{"id":120708,"date":"2023-10-19T12:09:21","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gendermyn.com\/?p=120708"},"modified":"2023-10-19T12:09:21","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T12:09:21","slug":"the-uks-most-fascinating-historic-sites-including-one-only-reachable-by-boat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gendermyn.com\/travel\/the-uks-most-fascinating-historic-sites-including-one-only-reachable-by-boat\/","title":{"rendered":"The UK’s most fascinating historic sites – including one only reachable by boat"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Where are the UK’s best hidden historic gems?\u00a0<\/p>\n

This month archaeologists uncovered ancient Neolithic earthwork off the coast of Scotland, on the Isle of Arran. A fascinating discovery, it’s thought to date back to between 4,000 and 3,000BC.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But what other hidden historic gems does the UK have? Away from globally known sites such as Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall, there’s plenty of secret history to uncover.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From an underground shell grotto by the coast to a pineapple themed folly in Scotland, the UK has plenty of under-the-radar history.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Even in well-trodden London, there are a few historical landmarks that most Londoners don’t even know about.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here’s some of the UK’s best historical treasures.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dunmore Pineapple<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once named Scotland’s most bizarre building, this fruit-shaped wonder was built by the Earl of Dunmore in 1761. The eccentric earl built the summerhouse to admire views from his estate. Back in the day, pineapples were considered a symbol of wealth as they were so exotic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Pineapple is open all year round for visitors and is surrounded by woodland.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Roman City Wall<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s easy to miss but a small side door in student accommodation on London’s Vine Street leads to a tall section of the Roman City Wall. The wall spent a few decades hidden away in a basement but tourists can now visit the site and learn more about its history.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other Roman sites not to be missed include the London amphitheatre\u00a0under Guildhall Gallery and the Roman Wall at Tower Hill.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Margate Shell Grotto<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Grade I listed mystery, Margate’s Shell Grotto sits underground a couple of roads back from the coast. First discovered in 1835, the glistening subterranean chamber’s walls are studded with 4.6 million shells. It’s not known whether the grotto was a place of worship, the site of secret meetings or a very extravagant folly. Head to Margate to take a look and come to your own conclusions.\u00a0<\/p>\n