United Kingdom: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In the United Kingdom, vacationers especially appreciate the picturesque coasts with their impressive chalk formations. There are also some hidden beaches where one can enjoy their holidays. In the north of the country, it becomes increasingly mountainous. Here, the hills invite you to hike and mountain bike.
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United Kingdom - 8 most beautiful natural sights
Lake District
For the English, the Lake District is a mythical place: Here, between narrow glacial lakes and rugged mountain peaks, the beloved stories of children's author Beatrix Potter are set. The area first gained significance in the 18th century: Due to the many wars raging there, continental Europe was off-limits to the British as a travel destination. Today, visitors enjoy boat trips on Windermere or Ullswater, the two largest lakes in the Lake District, and stroll through idyllic market towns like Kendal and Keswick on the shores of Derwent Water. The variety of activities is particularly admirable. Here you can hike, go on bike tours, sail, or visit castles.
Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park is the perfect destination for extensive hikes in the Highlands. Additionally, you can engage in rock climbing and mountaineering, as well as skiing in winter. The most well-known mountain ranges include Angus Glens and Monadhliath. Good starting points for activities are communities like Kincraig and Newtonmore. Look forward to a wide range of attractions, such as the Cairn-Gorm Ski Centre in winter, which is accessible by a funicular railway. This can also be used in summer. For hiking, the 18 Munro hills between Ben Avon and Glen Feshie are well-suited. In winter, ski tours lead to the peaks.
Cheddar Gorge
If you are traveling in the south of England, don't miss a visit to Cheddar Gorge! It is the largest gorge in Great Britain. The rock walls, up to 113 meters high, are made of limestone. The 4.8 km long natural paradise is perfect for hiking. Follow the path through the Cheddar Gorge and climb the 274 steps that lead out of the valley. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the region. With a bit of luck, you might see rare birds like peregrine falcons and buzzards. Wild goats and sheep also roam around.
Northumberland Coastline
The coast of Northumberland is protected over a stretch of about 64 km and offers excellent opportunities for nature exploration from Berwick-Upon-Tweed to the River Coquet. Be inspired by the wide beaches, coal fields, and historic fortresses near the A1 road. Cultural highlights include Bamburgh Castle. The coast of Northumberland is especially popular in the warm season. Then you can pass by the beaches, stroll over lush meadows, and admire the ancient peel towers that once marked the border between England and Scotland. Look forward to spectacular rock formations like those on the Farne Islands.
Giant's Causeway
Today, scientists attribute the formation of the Giant’s Causeway to the cooling of hot lava about 60 million years ago. The natural monument consists of around 40,000 basalt columns and stretches over five kilometers along the cliffs. The quaint town of Bushmills serves as the gateway to the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland's most popular attractions. Tours are usually offered from Bushmills. On site is the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest distillery, where you can taste fine Irish whiskeys. Nearby is Dunseverick with its castle ruins.
Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are located between Eastbourne and Seaford. The coast is a popular hiking area. Together with the surrounding area, it forms the Seven Sisters Country Park. Immediately after the last cliff at Eastbourne, you come across the Belle Tout lighthouse and Britain's highest chalk cliff, Beachy Head. The designated hiking route through the Seven Sisters Country Park is 13.5 km long and can be completed in about three and a half hours. You will repeatedly encounter interesting attractions and viewpoints from which you can admire the charming landscape. A visit to Eastbourne or Seaford is also recommended.
Durdle Door
Not far from the village of West Lulworth in the southern English county of Dorset, the Durdle Door forms one of the most striking stone arches in the world. The high rock on the English Channel is distinguished by a distinctive hole that the waves have washed out over millions of years. Although the impressive natural formation is on private property, it is accessible year-round. You can reach the rock gate in the sea from the picturesque Lulworth Cove by taking a walk on a coastal path known as the South West Coast Path. A steep staircase leads to the pebble beach next to the Durdle Door. Swim through the rock arch or take a canoe tour along the Jurassic Coast.
Scafell Pike
In the English county of Cumbria, Scafell Pike is the star among the mountains in the lovely yet rugged Lake District National Park. It rises amidst a volcanic landscape of lakes, green hills, and rugged mountain ranges. Below, the dark water of Wast Water, the deepest lake in England, shimmers mystically. You can best experience the mountain wilderness of Scafell Pike on a hike. The most well-known and easiest route leads from the hamlet of Wasdale Head over rocky, sometimes steep mountain paths up the barren mountain. Those who enjoy climbing can take the Corridor Route from Styhead. A challenging mountain hike awaits you when ascending from Upper Eskdale.
United Kingdom - Climate
For sightseeing and hiking, the months between May and October can be recommended, especially in England. Temperatures then range between about 17 and 22 degrees. In Scotland, it is generally somewhat cooler. During this period, however, rain showers should also be expected. There are at least ten days of precipitation per month, so rain jackets are a must in your luggage. From autumn to spring, it is comparatively mild. Even in December, January, and February, daytime temperatures hardly drop below the 5-degree mark. Even at night, the freezing point is very rarely reached.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.
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