Ah the UK…mainly summoning images of gloomy grey cityscapes and rain on a daily basis. We wanted to see the beauty behind the bleak, so BackHackers have put together an article showcasing the UK’s top hotspots…some of which you definitely won’t believe aren’t in some tropical paradise! Who knew?!
St Michael’s Mount
Weirdly, this isn’t a Mediterranean coastline…it’s St Michael’s Mount which is situated in Cornwall. Interestingly, there is a causeway which links the island to the mainland that is only accessible at low tide (don’t worry, there are boats to ferry you across should you mix up your timings).
Visit here in the height of summer to fully appreciate the sparkling turquoise waters!
Visit here in the height of summer to fully appreciate the sparkling turquoise waters!
Oxford
No, it’s not a beautiful row of houses in Copehagen…it’s actually Oxford! Forget the greys on this street and roll in the bright oranges and reds set against the background of this historic city (its university dates back to the 12th century!)
Angle Tarn, Penrith
This nordic-looking setting is located in the Lake District. These mountain lakes are dotted in their hundreds around the area, but Angle Tarn is said to be the most beautiful of them all.
Little Livemere
This beauty of a sunset could have been taken in Mexico with the church silhouetted just behind the tree line. But no, its the UK (you’re getting the hang of this article now aren’t you). It’s a cute little village about 5 miles north of Bury St Edmunds, in an area of Suffolk known as the Breckland.
Pavey Ark, Ambleside
This jaw dropping mountain range is part of the Lake District National Park. The ark is a stony, 700-meter-high fell with climbing & rock scrambling routes aplenty.
Nanjizal Beach, Song of the Sea Cave
This beautiful cove is in Cornwall, just 1 mile from Land’s End and is the perfect view point on a clear night – as you can see for yourselves!
Porthcurno Beach
No, it’s not a packed out beach on a Greek Island – it’s Cornwall! This beautiful beach is only a 3 minute walk from the Minack Theatre. With its turquoise waters and silky sands, it’s hard to believe it’s in the UK.
Kynance Cove
Another beautiful area in Cornwall – Kynance Cove is situated on the Lizard Peninsula. With white sands, turquoise waters and serpentine rocks this is another location that seems to bring the tropics to the UK.
Highlands, Glencoe
This gorgeous mountain range, that could almost be somewhere in the Autumnal Alps is actually the Highlands, near Glencoe. The area is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and hiking routes!
Seil Island, Argyll & Bute
This stunning landscape can be found in Seil – which is one of the Slate Islands southwest of Oban, in Scotland.
Cairngorms National Park
This national park is twice the size of the Lake District and is located in Scotland. Making for a great ski area, Cairngorms is home to 5 of the UK’s highest mountains.
Capel Curig-Tryfan
Capel Curig is located in Caernarfonshire, Wales. It sits in the heart of Snowdonia, on the River Llugwy, and is home to stunning views of the mountain range.
Lake Ullswater, Cumbria
This stunning lake is actually the Lake District’s second largest. It’s roughly 9 miles long and just over 60 metres deep. With the mountain as a backdrop it’s certainly one of the Lake District’s more breathtaking sights.
Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye
Situated in the Isle of Skye in the Socttish Highlands, this fresh-water loch is steeped in mythical histories. Apparently it is the home of the water horse (or kelpie), who can also shape-shift into human form – so keep your eyes peeled (if you can draw them away from the beautiful scenery).
Pitlochry
This could be a mountain highway in the U.S but no… Pitlochry is located in Perthshire, Scotland.
Mendip Hills
This gorgeous view is from the Mendip Hills, which overlook the large village of Cheddar, Somerset. These limestone hills run east to west between Weston-super-Mare and Frome.
Holland Park
No, it’s not a tropical waterfall in Bali. It’s actually Holland Park in London. Who knew a capital city could be home to a sight so far removed from the hustle and bustle?!
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park is located in northwest Wales which is also home to its highest mountain: Mount Snowdon.
Jurassic Coast, Dorchester
Another coastline with sandy beaches, turquoise sea and views that make you forget the doom and gloom of the city. Dorchester is located in Dorset and is home to a vast array of history (both within our own histories and that of the planet).
Durdle Door
It’s NOT Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – it’s Durdle Door near Lulworth, Dorset. This limestone arch is one of the most heavily photograph sites in the UK!
Woolacombe Beach
Could these be the waves of Portugal? Or is it just Woolacombe Beach in the West Country? This is a great beach for surfing, with its golden sand stretching for 3 miles and Atlantic breakers aplenty.
Armoy
This whimsical treeline is located in Armoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The ‘Dark Hedges’ have become a tourist attraction for those wishing to see the ‘King’s Road’ from the HBO series Game of Thrones.