When traveling in the United Kingdom, people often think of visiting bustling cities like London or Edinburgh. However, the country also has some spectacular natural attractions and beautiful rural areas where wildlife and eco-friendly landscapes can be found. In addition to the more urban areas, the UK has some amazing natural areas, such as Cairngorms National Park in Scotland and Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Explore some of the best natural attractions in the UK for tourists, nature lovers, and adventurers!
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Lake District
The Lake District is the largest national park in the country, and traveling through it promises to be an incredible adventure. It has everything that the most discerning traveler could want: picturesque peaks, rare plants, lakes that reflect the sky, clear streams, grazing herds, fresh mountain air, and a variety of landscapes. In addition, the main peak in England, Mount Scofell Pike, with a height of 978 meters is located here. By the way, there are several train routes through the Lake District that make traveling for tourists without a car much easier.
Photo by James Armes on Unsplash
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom and a popular destination for experienced climbers and hikers. From the summit of Scafell Pike, which stands at an altitude of 978 metres, visitors can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding landscape and, on clear days, all four countries that make up Great Britain can be seen. There are three established routes to the summit: one from Borrowdale in the north, another from Wasdale in the southwest, and a third from Langdale in the east.
Experienced climbers might find the route from Borrowdale to be the most challenging and direct, as it features a steep climb to the summit. On the other hand, the Wasdale Head route might be more suitable for those who are not as experienced or for families with children, as it is shorter and less steep.
Photo by George Bannister on Unsplash
White Cliffs of Dover
Once known as the “Garden of England” for its lush farmlands and rural beauty, Kent has several beautiful attractions and a warm summer climate. The White Cliffs of Dover, located in Kent, are one of the most incredible coastal attractions. They offer spectacular views across the English Channel towards Calais, France.
The cliffs provide a great opportunity for travelers of all ages to unwind, as they have clearly marked walking paths that offer scenic hikes suitable for different abilities. They are also a sanctuary for local wildlife, including the rare Adonis Blue butterfly, peregrine falcons, and wild ponies. Visitors can hike along the coast and stop at attractions like the Fan Bay Deep Shelter Museum, World War II Museum, or South Foreland Lighthouse, all located along the route. They can also visit Dover Castle, where on a clear day they can see the French coast across the ocean.
Photo by Heather Wang on Unsplash
Seven Sisters
Another gentle chalk cliffs, the Seven Sisters, stretch along the coast of the English Channel in East Sussex, between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne. Interestingly, despite their name, the group of white rocks actually consists of eight peaks, not seven. They are best seen from the sea, so we recommend sailing nearby on a yacht or boat if the weather allows (the coast can often be blown by squally winds).
A walk along the shoreline will also be interesting, as the coastline has been intricately indented by wind and waves and the rocks are covered in tall grass. However, it’s best to visit on a fine day, as in bad weather you could literally be blown off the rocks. It is believed that the Seven Sisters have changed less overtime than the White Cliffs of Dover under the influence of humans, so historical and atmospheric films are often shot there. Some of the most famous films shot in this area include Atonement, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash
Wistman’s Wood
Incredibly ancient, mysterious and beautiful, Wistman’s Wood, an alpine forest located in the county of Devon, is at an altitude of 400 metres. It is the oldest forest in the country, with trees believed to have grown there as early as seven thousand years ago. Today, the oldest plants in the forest are around 400 to 500 years old and many are classified as relics.
The Whistman Forest is full of sprawling ferns and bizarrely curved, “dancing” oak trees, similar to those on the Curonian Spit. The trees are covered in moss and lichens, which have a British name—”the old man’s beard.” This amazing forest has inspired artists, poets, writers, and photographers, as well as being associated with legends and folklore, including the motif of Wild Hunting in folklore.
Cheddar Gorge
If you think the name of the gorge is reminiscent of a famous English cheese, you are right. Cheddar Gorge is located near the small and very pretty village of Cheddar, in Somerset County. This gorge was named after the cheese that was invented in this area. It is known as the largest gorge in Great Britain and the location where the oldest human remains were found in Britain, dating back to about nine thousand years ago.
The Gorge’s majestic limestone cliffs are overhung by dense forests and green grass. Stalactites and stalagmites have also formed in the caves over the years, creating an impressive sight both above and below ground. There is even a small herd of wild sheep in Cheddar Gorge that tourists often encounter.
Photo by ian kelsall on Unsplash
Ingleborough Cave
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to a network of underground caves, including the impressive Ingleborough Cave. Located in the southwest area of the park, visitors can access the cave through the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail. This trail runs past Clapham Beck Lake and through scenic woodlands, and guides will take visitors through the well-lit caves with concrete paths, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The cave network also connects with amazing natural wonders, such as the Gaping Gill Cave. Here, runoff from streams above creates an underground waterfall, adding to the beauty of this incredible location.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a fantastic place for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to red squirrels, peregrine falcons and various rare wildflowers. There are also some great places to eat and drink in the nearby village of Clapham, where the Ingleborough Trail begins.
Header Photo by Eamonn Wang on Unsplash
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