Britain has many stereotypes, mainly that its inhabitants are polite but repressed, love tea and thrive in a constantly grey and rainy environment. While it’s a common joke that Britain gets about two weeks of sun throughout a whole year (and to some extent true), there’s a lot to love.
There are beautiful landscapes and picturesque towns that look as though they belong in more exotic destinations around the world, so we’ve rounded up these eleven places you won’t believe are in the UK.
1. Kynance Cove, England
One of the most stunning beaches in the UK (if not the world) is Kynance Cove, on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula in the southwest of England. The cliffs overlooking the cove are part of the South West Coast Path, which connects Somerset to Dorset and the cove itself has been the source of inspiration for many, including poet Alfred Tennyson. Not to mention that’s been used as a location for multiple TV series time and time again.
2. Portmeirion, Wales
The colour and architecture of Portmeirion make this village perhaps one of the most surprising places to discover is actually in the UK. You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking it would fit in better in mainland Europe, as it was designed in the style of an Italian village and is well known for its gardens, cottages and coastal walks. Don’t bring your dog, though, they’re sadly not allowed in Portmeirion.
3. Jurassic Coast, England
Stretching roughly 95 miles from Devon to Dorset in southern England, the Jurassic Coast is as exciting as it sounds. As you might have guessed, it’s named because of its significance in unveiling the Earth’s history across 185 million years, including fossils, which you’re still able to come across on some beaches.
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There are bundles of beautiful places on the Jurassic Coast to check out, like Durdle Door near Lulworth, a natural limestone arch adjoined to a beach and vibrant blue water.
4. Norfolk Lavender Fields, England
Norfolk is a county in England that has multiple charming, picturesque villages, beaches and even lavender fields. No need to head to Provence in France, Britain has the wonderfully scented flowers only two hours from London. Norfolk Lavender has over 100 acres of lavender fields, a lavender oil distillery, an animal garden and a tearoom and restaurant, where you’ll find an array of lavender-themed treats, like scones and cake.
5. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye has a lot of love from publications like National Geographic, notably being rated as one of the world’s top 50 Tours of a Lifetime. It’s easy to see why, as this largest and northernmost island of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is utterly striking, with dramatic mountainous scenery covering the landscape.
Make sure you look for The Storr, Neist Point and Mealt Falls, the latter of which has a resemblance to Venezuela’s Angel Falls – or if you’d rather, Paradise Falls in Disney’s Up.
6. Bidean nam Bian, Scotland
Bidean Nam Bian, apart from being super fun to say, is a stunning mountain near Glencoe in Scotland and part of a breathtaking landscape. It’s the highest mountain of the range at 3,770 ft and is steep and rocky to climb, so if you’re up for the challenge, come prepared. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views which will make you realise how British scenery can continue to surprise you, again and again.
7. Blue Lagoon, Wales
The site of a former slate quarry, the Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire is a unique reminder of Wales’ industrial past. Over the past century, the outer wall was breached and now the sea water has pooled into the area to form a picturesque blue lagoon. Although it’s obviously not used in the slate industry anymore, it still gets put to use as a swimming hole and cliff-diving site from the rocks above.
8. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
First created by salmon fishermen in 1755 as a platform from which to cast their nets into the Atlantic Ocean, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is now a tourist attraction in County Antrim for those daring enough to tread the rickety structure.
It’s suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level and offers awesome views for the brave souls who choose to cross it. At only £7 for an adult, this adrenaline rush is a bargain! It’s also close to the phenomenal Giant’s Causeway, so well worth a stop.
9. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
This tunnel-like avenue made of intertwined beech trees in Ballymoney can be eerie, romantic or just simply fascinating, depending on how you look at it. You might sway on the spooky-but-beautiful side, considering that this road was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones – plus, the name ‘The Dark Hedges’ doesn’t exactly convey rainbows and butterflies. Head there early as most travellers arrive in the afternoon, and pro-trip, the best photo opportunities are from the south end.
10. Isles of Scilly
An archipelago off the southwestern tip of Cornwall in England (and officially the southernmost location in the United Kingdom), the population of the Isles of Scilly isn’t much more than 2,000, keeping this beautiful location pretty successfully under wraps so far.
The view from the plane (you’ll have to fly from Newquay, Exeter or Land’s End to get here) will have you believing your flight diverted to the Caribbean once you glimpse those electric blue waters. Once there, admire the Tresco Abbey Gardens (real palm trees in Britain – this is not a drill!) and snorkel with seals in St Martin’s.
11. Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England
Brighton is a fairly well-known place outside of the UK, and an extremely popular city within it. However, the grandeur of the Royal Pavilion is often taken for granted: in this laid-back, artsy city stands the majestic building that isn’t too dissimilar to the Taj Mahal.
As a matter of fact, it was built for King George IV in the Indo-Saracenic style popular in 19th century India. Throughout history, the Royal Pavilion has also been a military hospital during the First World War.
If you’re ready to experience the UK for yourself then start packing.
