The most beautiful places in the UK and Ireland
The most beautiful places in the UK range from Scottish mountain peaks to swathes of powdery sand along England’s south east coast via Welsh valleys and the various National Parks between. Then there’s Ireland, with its rugged coastline and verdant landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see in every direction. Eager amblers and photographers know such corners particularly well, setting off on foot come rain or shine to experience the beauty on our doorsteps we all too often take for granted. From historic manmade ruins to natural wonders carved by the elements over millions of years, these are the corners of the UK and Ireland we turn to whenever we want our homeland to take our breath away.
- Cornwall. It's one of the county's most popular sandy spots during the peak summer months, so explore the shores in the autumn golden hour light to capture it in its raw beauty.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Will Elsom","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_320,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_640,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_640,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_1280,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_1024,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_2048,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_1280,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9824f18e2bd3cbe5a1/master/w_1280,c_limit/elsom-kynancecove_cornwall5430-ukgallery-mar20-will.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Will ElsomEngland
The white sands of Kynance Cove, Cornwall. It's one of the county's most popular sandy spots during the peak summer months, so explore the shores in the autumn golden hour light to capture it in its raw beauty.
- East Sussex</a>, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain and a spot beloved by photographers thanks to the magnificent views it offers.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Lesley Lau","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_320,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_640,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_640,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_1280,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_1024,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_2048,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_1280,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611beb9aa954a4e571f6f178/master/w_1280,c_limit/beachy-head-03-ukgallery-mar20-lesley.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Lesley LauThe sun sets on Beachy Head in East Sussex, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain and a spot beloved by photographers thanks to the magnificent views it offers.
Getty ImagesWalking, cycling, and birdwatching – all are popular pastimes along one of Sussex's most picturesque stretches.
Will ElsomA cherry blossom tree frames pastel-hued houses in Oxford, one of Europe's most storied University cities.
Getty ImagesThe Peak District often gets left behind in favour of its more famous sister, the Lake District, but its limestone valleys, dramatic dales and postcard villages offer some of the most romantic settings in the UK. Visit in spring or autumn for the most stunning landscapes and ideal walking weather.
Getty ImagesCalm morning dawn view from Colley Hill, Reigate, in the Surrey Hills, North Downs.
Getty ImagesThe most beautiful sprawling sandy beach in easy distance of London. It’s unspoilt by the typical seaside cafes, shops and arcades you’d find in other British beach towns, which means it's generally quieter and feels wholly calm.
Toby MitchellA view of the golden-hued buildings of Bath from a hot air balloon.
Getty ImagesYou’ll be hard-pressed to find a more peaceful way to pass a day than bobbing along the Norfolk Broads, weaving through the enchanting maze of glistening waterways as herons glide overhead.
Haarkon - Haarkon.co.ukA pub covered in ivy in the charming Cotswolds village of Bibury – long a favourite destination for Brits seeking staycation respite.
Getty ImagesScotland
View of the Salisbury Crags at Holyrood Park, in Edinburgh, Scotland, with the city's iconic Castle in the background.
Lesley LauEilean Donan Castle is set on an island where three sea lochs meet in the western Highlands.
Getty ImagesAlthough all the lochs in Scotland are beautiful, Loch Lochy is a sprawling, underrated beauty. Perfect for wild swimming, hikes or a scenic picnic, it’s a great weekend getaway destination for couples and families.
Will ElsomNeist Point Lighthouse, on the edge of the Isle of Skye.
Sophie KnightA picturesque road into Braemar village.
Getty ImagesThe ruins of Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, near Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands.
Haarkon - Haarkon.co.ukA cloudy day on the southern coast of Skye.
Haarkon - Haarkon.co.ukThe Water of Leith flows through pretty Dean Village in Edinburgh.
Getty ImagesWales
Panorama of the spectacular Twr Mawr lighthouse on Anglesey, North Wales.
Toby MitchellThe vast mountain range of the Brecon Beacons in Wales.
Getty ImagesWinter at Three Cliffs Bay on the south coast of Gower – a perfect time for exploring all that one of the most beautiful places in the UK has to offer.
Will ElsomAs the highest peak in South Wales, Pen y Fan is one of the most popular Welsh hikes.
- Tourism Ireland
Ireland
Dunmoran Strand, one of Ireland's best beaches.
© Marco BottigelliBohemian, artistic, and genuinely friendly, Dingle is famous for hardware pubs (where you can buy a pint and some wellies). Beyond the town, you're faced with 6,000 years of history and the stunning Kerry coastline with its pounding waves, dramatic cliffs and iconic seafood shack, Out of the Blue Seafood.
Helen CathcartMullaghmore, a village in County Sligo, Ireland, is a popular spot among surfers – take to the waves before sheltering in one of the nearby pubs.
Cliff at Lyons in Kildare is one of the best hotels in Ireland.
