Most beautiful places to visit in the UK

This beautiful country of ours has a lot going for it, especially the natural views on offer! We’ve listed some of our favourite ones here to inspire you to get out and explore our stunning country. So check out the most beautiful places to visit in the UK.

Scotland

Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Found on the north of Skye and central to a walk that offers some breathtaking views, the Old Man is a rock pinnacle that soars into the sky. It can be seen for miles as you hike the ancient landscape and soak in the beautiful clear Scottish air.

Cairngorms National Park

This national park in the northeast of Scotland encompasses the Cairngorms mountain range. It is the UK’s largest national park, covering just over 4,500 square kilometres. The park is also home to three major rivers and countless wildlife. In 2018 it attracted 1.9 million tourists, many from within the UK.

Fingal’s Cave, Isle of Staffa

The Isle of Staffa, an uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides, is home to a beautiful sea cave. Known as Fingal’s Cave, named for a character in an epic poem from the 18th century. The cave isn’t just stunning to look at; it’s also renowned for its outstanding natural acoustics. Sightseeing cruises run from April to September, run by several local companies.

Uyea, Northmavine, Shetland

While there are two islands named Uyea in Shetland, this one is in Northmavine and is a tidal island. You can reach it on foot during low tide and explore the natural surroundings. The island offers several natural arches to admire.

 

England

Lake Windermere, Lake District

The largest natural lake in England, Lake Windermere, is more than 18 km long and 1.5km wide. The lake and the surrounding areas are some of the prettiest places in England. The lake also contains 18 islands, some of which are privately owned, but many of the smaller islands are available to visit.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Most of us have probably driven past this prehistoric monument at least once. But the henge and the surrounding Salisbury plain offer some breathtaking views of England. Stonehenge was built between 3,000 and 2,000 BCE and still attracts over one million visitors annually.

The Shambles, York

The Shambles is a winding, cobbled street in York. The buildings on either side have been preserved since the mediaeval era, some dating back to the fourteenth century. The narrow road and the overhanging timber-framed buildings transport you back in time.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

This stunning castle is a Grade I listed building. While a fort has been on the site since around 420 BCE, the Normans built the current castle shortly after 1066. William Armstrong restored the castle in the late 19th century. The castle makes an excellent subject for photos, set against the backdrop of some of the more beautiful scenery in England.

 

Wales

Skomer Island

A tiny island off the Welsh coast, Skomer is known for its wildlife and beautiful vistas. The island is home to Atlantic puffins, a species of vole unique to the island, and half the world’s population of Manx shearwaters. It also features stone circles and prehistoric houses.

Glaslyn, Snowdonia

Glaslyn or Blue lake lies 2,000 feet above sea level near Mount Snowdon. With beautiful walks on offer, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up Wales’s stunning natural beauty.

 

Northern Ireland

Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim

A rope bridge links the mainland and a tiny island, which the more adventurous visitors can cross for a small fee. Whether you brave the bridge or not, the views of the Irish coast are some of the most astounding on offer.

Mourne Mountains, County Down

Located in County Down, the Mountains of Mourne include the highest peaks in Northern Ireland. They soar up to 850m above the stunning landscape and make a breathtaking backdrop for your photos. You can also see the 31.4km long dry stone wall known as the Mourne wall.

Giant’s Causeway

This dramatic group of basalt columns is probably the sight most commonly associated with Northern Ireland. The columns can reach up to 12 meters high and the whole causeway drew in over a million visitors in 2018.

These are just a few of the UK’s awe-inspiring natural views. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to get out there. Just don’t forget to arrange your UK travel insurance before your trip.

 

‘Author notes

Written by Russell Wallace, Content Creator at AllClear
Edited by Letitia Smith, M.Sc. Content Manager at AllClear’