Most of us are familiar with the main tourist destinations and cities in the UK, such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow. These are densely populated places for the most part, and the city streets and buildings are a far cry from the majestic hillsides, valleys, mountains, cliffs, and coastlines that found be found elsewhere in Great Britain. If you’ve been wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle and see some of the UK’s ancient natural beauty, check out one of the five locations listed below:
1. Suilven
If you’re looking for a remote attraction that is visually stunning and hard to get to, look no further than Suilven. This mountain is one of the most distinctive and impressive natural landmarks in all of Scotland. There are no roads within miles of it, so to even get to its piedmont you’ll be hiking for a while, but even from a distance it is a sight to behold. You probably won’t find many affordable taxi services or tour guides traveling through the area, so it’s a good idea to drive yourself there in a rental vehicle. If you’re not from the UK, be careful driving and use a site like Toptests to become familiar with the rules of the road. Be prepared to encounter narrow roads and fast driving motorists along the way.
2. Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury is home to an ancient henge consisting of three giant stone circles that surround the village. Although the original purpose of the henge is unknown, archaeologists believe it was used for some type of ritual or ceremony. This is the largest stone circle in Europe and it is also quite old, having been constructed in the 3rd millennium BC during an era known as the “New Stone Age.” Many tourists have compared the site to Stonehenge as it has a similar mystical vibe and look.
3. Wastwater Lake
This is the most remote lake in the Lake District and the deepest lake in all of England, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the country including Great Gable, Scafell Pike, and Whin Rig. The south eastern side of the lake is the most interesting, with steep slopes that rise 2,000 feet, though the other shores are easier to access and more pleasant to walk on.
4. Glen Nevis
Glen Nevis is home to one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United Kingdom. Often appearing in major films like Harry Potter and Braveheart, this area of Scotland showcases the region’s natural scenery in an unmatched way, and all of it can be overlooked from atop Ben Nevis (Great Britain’s highest mountain).
5. The Jurassic Coast
Spanning from Dorset to East Devon, this cliff-lined stretch of coast has been around for more than 140 million years. Soft sand beaches and welcoming blue waters can be found along its shorelines, and there are plenty of interesting landmarks to see along its 95 miles of scenery, including Durdle Door (a commonly photographed limestone arch), and Lulworth Cove (considered the best cove in England).
Why Not See It All?
When it comes to cramming a lot of scenery into a small space, few places can compete with the United Kingdom. The nation’s diverse natural beauty can provide months of non-stop entertainment and exploration, so don’t short yourself by visiting only one of the above destinations.
