The United Kingdom usually evokes images of castles, palaces, and royal houses. One has to wonder that the country that has left traces of its essence on most of the world would be a treasure trove of experiences to explore. Even then, visitors assume that London is where you get to explore the best of the UK but that is not the case. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland together form the United Kingdom, offering a variety of enticing attractions and recreational experiences. In addition to offering an amazing array of manmade experiences right from iconic modern and royal architecture to the best theme parks in the UK, the destination is also endowed with some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. If you are a nature aficionado, then these places in the UK are a must-visit on your trip.
Stonehenge, Wiltshire – England
Stonehenge is without question one of the most popular natural UK tourist attractions. Located in Wiltshire in England, this series of ancient historical rocks appear in a circular formation and has baffled many about its origin. These mystical ruins have been the subject of many legends, some hinting that they were discovered in the Bronze Age. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as an important historical landmark. This attraction is a popular place for catching scenic views during sunrises and sunsets.
Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim – Northern Ireland
The unusual formation of basalt columns lining the Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland gives the impression that you have stepped into another planet’s terrain. The neatly stacked columns, approximately 40,000 in number, are the result of volcanic activity in the region. Most of the columns are hexagonal in shape – a fact that will blow your mind away. Today, it is an ideal place to admire nature’s abstract creativity and to take photos that will stand out in your social media feed.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye – Scotland
Take some time off to explore some of the best natural water attractions in addition to exploring some of the best water parks in the UK. Within the Isle of Skye, near the Black Cuillins, you can find turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls of the most tranquil and lush surroundings. These pools are perfect for swimming in shallow water. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, let go of stress and splash in cool waters surrounded by lush foliage. The solitude in ambience and the refreshing surroundings make this outdoor experience worth visiting. Trekking to reach these pools is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the UK’s countryside.
The Major Oak, Sherwood Forest – England
There is a magnificent forest located in Nottinghamshire, England, known as Sherwood Forest. For avid readers, the forest may remind them of Robinhood’s home as it was where he lived as per English folklore. Here, you will come face-to-face with a 1000-year-old oak tree, one of Sherwood Forest’s oldest inhabitants. The tree, also known as the Major Oak, occupies about 425 hectares of the forest. At present, the trunk is 33 feet wide, and its canopy, covered with dense branches, is 92 feet wide. As an ancient oak tree, it has significance in the study of nature. Consequently, it is preserved carefully, protected from any human or natural harm. It is certainly among the wonders of nature to see on a trip to the United Kingdom.
Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park, Dumfries, and Galloway, Scotland
Known as the largest forest in the UK, The Galloway Forest was designated as a Dark Sky Park in 2009 for its low levels of light pollution and near-zero levels of dust pollution, allowing the skies to be perfectly dark enough to see stars. Galloway Forest is in fact the darkest place in Scotland. For astrophile, this place is a dream come true. Spend a night here and you will find yourself under the shimmering spectacle of countless stars peppered in the sky. Stargazers can see various constellations, shooting stars, and even prominent planets. It is also a favourite spot for nature photographers to capture some amazing night shots under the canopy of twinkling stars. Whether or not you know about star systems and planets, you can go camping just to enjoy the solitude and beauty of nature – the perfect antidote to everyday stress.
Seven Sisters, Sussex – England
The Seven Sisters – a string of chalk white sea cliffs dominating the English Channel coast in Sussex – England, is another mesmerizing sight to see in the UK. Years of erosion from the English Channel have resulted in the formation of such a stunning vista. The striking contrast of white cliffs against the Greenlands and the vast blue waters is a sight to behold. This surreal terrain’s undulations create seven hilltops, earning it the name Seven Sisters. Among the most unforgettable sights, you can experience in all of the UK is the panoramic view offered by this wonderful attraction.
Conclusion:
These mentioned attractions are just a handful of natural wonders the UK has in store for you. There are many more to explore such as Fingal’s Cave at the Inner Hebrides, Durdle Door in Dorset, Gaping Gill of North Yorkshire, and The Needles in the Isle of Wight, to name a few. Although the UK has earned a reputation of being a place of royal kingdoms and cosmopolitan cities, its natural splendours do leave an impressive mark on all those who venture off beaten paths and experience it.