Staring out across some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes will make you realise just how beautiful the UK and Northern Ireland really are.
From London landmark viewpoints to beaches, nature reserves and lakes, the options when it comes to immersing yourself in the UK’s scenery are endless.
Here, the Daily Mail has compiled a list of some of the best, most iconic views across the country.
Spanning from hilltops in the capital to spots in the Lake District, Scotland and beyond, add these to your travel bucket list for a stellar and scenic UK getaway…
Seven Sisters, East Sussex
At the top of the list is Seven Sisters, ideal for treks and hiking in Eest Sussex
Those seeking out majestic cliffs and incredible hikes need look no further than the South Coast – towards East Sussex, home to the Seven Sisters: a series of white chalk cliffs along the English Channel.
Forming part of the South Downs National Park, and home to an abundance of wildlife, the dramatic white landscape is ideal for scenic coastal walks and stunning views.
But you’d better hurry: every year, around 30-70cm of these iconic white chalk cliffs is nibbled away by erosion.
Greenwich, London
From the top of Greenwich Park, you can see expansive views across London
Greenwich Park, while not as popular as big name green spaces such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, offers some of the country’s most attractive cityscapes.
‘Greenwich Park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy nature in London,’ one Google review read. ‘The park is large, green, and beautifully maintained, with plenty of space for walking, picnicking, or just lying on the grass.
‘One of the highlights is the stunning view over London, especially from the hill near the Royal Observatory. It’s a great spot to take photos and enjoy the scenery.’
Visitors to this corner of the capital should also check out the Royal Observatory, as well as the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark.
St Michael’s Mount is an iconic landmark in Cornwall
With its hilltop castle, tidal causeway and surrounding sea views, St Michael’s Mount is often mistaken for Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France.
At low tide, it’s possible for visitors to walk across the stone path from the mainland, while the high tide is perfect for relaxing boat trips.
The island is also home to subtropical gardens as well as a small harbour, with views stretching out across Mount’s Bay.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway by Bushmills in Northern Ireland is unparalleled
Giant’s Causeway is popular among tourists – and it’s easy to see why.
Northern Ireland’s spectacular Giant’s Causeway coastal trail hugs dramatic clifftops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The route offers panoramic sea views, crashing waves and one of the most awe-inspiring coastlines in Europe.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast in Northumberland – it’s also situated by one of the country’s best beaches
The beach in front of Bamburgh Castle feels so vast that overcrowding rarely happens – you can walk along it for miles without having to share your path.
If you’re visiting, the Castle itself is well worth a look, and the scenery looks like something out of a movie – and indeed, it has starred on the big screen more than once, including in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023.
‘Absolutely fabulous beach with the most stunning back drop. Picture soft golden sand, grand castle in the background, islands in the foreground, quiet and peaceful,’ is how one reviewer on Tripadvisor described the coastal stretch.
Grasmere, Lake District
Next up is Grasmere village in the Lake District, Cumbria, offered described as the most beautiful spot in the whole region
Grasmere, a small village often hailed as the most beautiful in the Lake District, is the next scenic spot to visit in the UK.
Once described by William Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’, it continues to draw visitors with its scenic lakeside setting, charming cottages, winding cobbled streets and famous gingerbread shop.
Visit Lake District says: ‘Old cottages, faced with pebbledash, and houses of bluish-green local slate vie for attention along the twisty streets of the village. Victorian villas sit comfortably beside hotels, galleries and shops catering to tourists.
‘Gingerbread lovers are strongly recommended to stop for a treat at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop near the church!’
Few British beaches are quite as iconic and recognisable as Durdle Door
Located along Dorset’s iconic Jurassic Coast is Durdle Door beach.
The dramatic landscape attracts hordes of visitors every year, making this one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks.
The beach recently made headlines when storms destroyed part of the steps leading to the beach – and the pathway was subsequently closed.
The site is now fully reopened and is enjoying its busy summer season.
The Black Mountains
Joining the list of some of the UK’s top sights are the Black Mountains in South Wales
The Black Mountains, the easternmost of the four mountain ranges of hills comprising the Brecon Beacons National Park, provide some of the UK’s most exquisite views.
