Go on a Tour of the World Through These Award-Winning Images

If the news of the latest variant (Omicron) of the COVID-19 virus and its potential impact on global travel is bothering you, here is a chance to see some of the stunning historical sights of the world. Take a peek at the top three winning images from the Historic Photographer of the Year Awards 2021.

You may not be able to visit them right now but you can use this hiatus to build your future travel bucket lists around them.

The awards celebrate the very best cultural sites and historic places across the globe, from the most famous national treasures to the most obscure hidden gems.

According to Judge Dan Snow, &ldquoThis year&rsquos awards featured an outstanding array of fantastic and fascinating historical places across the globe. The wonderful entries we&rsquove seen highlight both the immense heritage that surrounds us, along with the often precarious and fragile nature of some of our most precious locations of cultural value.&rdquo

Steve Liddiard was the Overall Winner for his shot of the Whiteford Point Lighthouse&nbsplocated in south Wales (United Kingdom).

Located off the coast at Whiteford Point near Whiteford Sands, in the Gower Peninsula, this 44-feet high cast iron lighthouse was built in 1865. It is one of the rare examples of a wave-swept cast-iron lighthouse found along the British coast.

Liddiard, an associate practitioner at NHS, would later say that photography helped his mental health and how special this lighthouse was to him.

Sam Binding won the top award in the Historic England category for his shot of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge&nbspin Bristol, captured during a misty sunrise.

A key landmark, the bridge can be often seen as a symbol of Bristol. The suspension bridge, which spans the River Avon and its gorge was opened in 1864, connecting Clifton in Bristol with Leigh Woods in North Somerset. The bridge has not only been featured in several movies but also associated with many historical moments witness to the first modern bungee jumping in 1979 and the last Concorde flight in 2003.

Iain McCallum won the top honours in the category 'Where History Happened' with his photograph of the wrecks of the Wastdale H and Arkendale H, which tragically collided in the River Severn in October 1960. This category is run in partnership with television channel Sky HISTORY.

The wrecks are a reminder of the several accidents which happened at the historic Severn Bridge (Severn Railway Bridge) which was built across the eponymous river in Gloucestershire, England. The bridge was built in the 1870s and dismantled in 1967-68.

Here is a pick of some of the other noteworthy monuments and sights which were featured  

Safa Shahouri Mosque, Goa

Located in Ponda taluka, this is the biggest mosque in Goa. It was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur who ruled Goa before the Portuguese. Next to the mosque is a masonry tank comprising small chambers with meharab designs.  

Also Read 12 Offbeat Churches to See in Goa

Loch Linnhe, Scotland

This sea loch has spectacular landscapes. It follows the line of the Great Glen Fault for 31 miles long, stretching past Fort William, fed from the north by Loch Eil. It continues south as far as the Firth or Lorne, fed from the East by Loch Creran and opens up into the Firth of Lorne at its South Western point.

Thurne Mill, Norfolk

Diana Buzoianu submitted this stunning image of the 200-year-old iconic windmill named Thurne Mill, located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK. The windmill was originally built in 1820 and was in operation until 1936 when it stopped working owing to mechanical failure. While the mill fell into disuse and was about to be dismantled, it was bought by Ronald Dorian Morse (Bob) in 1948 and restored to its former glory.

Kelenf&oumlld Power Station, Budapest

Roman Robroek&rsquos photograph caught the soul of the abandoned control room of the Kelenf&oumlld Power Station in Budapest, Hungary. Opened in 1914, it was then considered as one of the most advanced power stations in Europe. Today, with prior permission, you may take a walk around the complex, known for its art deco architecture, especially the glass ceiling in the control room. 

Red Sands Forts, London

John Stevens came up with an interesting shot of the Red Sands Forts, an arrangement built during the Second World War to protect London and other settlements along the Thames River from German attacks. You can even see the gun placement in the image. Although not in use anymore, the structures (also known as Maunsell Towers) are being protected by a charity named Project Redsand whose aim is to conserve, preserve and interpret the history of the structures.  

Check out the Historic Photographer of the Year Instagram page here&nbspto take a look at some of the stunning submissions.