle.

Best for emotional military history – Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, Inverness, Scotland

The windswept moorland of Culloden was the site of the last battle on British soil.

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Policy benefits and features offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.