Discover the world’s most beautiful historic places in photos

Storied sites

From crumbling ruins peeking through the fog, to higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets and majestic ancient castles, these spellbinding images show off the beauty of some of the world’s most historic places. These photos were originally the shortlisted entries in the Historic Photographer of the Year Awards 2022, run by History Hit in partnership with Historic England. Here, we’ve included our favourite shortlisted and winning entries.

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Newport Transporter Bridge, Newport, England, UK

One of just six operational transporter bridges left in the world, Newport Transporter Bridge is essentially a suspended ferry, with a boom that allows ships to pass underneath, and a railway track on which a moving carriage operates. The landmark, which first opened in 1906, is shown in a new light in this stunning image by Itay Kaplan, which was shot during early-morning fog just after sunrise. 

Thurne Mill, Norfolk, England, UK

One of just a few historic wind-powered mills in the UK that remains intact, Thurne Mill is a drainage mill – designed to drain the marshes for farmers – and is now over 200 years old. Photographer Jay Birmingham was shortlisted for this gorgeous image, which he captured "at dawn, with the soft glow of the rising sun lighting it up, diffused by the morning mist."

Church of Our Lady of the Angels, Pollença, Mallorca

Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels was built by the Knights Templar. It's made totally mesmerizing in this shot by Bella Falk, which shows light shining through the stained-glass windows to create a kaleidoscopic image on the historic walls. Judge Fiona Shields said, "I absolutely love the play of light from the stained glass windows creating such a glorious scene."

Tintern Abbey, Tintern, Wales, UK

Situated on the Welsh side of the River Wye, Tintern Abbey was originally founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, but the majestic Gothic architecture we see here today was created in the late 13th century. Sam Binding, who captured the photograph, said: "As I arrived, the sun had crept over the adjacent hills, spreading rays through the central section of the abbey. If you look closely, you may be able to see what looks like a mysterious cloaked figure in the lower section..."

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England, UK

This grand landmark in Brighton was used as a seaside retreat for King George IV during the 18th century, when the city was becoming a popular resort. Here, the majestic structure, which was built using a combination of Indian, Mughal, European and Chinese architectural styles, becomes even more spellbinding against a backdrop of dramatic clouds. 

Sandfields Pumping Station, Lichfield, England, UK

Little-known to most people, the Grade II-listed Sandfields Pumping Station offers a fascinating insight into Britain's industrial heritage, showing how communities accessed clean water during the Victorian era. Judge Philip Mowbray praised the "stunning" interior shot, adding, "the generally dark look and framing make it feel like a hidden treasure that's being discovered."

Newport Transporter Bridge, Newport, England, UK

Clearly a magnet for photographers, Newport Transporter Bridge featured twice in this year's awards, in two strikingly different images. We're captivated by the contrast between the vivid structure and the misty backdrop in this shot, taken by local photographer Cormac Downes, who said: "I was lucky one morning to capture it emerging from the fog."

Orford Ness Pagodas, Suffolk, England, UK

During the Cold War, Orford Ness was used as a site for developing atomic bombs – these two  'pagodas' were used for testing the components of these nuclear weapons. Today, the disused site has become a landmark on the Suffolk coast and it's beautifully captured in this sunrise shot by London-based photographer Martin Chamberlain. 

Seaton Delaval Hall Mausoleum, Northumberland, England, UK

Drone technology has allowed us to see historic places in incredible new ways, as in the case of this spectacular shot by Alan Blackie. It shows this Grade II-listed mausoleum, which was built in the 18th century and lies around a third of a mile (500m) from Seaton Delaval Hall, a stately home which is owned by the National Trust. 

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La Petite Ceinture, Paris, France

A hotspot for urban explorers enticed by eerie ruins, La Petite Ceinture is a former railway line circling around Paris, which was used to transport passengers by steam train between 1852 and 1934. Since then, it's been deserted and has become inundated with up to 200 species of flora and fauna, as well as scrawling graffiti. The shortlisted image was taken by Liverpool-based photographer Paul Harris. 

