Magical Natural Places to Visit in the UK
Here in the UK, we’re blessed to be surrounded by such vibrant swathes of nature. From beautiful coasts to vast forests and the odd soaring mountain, our natural countryside is often much more dynamic and varied than people imagine! There really is so much to discover here at home, just by taking a few steps off the beaten path.
While there are many places around the world famed for their natural beauty, the UK is full of equally stunning and unusual natural sights. Here, we take a look at some of the lesser travelled places of incredible natural beauty across the country.
Durdle Door
One of the most iconic natural landmarks in the UK, Durdle Door is part of the Jurassic Coast in South West England. Formed millions of years ago and shaped by sea erosion, this limestone arch sits in the sea at the end of a small, secluded beach. An excellent natural sight in itself, it also makes for a good starting point for exploring the incredible South West Coast Path, one of the UK’s most picturesque walks.
The Giant’s Causeway
Often mistaken for a manmade structure, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a truly remarkable sight. It consists of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, formed during volcanic activity over 50 million years ago, forming stepping stones along the Northern Irish coast and into the sea. Giant’s Causeway is one of the country’s most famous landmarks, and it’s easy to see why!
Glencoe
Once voted one of Scotland’s most romantic glens, the natural beauty of this sparse land is hard to beat. Formed by a super volcano millions of years ago, Glencoe is a sweeping land in the Scottish Highlands surrounded by mountains and fresh glacial lakes. Various movies have used this location for its sharp natural beauty and incredible sense of serenity. You can enjoy Glencoe in many different ways, whether it’s walking, climbing or even skiing during the winter.
Malham Cove
Another location featured in Hollywood movies, Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales is another incredible natural sight. Formed during the Ice Age, this limestone wall sits around 260ft tall from the ground below. A limestone path can take you to the top of the formation, which boasts fantastic views over this beautiful part of the UK.
Seven Sisters
Another of the UK’s most iconic natural landmarks are the white cliffs along its south coast. Located in Sussex, the Seven Sisters are a collection of undulating cliff faces, with white rock topped by luscious green countryside. Incredibly photogenic from a distance, they can also be walked for a fantastic day out!
Swallow Falls
One thing the UK is less famous for is its waterfalls. However, there are plenty of beautiful falls, particularly in the natural lands of North Wales. Swallow Falls, located just north of Betws-y-Coed, is one of the tallest continuous waterfalls in the UK. A remarkable sight that is also easily accessible, it makes for a nice walk through the deep natural lands of this part of the UK.
Wastwater
One of the UK’s most picturesque lakes, Wastwater is an unmissable part of the Lake District National Park. It is a glacial lake that stretches over three miles long and is also the deepest in England. The water has a near-perfect stillness, echoed by the awe-inspiring landscapes of one of England’s most famous natural regions.
Wistman’s Wood
A location full of fantasy charm, Wistman’s Wood is a small, high-altitude location in Dartmoor, Devon, full of old oak trees. Often covered in deep green moss, this wood has an incredible aura, evoking thoughts of a forgotten world cut off from our own. If you’re looking for somewhere to inspire your creativity, then this place is perfect!
These beautiful locations further highlight how fortunate we are in the UK to be surrounded by such luscious countryside! Here at LOWA, we love helping people get out there and explore what the country has to offer. If you want to discover any of these locations in comfortable footwear, take a look at LOWA's range of walking boots, designed to handle all challenges!