The most beautiful views in Britain have been revealed – and some hotspots are so breathtaking that many Brits can’t believe they’re actually in the UK.
While the nation may be small in size compared to its European neighbours, it’s bursting with natural beauty.
From the rugged terrain and towering peaks of Scotland’s Highlands, to the lush, winding valleys of Wales, to the sandy, sunlit shores of southern England, the country’s landscapes are incredibly diverse.
Now, a new study by GoShorty insurance broker has asked the nation to vote for the most stunning sights across Britain.
Lake Windermere in the Lake District came out on top, with 42 percent of the vote, closely followed by Snowdonia in Wales with 35 percent and Loch Ness in Scotland with 29 percent.
But despite their popularity, the research shows that many Brits still find it hard to believe these jaw-dropping places are right on their doorstep.
In fact, when shown a photo of the vibrant lavender fields in Snowshill, Cotswolds, more than one in five people assumed it was taken in Provence, France.
With 92 percent of respondents admitting they’d prefer to visit one of the UK’s best views over heading abroad, it’s clear Britain’s beauty is not only appreciated – it’s in demand.
Here are the top 10 most beautiful views in Britain, as voted by the public:
1. Lake Windermere, Lake District
Lake Windermere offers tranquil boat rides, scenic walking trails, and panoramic viewpoints like Orrest Head and Gummer’s How
Lake Windermere is England’s largest natural lake, stretching over 10 miles.
Surrounded by charming villages like Bowness-on-Windermere and dense woodlands, it offers tranquil boat rides, scenic walking trails, and panoramic viewpoints like Orrest Head and Gummer’s How.
It’s clear its natural beauty is a favourite among walkers, photographers, and anyone seeking peace and serenity, as 42 percent of Brits vote the hotspot as the UK’s most beautiful.
2. Snowdonia, Wales
Snowdonia’s landscape includes rugged mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and quaint stone-built villages
Snowdonia National Park is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres.
The landscape includes rugged mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and quaint stone-built villages.
According to 35 percent of Brits, it’s a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers, with routes for all abilities.
3. Loch Ness, Scotland
Loch Ness is bordered by dramatic hills, medieval ruins like Urquhart Castle, and picturesque walking trails
Stretching for 23 miles, Loch Ness is one of the deepest and largest bodies of freshwater in the UK – and arguably its most famous, thanks to the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
The loch is bordered by dramatic hills, medieval ruins like Urquhart Castle, and picturesque walking trails.
4. St Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall
The fairytale-like setting of St Michael’s Mount, rising from the sea, often gets mistaken for Mont Saint-Michel in France
This tidal island is crowned with a medieval castle and church, and connected to the mainland by a causeway that appears only at low tide.
The fairytale-like setting, rising from the sea, often gets mistaken for Mont Saint-Michel in France.
The Dales is a patchwork of green valleys, dry stone walls, ancient moors and woodlands, and limestone cliffs
This national park is a patchwork of green valleys, dry stone walls, ancient moors and woodlands, and limestone cliffs.
The Dales are also home to waterfalls like Aysgarth and hidden gems like Malham Cove.
It’s a place of wild beauty and timeless charm, according to 22 percent of Brits.
6. Durdle Door, Dorset
With turquoise waters and golden sands, Durdle Door looks more like a Mediterranean beach than something found in England
This iconic limestone arch has been carved naturally by the sea over thousands of years.
With turquoise waters and golden sands, it looks more like a Mediterranean beach than something found in England.
7. St Ives Bay, Cornwall
St Ives is home to a sweeping bay of soft, sandy beaches, turquoise water, and charming fishing villages
The charming town of St Ives is home to a sweeping bay of soft, sandy beaches and turquoise water.
It’s also a cultural hotspot, home to the Tate St Ives and numerous artist galleries.
Spanning 95 miles, this coastline is rich in geological wonders, sea cliffs, and fossil-strewn beaches
Spanning 95 miles, The Jurassic Coast is rich in geological wonders, soaring cliffs and fossil-strewn beaches.
Spots like Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks are particularly photogenic and unique to the region.
9. The Three Sisters in Glencoe Valley, Scotland
These three steeply-sided ridges on the Bidean nam Bian mountain are known for their dramatic and scenic views
One of the most prominent landmarks in the Scottish Highlands, these three steeply-sided ridges on the Bidean nam Bian mountain are known for their dramatic and scenic views.
The road-facing peaks of Aonach Dubh, Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach are together known as the Three Sisters of Glencoe.
10. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Britain’s largest gorge features towering limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into a narrow valley
Britain’s largest gorge features towering limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into a narrow valley.
With winding cliff-top walks, caves full of ancient secrets, and striking views, it’s a geological gem – and it’s also home to a quintessentially British staple: Cheddar cheese.