Bibury, Gloucestershire, England, UK

The charming Cotswolds village of Bibury takes on an altogether spookier look in this atmospheric shot, which was taken by Vitalij Bobrovic. Judges praised how the photograph showed off the unique character and identity of the settlement, which was described by textile designer William Morris (1834-96) as "the most beautiful village in England".

Stack Rock Fort, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK

Sitting on a small island in Pembrokeshire's Milford Haven Waterway, Stack Rock Fort is a three-gun fort built between 1850 and 1852. Captured here by Steve Liddiard, who described it as "a true time capsule of British military history", the landmark looks all the more striking against gray skies with birds circling overhead. 

Dovercourt Lighthouse, Essex, England, UK

There are two beacons which grace this stretch of the Essex coastline: the High and Low lighthouse, both of which were built in 1863 to guide vessels around Languard Point. In this serene image, photographer Mark Roche highlights their architectural beauty, with the beacon casting a stark silhouette against the blues, indigos and violets of sunset. 

SS-Carbon, Isle of Wight, England, UK

Shipwrecks have long fascinated photographers and the SS-Carbon, situated at Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight, is certainly no exception. The former tug boat crashed into the rocks here in 1947, after a towering line snapped while it was being towed between Portland and Southampton to be used as salvage. Dorchester-based photographer Scott Macintyre ventured here at low tide to take the shot, in which a mist-covered ocean adds to the shipwreck's haunting feel. 

Red Sands Maunsell Fort, Whitstable, England, UK

Constructed during the Second World War between 1942 and 1943, the Maunsell Fort at Whitstable in Kent is considered one of the most complete army-commissioned sea forts that remains in the UK. Judge Rich Payne described this image, which was captured by George Fisk, as "striking", adding that "the towers look other-worldly, like props from some long-forgotten sci-fi film."

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England, UK

The world's first ever iron bridge, this recognizable structure was completed in 1779 and began welcoming traffic in 1781. Today the impressive architectural feat, which stretches across the River Severn in Shropshire, is regarded as an important symbol of the Industrial Revolution and is admired by engineering enthusiasts, history buffs and photographers alike. Leslie Brown earnt a place on this year's shortlist for this memorable image, in which the bridge stands out against its misty surroundings.

Coates Water Park, Swindon, England, UK

Located at the edge of the lake at Coates Water Park, this Grade II-listed Art Deco diving board has lain abandoned for decades and it's become a popular spot for birds. Judge Claudia Kenyatta praised Iain McCallum's "emotive" monochrome image, saying: "Swindon has a history of leisure swimming through the ages and this beautiful photograph of the interwar era platform remind us of the past history of Swindon’s fondness for swimming."

Tewkesbury Abbey, Cirencester, England, UK

Recognised as one of the UK's finest examples of medieval architecture, the soaring Norman towers of Tewkesbury Abbey have been a recognizable part of Tewkesbury's skyline for almost nine centuries. In this captivating image by Gary Cox, the surrounding mists and golden light only add to the building's ethereal quality.

Steep Hill, Lincoln, England, UK

Lined by independent shops, tea rooms and fudge parlors, the quaint cobbled street of Steep Hill is full of historic buildings. It was named Britain's greatest street by the Academy of Urbanism in 2012 and it's also the fourth steepest street in England, according to the Ordnance Survey. Photographer Andrew Scott encapsulates its unique charm in this colourful image, which earnt him a place on the shortlist for the Historic England category.

Corfe Castle, Dorset, England, UK

Photographer Edyta Rice said it took "many attempts" to get the perfect image of Corfe Castle in misty conditions, adding that "rising sun, a golden glow and shadows falling behind the towers" eventually combined to give her the dream shot. The royal castle, which was established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and was partially destroyed during the English Civil War (1642–1651), is one of Dorset's most famous historic landmarks. 

Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland, England, UK

Standing on an isolated headland on the Northumberland coast, Dunstanburgh Castle is a recognizable fortress which dates back to 1313. Today, the enchanting ruins can be seen via a popular coastal walk from the nearby village of Craster, although few are brave enough to venture down there at night, as Paul Byers did to capture this awe-inspiring shot. He said: "It was one of the calmest experiences I have experienced in a long time", as he waited for the Milky Way Core to rise in the early hours of the morning.

Brighton West Pier, Brighton, England, UK

While tourists flock to Brighton's newer Palace Pier for fairground rides and candyfloss, photographers are generally more taken in by the skeletal remains of West Pier. Opened in 1866 but destroyed by storms and fires, the eerie remains of the landmark look especially poignant in this impressive shot by Darren Smith, with two ghostly figures making an appearance on the shore. 

Cromford Mill, Derbyshire, England, UK

The world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill, Cromford Mill was built on the bank of the River Derwent in 1771 and is one of Britain's most important industrial landmarks. It served as the home of Sir Richard Arkwright, an English inventor and a leading entrepreneur during the early Industrial Revolution. Photographed here by Mike Swain, the site looks especially eye-catching against a gloomy sky. 

Derwent Isle, Keswick, England, UK

Shrouded in early-morning fog in this spectacular shot, Derwent Isle is a small island that sits in the middle of Derwent Water in the Lake District. The patch of land has had various uses over the centuries: in the 16th century it was inhabited by a group of German miners who came to work in the area, then in the 18th century Joseph Pocklington built a house, a small chapel and a fort on the island. Today, you can book a tour to the house to learn more about its former inhabitants. 

Corfe Castle, Dorset, England, UK

Corfe Castle is such a hotspot for photographers that two entries on the shortlist feature the historic landmark, although the photographs are starkly different. In contrast with the soft, golden tones of Edyta Rice's image, this shot by Keith Musselwhite features bright clouds which glow with a range of orange, indigo and scarlet hues at sunrise, adding to the drama of the composition. 

Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, England, UK

Photographer Hannah Rochford used a telephoto lens to create this spellbinding image, which captures the moment when a full moon shone behind Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. "To watch a moonrise behind the Tor is a very special feeling," she said. "There is nothing like it." 

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Scotland, UK

Ingenious aerial photography, courtesy of Verginia Hristova, reveals the combination of rugged natural beauty and historic architecture in this impressive image of Dunnottar Castle. The monument, which perches on a remote 160-foot (49m) cliff above the North Sea, was built in the 13th century and has been used by some of Scotland's greatest historical figures over the years, including Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace. 

Monastery, Petra, Jordan

Arguably one of the most iconic monuments in the Petra Archeological Park, the Monastery (known as Ad-Dayr or Ad-Deir in Arabic) was carved directly into the cliff in the 3rd century BC, when it was initially used as a tomb. Judges praised Luke Stackpoole's use of drone photography here, which they said "makes the monastery look even more imposing and out-of-this-world."

Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, UK

Dating back around 5,000 years, the Calanais Standing Stones are one of Scotland's best-preserved Neolithic monuments and actually predate England's Stonehenge. Derek Mccrimmon has beautifully captured the cross-shaped stone circle in this magical image, in which the ancient monument appears ignited by fiery-hued clouds. 

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-shire, Scotland, UK

Famous for being the bridge which the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter movies, Glenfinnan Viaduct was built in the 1890s and is the longest concrete rail bridge in Scotland, with a total of 21 huge arches. Today, the scenic spot is extremely popular with rail buffs, hikers and photographers alike. Dominic Reardon earned a spot on the shortlist in the World History category for this stunning image, which shows the viaduct in all its beauty in autumn. 

Hegra, Al-'Ula, Saudi Arabia

The ancient city of Hegra (known as Mada'in Saleh) has stood in this dusty patch of desert, north of Al-'Ula, for almost 2,000 years. In its heyday, Hegra was a thriving international trade hub and was the second most important city in the Nabataean kingdom after Petra, despite being less well-known than its Jordanian sister site. Luke Stackpoole depicts the UNESCO site in all its glory here, with a lone figure in the foreground acting as an arresting focal point in the composition.

