There is much diversity across the UK, with towering glacial valleys, historic coves and almost tropical environments. That being said, with some many of the best natural sights in the UK to visit, it can actually hard to just pinpoint a mere few for a trip.
This is one of the reasons why I wanted to share some of my favourite and best natural sights in the UK to visit. Now, probably, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of exploring the UK is; the vibrant areas of London, gorgeous places like Cambridge, the Cotswolds, or even Stonehenge?
That being said, there are so many natural sights to see that often get overlooked. We have such a natural diversity that honestly can’t be missed. Better still, it doesn’t really matter what area of the UK you’re exploring, you’re bound to find a few of the best sights in the UK close by.
With that in mind, I’ve popped a few of my favourites, below.
Best Natural Sights In The UK To Visit
Take a look, below, at some of the best natural sights in the UK to visit. Have the best trip!
1.) See the Lake District
The Lake District is England’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spot that can’t be missed when exploring northern England. Perched on the north-west coast of the country, it’s got around sixteen lakes across the whole national park, which is stunning.
Once you’re here, make sure to check out the bigger lake of Windermere, learn more about Beatrix Potter and gorge on all the sticky toffee pudding you can find. Though, don’t forget, if you want a quieter lake, check out places like Ullswater Lake that’s not only vast but also has much fewer visitors.
When we visited, we rocked up at Another Place: The Lakes, which is right on the lakefront and perfect for paddleboarding, hiking the mountains and catching the Ullswater Steamer.
The Lake District really is a special place and one of nature’s best sights in the UK to visit.
Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District
2.) Visit the Cairngorms
Nestled in the north of Scotland, the Cairngorms is a totally peaceful and tranquil area of Scotland that you shouldn’t miss. Especially if you’re already up north near Aberdeen or Inverness.
Once you’re here, make sure to head out into the mountains and explore the trails by foot (or bike like we did).
For this, we headed to Glenmore Forest Park and visited Lochan Uaine – which is gorgeous and felt pretty remote. You might even come across some deer.
The Monadhliath Mountains are amazing for hikes and rambles. Oh, also, we stopped off at the Druie Restaurant for a hot cuppa and venison stew which was so tasty.
For a local place to stay, we checked into the little bed and breakfast called ‘Bydand B&B‘. It was so homely and the rooms are totally gorgeous. Plus, you get woken up with the heartiest of Scottish breakfasts. Yum!
Read more: Best things to do in Inverness
3.) Explore the Northumberland Coastline
The Northumberland Coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a totally gorgeous spot to visit when in the north of England.
Once here, make sure to explore some of the gorgeous bays, visit the ancient Holy Island (and try some mead) and visit some of the iconic castles, too.
Afterwards, take a trip over to the Farne Islands, a little outcrop of uninhabited islands that are perfect to see seals, puffins and sometimes even whales.
It really is a special place and one of the best natural sights in the UK to visit if you love the coastline.
Read more: What to see in Northumberland
4.) Find Giant’s Causeway
Perched on the beautiful shores of Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway is a totally iconic area of the country to visit. Folklore has it that these were once part of steps that bridged over to Scotland, though, don’t worry you won’t spot any giants today.
Head around this gorgeous coastal site when exploring the beauty of Northern Ireland. It’s pretty easy to get to and easily up there as one of the best natural sights in the UK to visit.
Read more: Best things to do in Northern Ireland
8.) Drive the Highlands of Scotland
The Highlands in Scotland is totally iconic and almost feels as if you’re a million miles away from civilisation when in the countryside here.
Towering glacial valleys, rugged coastlines and a load of coos make this one of the best natural sights in the UK to visit.
Once here, make sure to explore the glacial valley of Bealach na Ba as the drive is just incredible. Afterwards, stop off at Torridon and Lower Diabaig which is a remote fishing village on the loch.
Finally, visit Eilean Donan Castle that sits on a spit of land where three Scottish lochs meet.
Read more: Your full guide to the Scottish Highlands
10.) Find the Seven Sisters
Perched on the south coast of England, the Seven Sisters is a totally gorgeous area of England to visit and pretty easy to find when visiting Brighton (40-min away).
Overlooking the English Channel, the Seven Sisters are one of the best natural sights in the UK to visit if you like dramatic views. Nestled within the South Downs National Park they’re actually ancient valleys that have now been eroded away by the sea.
Head here to walk the beautiful paths and walkways that follow the coastline that is stunning. Just be cautious of going to close to the edge, the cliffs are made from chalk and are not stable.
Stay well back from the edge and always be sensible.
Read more: Best things to do in South Downs National Park
11.) Explore the Peak District
Being the UK’s first National park, the Peak District is a relatively easy spot to visit when heading to cities like Manchester.
That being said, you can still take a direct train from London (to the outskirts) and hire a car to explore the area fully.
Once here, make sure to explore the Winnats Pass and see the underground river that runs through the caverns below.
Afterwards, head over to Chatsworth House to warm your cockles before spending a night at the Gathering. We had the best time!
Read more: Exploring the Peak District in a vintage car
12.) Find the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is easily up there as one of the best natural sights in the UK to visit, especially when in the south. Now, the amazing thing about the Jurassic Coast is that there is so much to do.
You can explore the UNESCO protected coastline whilst search for fossils on this beach, see Durdle Door and ramble over to Old Harry Rocks.
The whole area is beautiful. Plus, if you’ve got time, head over to Corfe Castle for a little wander around a village that’s well over 5,000 years old.
Read more: How to go fossil hunting in England
13.) Climb Snowdonia
Nestled within the stunning country of Wales in Snowdonia national park.
It’s a totally beautiful region which is home to Wales and England’s highest mountain, Mount Snowdon.
Once here, make sure to pack your hiking shoes and head to the summit (with plenty of water too). Though, if you’re feeling a little more chilled, take the train to the top and enjoy the incredible views over north-west Wales.
It really is amazing.
Oh, and for a gorgeous place to stay, check into the Tyn Rhos Country House; it’s so homely and not too far from Snowdon itself (about 6 miles).
Read more: Best places in the UK to visit
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