The best of the country’s natural beauty
It may be small, but the UK is packed with plenty of marvels courtesy of Mother Nature. While we can’t venture out and enjoy them just yet, these images will no doubt inspire you to visit in the future. From soaring peaks and sprawling caverns to towering sea stacks and shimmering lochs, these are the most breathtaking natural wonders in the UK.
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England
Set within Somerset’s gorgeous countryside, Cheddar Gorge is one of the UK’s most unique natural landscapes. Measuring an impressive 400 feet (122m) deep and three miles long (4.8km), it is the largest gorge in England. Characterised by its limestone cliffs, its steep slopes were formed around one million years ago when melting glaciers carved out the rocks during the last Ice Age. The gorge was also where Britain’s oldest complete skeleton was found.
Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Possibly Northern Ireland’s most iconic attraction, this mythical geographical wonder is the country’s only designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. As its name suggests, the causeway is linked to two giants, Irish Finn McCool and his enemy Benandonner from Scotland. Legend has it that the basalt steps were built by Finn as a pathway to Benadonner. The spectacular 40,000 hexagonal shaped steps continue to wow sightseers from across the globe. Explore the most magical places on Earth here.
Henrhyd Falls, Powys, Wales
Found on the western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with a drop of roughly 90 feet (27m), Henrhyd Falls is the highest waterfall in south Wales. Plunging into a scenic wooded gorge, the falls are surrounded by picturesque woodland that is known for its abundance of wildlife. With its sheltered location, Henrhyd Falls has doubled as the famous Batcave in Christopher Nolan’s film The Dark Knight Rises.
Durdle Door, Lulworth, Dorset, England
The crown jewel of Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, this incredible natural arch looks more like a Mediterranean coastline. Carved out by the sea around 10,000 years ago, Durdle Door is a world-renowned beauty spot. With its golden stretches of sand, towering chalk cliffs and blue waters, it’s easy to see why the Jurassic Coast became England’s first natural World Heritage Site in 2001.
Malham Cove, Malham, North Yorkshire, England
This awe-inspiring limestone cliff in the Yorkshire Dales National Park has wowed tourists for decades. Shaped by water and ice during the last Ice Age, the 260 foot-high (80m) curve is one of the park’s most stunning features. With its sheer drop and unparalleled views across the Dales from its limestone pavement at the top (pictured), the Cove is popular with climbers and hikers.
The Needles, Isle of Wight, England
Rising from the sea at the Isle of Wight’s most western point, this trio of white chalk stacks is the island’s best-known attraction. Set against a gorgeous coastal backdrop within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the striking rock formation is a truly magnificent sight. Discover the 50 best British tourist attractions here.
The Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland
Framing Northern Ireland’s southeast, the Mourne Mountains are undoubtedly one of the country’s most picturesque places. Located in County Down, the granite range includes the Slieve Donard summit, which, at 2,789 feet (850m) high, is the tallest mountain in Northern Ireland. With its craggy peaks, shimmering lakes and incredible views, the Mourne landscape is thought to have inspired CS Lewis, author of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, when creating his magical land of Narnia.
The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Perched on the Isle of Skye, just off Scotland’s northwestern coast, this jagged rock formation is shrouded in myths. According to Scottish folklore, the Old Man was a giant and, after being buried in the earth, his thumb was left visibly above ground. With its rugged pinnacles of rock looming over the rocky hills of the Trotternish Ridge, it is one of the most famous landscapes in Scotland.
Luskentyre Sands, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Tucked away on the western shores of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre Sands is a Scottish hidden gem. With its miles of pristine white sand and eye-popping blue waters, it is often voted the most beautiful beach in the UK. Framed by the soaring peaks of the north Harris Mountain range, the beach is Scotland’s own version of a tropical paradise. Discover more places you won’t believe are in the UK here.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset, England
Another beauty of Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove is a scallop-shaped slice of paradise. Formed by seawater eating into the shores thousands of years ago, it is one of the finest examples of a natural cove in the world. Home to shimmery blue waters, a white pebble beach and rock pools teeming with sea life, it is a real highlight of the coastline.
Ben Nevis, Fort William, Scotland
Dominating the northwest Scottish Highlands, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. Measuring a staggering 4,413 feet (1,345m) above Fort William it is characterised by its steep ridges, rocky summit and picturesque glens that slice through its rocky slopes. With its dizzying height, Ben Nevis is one of the top walking capitals of the world, typically attracting around 125,000 walkers per year.
Wistman’s Wood, Devon, England
Dartmoor has plenty of stunning scenery, but none are quite like the mysterious trees of Wistman’s Wood. A twisted tangle of gnarled dwarf oak trees and moss-covered boulders, the ancient forest is thought to be one of the highest and oldest oak woodlands in the country. With its tranquil location among Dartmoor’s wild landscape, the eerie green canopy is home to a large population of adders, one of Britain’s only native snakes. Explore the beautiful forests of the world here.
Fairy Glen, Conwy, Wales
This pretty tree-lined ravine can be found on the outskirts of the Welsh village of Betws-y-Coed. Known as Ffos Noddun in Welsh which means “deep ditch”, the rocky gorge was carved out by the Conwy river creating its tumbling rapids and cascades. Hidden near a winding creek surrounded by peaceful woodland, the mythical natural wonder is thought to be the home of magical spirits.
Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Buried deep underground near the Northern Irish town of Florencecourt is a magnificent network of limestone caves. Formed over millions of years and named after a nearby limestone arch, the Marble Arch Caves were first discovered by two explorers in 1895. Featuring striking rock formations, a tranquil cave river and a sandy underground beach, the caves have become a much-loved tourist hot spot. Check out more of the UK’s best underground attractions here.
Loch Ness, Inverness-shire, Scotland
In a scenic corner of the Highlands, the legendary Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most mysterious places. Holding more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, the Loch Ness is the most voluminous lake in the UK. The elusive Loch Ness monster, or Nessie, is thought to be lurking within its deep waters. The loch draws visitors from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the mythical creature.
