Famous landmarks you can see from the water

If you are already a boater of our fair isle, then you probably know that there is no place like home to soak up the sights on a boating holiday. If you are planning on undertaking a staycation onboard your beloved boat this year, but are not sure where next to go, then we are here to provide inspiration with our list of some of the most iconic landmarks that you can view, all from the deck of a boat.

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

Embark on a journey to Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, situated along Antrim’s northern shoreline. Renowned for its rugged terrain and colossal basalt columns, said to have formed over 60 million years ago, this natural wonder is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Moreover, for avid fans of Game of Thrones, this location is also well-known as a filming site. Keep an eye out for dragons and remember to take your wet weather gear – it’s called the Emerald Isle for a reason!

The Needles, Isle of Wight

No trip around the UK’s coastline is complete without sailing around the iconic Needles on the Isle of Wight. Many a race has been undertaken around these three chalk stacks, leading up to the solitary Needle’s lighthouse. From the sea, you can admire the scale of these incredible rock formations and soak up the full impact of the coloured sands. But beware, the hidden rocks underneath the water are a real navigating challenge, so ensure that all hands are on deck to ensure a safe passage.

Thames Barrier, Greenwich

A trip down the Thames is often the opportunity for a historical marvel, from the many old riverside warehouses and docks to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. But let’s not forget modern engineering, the Thames Barrier, a vital piece of the city of London’s floor defence system. Spanning 520 meters across the river near Woolwich, this movable flood barrier is one of the largest in the world and has been dubbed the eighth wonder by its fans. Don’t forget to request permission to transit by contacting the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre. And keep an eye on your tide tables and the forecast, as the barrier can close during a high tide or storm surge.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle, despite its tumultuous history, has stood proudly above the Northumberland coast for over a thousand years. Visible from the water, its striking presence has a violent and bloody past, including a ferocious ransacking from the Vikings in 993. Make sure to venture out to the National Trust’s Farne Islands, just off the coast of Bamburgh beach. Drop your hook in one of the designated anchorages and settle down with your binos to enjoy the awe inspiring seabird colonies and magnificent herds of seals, with over 2,000 seal pups being born in the autumn.

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey, Wales

South Stack Lighthouse, situated on Anglesey’s Holy Island, stands guard at the tip of Wales’s spectacular northwest coast, warning sailors of the rocky terrain below and dazzling all that sail past. The lighthouse, built in 1809, has become a haven for birdwatchers over the years, with guillemots, razorbills, and puffins all spotted there. Prepare for all weathers, as sunshine is not guaranteed.

Durdle Door, Dorset

The iconic arch of Durdle Door has featured in many a TV show and is a must-see landmark along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. This picture-perfect natural limestone arch has been created by the continuous crashing of waves against the rock to form a hole in the centre. Be forewarned though, it can get as crowded as a huddle of penguins between May and September, so viewing it off-shore, from your boat, means you can enjoy the beauty of the area without the hustle and bustle!

St Benet’s Abbey, Norfolk

Swap your sailing yacht for a river cruiser and make haste for St Benet’s Abbey in Norfolk. It might not be as famous as the others – but it’s just as intriguing. The 9th century monastery ruins sit on the banks of the River Bure, close to where it meets the River Ant, deep into the Broads. This historic landmark is only accessible from the water, making it an atmospheric addition to a charming Norfolk cruise.

From modern spectacles of engineering to medieval delights, the UK’s coast and waterways network offers an abundance of iconic sights to enjoy from the water. We hope our list of awe-inspiring landmarks that you can see from the water has inspired you to embark on your own nautical adventure. Happy boating!

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