Prepare to be bowled over by these breathtaking British landmarks!
Britain is home to some truly impressive natural wonders, from dramatic gorges in Somerset and magical limestone arches teetering across the Pembrokeshire coast, to otherworldly rock formations on the eastern edge of Scotland. Millions of years in the making, these monumental sites scattered across the country not only provide perspective, but also offer an opportunity for the intrepid to immerse themselves in the nation’s rich and extensive natural history. Nothing beats those pinch-me moments courtesy of Mother Nature. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 must-see examples of the incredible natural world in the UK, plus a fantastic site to stay at!
Cheddar Gorge SOMERSET, ENGLAND
The village of Cheddar might be best known for its namesake cheese, but it is also home to the renowned Cheddar Gorge – the UK’s deepest natural canyon, featuring striking 130m (427ft) limestone cliffs slicing through the Mendip Hills.
Carved out by glacial meltwater during the last Ice Age, the spectacular gorge is riddled with subterranean caverns, boasting impressive displays of stalactites and stalagmites. There’s also a famous 274-step staircase, known as Jacob’s Ladder, leading to a truly stunning viewpoint and clifftop hiking trail.
Stay at… Cheddar Bridge Touring Park cheddarbridge.co.uk
The Green Bridge of Wales PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES
Think limestone arches and Durdle Door (see opposite) is likely to come to mind. Yet Wales has a bridge-like rock formation of its own – the 24m (79ft) Green Bridge of Wales. Made up of 350-million-year-old carboniferous limestone, its shape is the result of millions of years of erosion by wind and sea. Located along the tip of the Pembrokeshire National Park, the views here simply couldn’t be better.
Stay at… Newton Farm Campsite newtonfarmcampsite.co.uk
The Old Man of Storr ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND
A patchwork of moors, mountains and lochs, the Isle of Skye could be considered a natural wonder in itself. But among the many treasures on this 80km (50-mile) long island is the legendary Old Man of Storr – a 55m (180ft) pinnacle of basalt rock left over from a volcanic plug that’s 2800 million years old. Rising up from Trotternish Ridge among the rolling, misty hills, its setting is spectacular.
Stay at… Portree Campsite portreecampsite.co.uk
High Force COUNTY DURHAM, ENGLAND
