Whether you’re heading off to an overseas city for the weekend, or you want to be a tourist in your home country; whenever you head somewhere new, you’ll want to make sure you take a few pictures for the ‘gram!

Here, we’ve rounded up the most iconic (and #hashtagged!) buildings in the UK, so if you’re looking for some serious photo inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

Perhaps the most iconic building in the whole country (and the most famous clock in the world), not many people know that the name ‘Big Ben’ actually refers to the bell inside the tower!

With the Elizabeth Tower standing tall at 96 metres, it makes up a crucial part of London’s skyline, alongside the Houses of Parliament, the river Thames, and the London Eye, and is a must-see for tourists when visiting the capital.

This Gothic Revival bascule and suspension bridge was built between 1886-1894, and is another instantly recognisable landmark of London, making its second-place position extremely worthy.

Now, you can enter Tower Bridge to learn about its history, and climb up the stairs to the glass floor, where you can enjoy panoramic views of London (and snap a few pictures for Instagram!).

Home to the Royal Family, this regal residence attracts thousands of visitors every day, who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen, see the changing of the guards, and watch the Union Jack flying high.

During the summer months, you can pay to go into Buckingham Palace to discover the elaborate State Rooms, and enjoy a spot of tea and cake on the manicured lawns. However, if you don’t want to pay to go in, you can still feel just as regal by enjoying a picnic in nearby St. James’ Park or Green Park.

London monuments have heavily dominated our list of the most photographed buildings, and The Shard is no exception! Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, it towers high at 72-storeys, looking like… well, a large shard of glass!

Home to offices, the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel, and several bars and restaurants, it’s a great place to visit if you want unobstructed panoramic views of the capital. In fact, if you head up to the viewing platform on a clear day, you can see for up to 40-miles away!

Rounding off our top five most photographed buildings in the UK, is the world-famous Edinburgh Castle. Located at the top of Castle Hill, you can visit some of the many souvenir shops on the connecting cobblestone streets; before learning more about the history of the castle, which was once visited by Kings, Queens, and soldiers.

If you’re visiting at 1pm (except on Sundays), you’ll also get to experience the One O’Clock Gun, which takes place at the far end of the Argyle Battery.

A key part of British history, the Tower of London has earnt its rightful sixth place, with its imposing façade enough to get locals and tourists snapping the perfect Insta shot.

However, head inside and you’ll get to learn about its gruesome history (over 400 executions took place here, including Lady Jane Grey’s!), as well as catching a glimpse of the Crown Jewels, and admiring the jet-black ravens that fly around the place.

• Tucked in the heart of the City of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral’s English Baroque architecture is extremely impressive to see up close, but did you know you can also head inside? Admire the awe-inspiring stained-glass windows and intricate gold-gilded ceiling, and – depending what time of the day you visit – hear the angelic voices of the cathedral’s choir.

  You can also explore the crypt, or climb up to the dome to enjoy impressive views over London that are most definitely worthy for the ‘gram!

•  

• A key piece of British royal history, Windsor is both the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world! It’s been called home by 39 monarchs, with the Queen currently spending most of her weekends here.

  A day out to this charming castle means you can tour the opulent State Rooms, which are ornately decorated with elaborate chandeliers and impressive paintings; as well as St. George’s Chapel, which is a great example of some of the best Gothic architecture in England. 

The second attraction outside of London to make it on this list, Brighton is just an hour away from the capital, making it the perfect place for a day out. Brighton Pier has all of the fun you’d expect from a classic British seaside resort, with its kitschy arcades, and funfair rides.

However, wait until night-time when the lights illuminate in the waters, and you’ll have the perfect picture for Instagram – especially if you head to the far end of the pier, so you can get a full shot of the promenade.

Situated by the banks of the Thames, just a stone’s throw away from Big Ben, lies the 10^th most photographed building in the UK. Known as the Royal Church, many monarchs have tied the knot here, including the Queen and Prince Philip, and Prince William and Kate.

It’s also been the coronation church since 1066, and the resting place of 17 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I. Whether you want to capture some dramatic exterior shots of its Gothic architecture, or visit inside to see its full-scale grandeur, Westminster Abbey is most definitely worth a visit.

One of the most recognisable universities in the world, it’s a key tourist attraction for anyone visiting Cambridge, and it’s easy to see why!

Its many buildings scattered around the city are equally impressive, with key highlights including Jesus College, which was founded in 1496; and the beautiful gardens of Selwyn, where, if you visit in mid-April, you can wander through ‘Cherry Tree Avenue’ and admire the sea of brightly-coloured tulips.

In 12^th place is the Eden Project, which was transformed from a former clay mine, into an impressive garden that’s also home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world!

The perfect place to capture an impressive picture for Instagram, you can explore landscapes from all over the world, including North American prairies, and Mediterranean hillsides, with some of the most brightly beautiful flowers you’ll ever see. The Eden Project is also home to lots of exhibitions, and concerts in the summer, making it the perfect place for a day out.

Situated inside St. Pancras station, the Renaissance Hotel is one of the grandest hotels in all of London, which is why it makes perfect sense it’s made it onto our list! Originally opened in 1873, the Victorian grandeur is still ever-present, with its imperial staircases, high ceilings, and winding corridors.

Whether or not you can afford to splash the cash for a night here, its Gothic Revival exterior is well worth a few pictures, and you can still experience the grandeur with a couple of cocktails at The Booking Office, or fine dining at The Hansom.

York is a picture-perfect city that’s ideal for day trips, and York Minster is just the cherry on top! Located in the centre of the city, by the picturesque Dean’s Park, its claim to fame is it’s the second-largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe; and it’s as impressive during the day as it is at night, when it’s all lit up.

If you head inside, you’ll get to see the imposing stained-glass windows, and learn more about the history of York, and the role the Minster played during the invasion of the Vikings, and the city’s Roman roots. 

Rounding off our list in 15^th place, is Hampton Court Palace, home to Henry VIII, possibly the most famous Tudor royal! Not only will you get to learn about the lives of the Tudor King and all of his wives, you’ll also get to wander around the Great Hall, which features Anne Boleyn’s coat of arms, and William III’s state apartments.

On a sunny day, you can discover the 60 acres of immaculately kept gardens, and even head off on a boat trip down the Thames, to the town of Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Of course, there were so many other iconic buildings that made it to the list, but not to the final 15, including The Roman Baths in Bath, Blackpool Tower, and the Angel of the North. Wherever you are in the country, there will definitely be the perfect backdrop for your next Insta photo!

If you love to spend your weekends jetting off on city breaks, or being a tourist in the UK, then take a look at our range of travel photography, perfect to remind you of your adventures! Whether you prefer urban style paintings or landscape wall art, you’re sure to find the perfect piece of art for your home.

Alternatively, for more interior design tips, or inspiration for new artwork, head on over to our blog.