While many may be longing for an overseas getaway to take in some beauty, there are a number of stunning sites in Britain that are no less breathtaking.
However, it has a string of remarkable wonders that anyone can experience for free – though most people have never even seen them.
Whether you’re looking for awe-inspiring mountain ranges, freshwater lakes, or intriguing rock formations, Britain is bursting with hidden gems.
In May 2021, the Royal Geographical Society, in partnership with outdoor clothing firm Merrell, picked out , including dramatic landscapes shaped by the elements over millions of years.
The list was published while Britain was still tackling the pandemic, and it was hoped that celebrating the UK’s scenic splendour would encourage people to take in some of the country’s under-appreciated treasures.
A survey commissioned as part of the project revealed at the time that 41% of respondents had never visited any of the seven places, while 90% had never even heard of all of them.
Here, Express.co.uk reveals what they are in all their glory.
This site is on a very special coast in Northern Ireland and has a .
Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO site on the North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, boasting some 40,000 stunning hexagonal basalt columns by the sea.
The area is roughly 70 hectares of land (and 160 hectares of sea), offering plenty for visitors to explore.
(Image: National Trust)
Another part of the country singled out for its beauty is Wastwater in the Lake District.
The lake, which is England’s deepest at 260ft, is located in the wild mountain pass of Wasdale Valley in the National Park.
The gorgeous waters are surrounded by an epic backdrop of mountains, including Red Pike, Great Gable, and Kirk Feel.
The country’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike ,is also nearby and offers stunning views of the awe-inspiring landscape, as per .
(Image: Getty)
Dovedale in the Peak District is known for being home to the serene waters of the river Dove and its Stepping Stones at the foot of Thorpe Cloud.
The limestone valley, easily accessible from Buxton, is owned by the National Trust and .
One TripAdvisor reviewer who visited in June said: “Came back here after nearly 20 years, and it’s still as beautiful as ever.”
(Image: Getty)
Close to Alum Bay beach in the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of Britain, The Needles are one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
The striking chalk stacks are some of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world, their beauty accentuated by the crystal clear ocean surrounding them where sea life can be clearly seen.
The .
And though it can be seen from the beach, it also boasts a chairlift, offering an epic view of the area’s windswept splendour.
(Image: Getty)
The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the south coast of England, is often hailed as one of Britain’s most beautiful areas.
According to UNESCO, the area’s “important fossil sites and classic coastal geomorphologic features have contributed to the study of earth sciences for over 300 years”.
It’s also home to some gorgeous beaches, including Durdle Door in Dorset, known as one of the UK’s most snapped beaches.
even .
(Image: Getty)