Calfaria Baptist Chapel, Llanelli, Wales, UK

Now derelict, the Grade II-listed Calfaria Baptist Chapel in Llanelli was built in 1881 and was once a thriving community hub, but has lain empty for the last two decades. Paul Harris reveals its eerie beauty in this atmospheric shot, revealing the dusty floors, crumbling wooden pillars and dilapidated ceiling – we wouldn't want to get caught here alone...

The Treasury, Petra, Jordan

One of the most elaborate temples in the ancient city of Petra, the Treasury (known as al-Khazneh in Arabic) was built some 2,000 years ago yet remains incredibly well-preserved today. You can still make out some of the intricate carvings on the facade, which include two large eagles, two lions and the Egyptian goddess of Isis, although several figures are yet to be identified. Luke Stackpoole was shortlisted in the World History category for this arresting image, in which two camels walk in the foreground. 

Loch An Eilein, Rothiemurchus, Scotland, UK

In the heart of a tranquil loch tucked in the forest of Rothiemurchus, Loch An Eilein is a tiny island topped with the ruins of a 13th-century castle. Many visitors choose to take the popular three-mile (5km) walk around the lake, looking out for red squirrels, Scottish crossbills and other wildlife along the way before stopping for a picnic. Here, Danny Shepherd shows the ruins' unique, mystical beauty through aerial photography.

Pentre Ifan, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK

Shown here beneath a starlit sky, Pentre Ifan is a Neolithic burial site in the foothills of the Preseli Hills in North Pembrokeshire – it's known for being one of the best-preserved sites from this period in the UK. Photographer Chris Bestall said that getting this shot was an especially proud moment, as it was his first time capturing the Milky Way on camera. 

Castle Stalker, Argyll, Scotland, UK

Located on its own tiny island in the middle of Loch Laich, Castle Stalker is a 14th-century fortress which has borne witness to many things over the centuries, including feuds, murder and bloody battles. But it looks ultra tranquil in this glorious shot by Dominic Ellet, in which the ruins form a striking silhouette against brightly-coloured clouds at sunset. 

Bass Rock Lighthouse, North Berwick, Scotland, UK

Bass Rock Lighthouse was built in 1901 to guide ships through the southern entrance to the Firth of Forth. It sits on an enormous crag which rises up to 350 feet (107m) out of the ocean, and has played host to a number of different residents over the years, including fishermen and lighthouse keepers. But none are more prevalent than the swarms of seabirds that use it as a nesting ground, which include puffins, guillemots, razorbills and eider ducks. The historic spot looks full of life in this gorgeous image, shot by Bella Falk.

Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, England, UK

Bristol-based photographer Sam Binding took home the top prize in the Historic England category for this captivating image of Glastonbury Tor. Binding said, "the low-lying levels are prone to mist, and so with a good forecast I headed out very early that morning. When I arrived, I was in for a very nice surprise. As the sun rose up, a wave of mist swept up and over the top of the Tor, creating an incredibly ethereal scene."

Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan Province, China

Frequently ranked among the most beautiful towns in China, the ancient settlement of Fenghuang is captured in all its glory in this gorgeous photograph, which won Luke Stackpoole top place in the World History category. Dating back more than 400 years, the town is exceptionally well-preserved and has unique ethnic languages, customs, arts as well as many distinctive architectural remains of Ming and Qing styles.

Wool mill, Swansea, Wales, UK

Crowned as overall winner was this atmospheric shot captured by Steve Liddiard. It shows an abandoned wool mill hidden in the Welsh countryside, which has been overtaken by nature after being abandoned for more than 60 years. Judge Claudia Kenyatta described it as: "A beautiful example of nature claiming the industrial heritage of the Welsh wool industry".

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