Waun Fach is the highest point of the Black Mountains – an ideal hike for avid walkers – but other key peaks include Hay Bluff, Sugar Loaf and Twmpa, also known as Lord Hereford’s Knob.
When you’ve had your fill of these magnificent peaks, the nearby towns of Abergavenny, Crickhowell and Talgarth are fantastic to explore.
You can enjoy the cityscape of Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat in Scotland
Edinburgh was recently voted the second prettiest city in the world by Time Out – the highest-ranking UK and European destination.
Its beauty comes down to a combination of its old town and imposing viewpoints. Check out Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill for unparalleled scenery.
Residents rave about the destination – with Arthur’s Seat a particular highlight.
One Tripadvisor review reads: ‘We decided to trek up Arthur’s Seat to see the beautiful views. The hike was a little more strenuous than I thought it would be but still thoroughly enjoyable, it took the best part of three hours at a leisurely pace.
‘Lots of visitors up at the top and views of the surrounding areas were breathtaking. It has to be the best view possible of the city.’
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
The otherworldly scenery at Kynance Cove can make visitors forget they are still in the UK
Kynance Cove in Cornwall has been dubbed ‘Britain’s answer to Moana’s Motunui’ by holiday home provider Sykes Cottages – and it’s easy to see why.
Tucked away on the western side of the Lizard Peninsula, this tidal beach boasts pristine white sand, turquoise waters, dramatic rock stacks and lush green surroundings.
The National Trust has described Kynance Cove as ‘one of the world’s most spectacular beaches’, making it a must-visit destination.
At low tide, hidden caves and small islands emerge, offering plenty to explore – although visitors should keep an eye on the water to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide.
Gara Rock Beach and Salcombe, Devon
Gara Rock beach in Devon offers expansive views across the land and sea
One of Devon’s many beautiful spots, Salcombe has stunning turquoise waters and sandy shores.
Paired with its sailing culture, the area feels just like the French Riviera, but you don’t have to catch a flight to enjoy the resplendent natural beauty.
Holidaymakers can wander along the estuary, relax on North Sands or South Sands beaches or even go on a coastal walk.
The Daily Mail’s deputy travel editor Hayley Minn picked Salcombe as one of the UK’s best staycations in our recent roundup.
She wrote: ‘I’d never been to Devon before I met my husband, but I now join his family in Salcombe almost every year, when we rent out a house or stay at the Harbour Beach Club Hotel and enjoy a week of morning sea dips, delicious ice cream and fish and chips on the beach, and big old drinking sessions at the pub overlooking the water at The Ferry Inn.
‘I’ve fallen in love with Salcombe and the surrounding area so much I got engaged nearby at Gara Rock beach, which is an hour’s scenic walk along the coast from the centre – but worth it for the stunning views and great atmosphere and food at Gara Rock Hotel.’
Ullswater, Lake District
Ullswater in the Lake District is among the most popular green destinations
You don’t have to catch a flight to bask in views of dramatic mountain scenery like you might find in the likes of Switzerland or Spain.
Ullswater in Cumbria offers the type of lake-and-mountain trip many people seek out during warmer, summer months – and it provides all the beauty one might expect from the Lake District.
If you’re heading to this part of the UK, pay a visit to Aira Force, a scenic lookout spot, and mountain peak Hallin Fell – which has an impressive 4.9 stars on Google.
One delighted visitor wrote: ‘Takes around 30 minutes to get to the top including short breaks to catch your breath. The reward once you get to the top is amazing views of Ullswater and beyond.’
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Lake District
Rounding out the comprehensive list is Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle, located close to Keswick in the Lake District, is one of the earliest stone circles in the UK, thought to have been erected around 3,000 BC, approximately 5,000 years ago.
It is believed to have been an ancient astronomical observatory, as well as a gathering spot for Neolithic and Bronze Age communities – and as such, many people gather on the summer solstice each year at Castlerigg Stone Circle with music and street performers.
The views here are magnificent. Castlerigg Stone Circle consists of 38 free-standing stones with imposing heights, and admission is free.
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