From deep gorges to fairy-tale forests, the UK's most beautiful natural wonders are listed below.
Top 12 beautiful natural wonders in England
1. Durdle Door, England
Found in a remote spot on Dorset's 140-million-year-old Jurassic coast, this 61-meter-high limestone arch was formed when caves on either side of the rock were hollowed out by erosion. It has become a hugely popular destination, with 200,000 pedestrians using the boardwalk between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door each year.
Durdle Door, England
Tourists often visit the World Heritage Site to collect fossils that fell on the beaches when the rocks were slightly eroded by the wind and the sea.
This natural British wonder is right on the beach, making it a beautiful setting for a day of fun in the sun. You'll find more unique geology at Lulworth Cove, seafood at the old fishing port of Swanage and award-winning beaches in Studland Bay, all within easy reach.
Spectacular view at Durdle Door, UK @richies_incredible_britain
2. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales
Considered by many to be the tallest waterfall in Wales and divided into three tiers, Pistyll Rhaadr is one of the country's most spectacular sights. With a staggering 73 meters tall and a bridge protruding in the middle, you'll feel like you're in Middle-earth from the Lord of the Rings. If there was ever a place to measure rainfall in Wales, this is it. The surrounding area is also great for hiking, so once you've seen the falls, explore more of Wales' natural beauty on the nearby trail.
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales
Pistyll Rhaeadr is often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. Above the waterfall is a lake called Llyn Luncaws. It is said that in this lake there is a winged snake, which every few days flies down the valley to the village and captures children, women or animals, bringing them back to the lake to eat them alive.
Pistyll Rhaeadr Falls @achim_klotz
3. Cheddar Gorge, England
The first thing that strikes you when traveling through Cheddar Gorge is how vast it is. Located on the southern edge of Somerset's Mendip Hills, this limestone wonder is one of England's most important natural sites. The best way to explore the area is on foot. Hike through the canyon by hiking or climbing down into caves or rock climbing. The gorge is just up the road from Cheddar village, famous for its Cheddar cheese. Did you know that the original Cheddar Cheese Company has been producing cheese since 1870.
4. An Lochan Uaine, Scotland
This natural wonder in England was discovered at the start of a trip through the Scottish Highlands. The lake's greenish appearance can be attributed to the light reflected from the trees along it, although legend holds that the lake's color is due to the fairies washing their clothes in it. On the other hand, science says that the decaying wood on the bottom of the lake produces algae that makes the water green. To witness this beautiful watercolor first-hand, park near the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Center and walk from there, past Glenmore Lodge. At about 40 minutes each way, it's a pretty easy hike, taking you through heather-covered hills and occasional rabbits. Alternatively, follow the signposted guide and rent a few bikes from In Your Element at the Rothiemurchus Pavilion for a stroll here.
An Lochan Uaine is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding wild swimming spots in Scotland, with its stunning turquoise waters, the waters are perfect for a dip after a stroll through the surrounding pine forests. .
Blue waters at An Lochan Uaine, Scotland @x_theyorkshireway_x
5. Malham Bay, England
If you're visiting Yorkshire Dales National Park, don't miss Malham Cove – a natural wonder in England that is a curved limestone formation created by a powerful glacial waterfall at the end of the last Ice Age. Now there is no waterfall, but it is no less impressive. This wonder is huge - the vertical face of the cliff is about 80 meters high, making it a popular spot for experienced climbers. If you want to climb here, it is best to choose a cloudy day. The cliff faces south and it can get extremely hot in the sun. With well-maintained paths at the top and bottom, it's worth the hike to take advantage of both of these viewpoints. If you ever find this bay to look familiar, that's because it has served as the setting for several TV shows and movies, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Wuthering Heights.
Peaceful and beautiful scenery in Malham Bay, England @earthstaysuk
6. Green Bridge, Wales
The Blue Bridge is located not far from Pembroke and its castle . Similar to the Durdle Door in England, the Green Bridge is a huge limestone arch that sits along Wales' jagged coastline. It is less popular and therefore less crowded than some of the natural wonders of England listed here and is still worth a visit. Pay attention to the position observation to get the beauty of this arch. After the observation, enjoy a walk east from here to see other beautiful sites like Elegug Stacks, The Cauldron and Flimston Bay.
Green Bridge, Wales
7. High Force, England
The name of this waterfall is very reasonable, as it is truly an amazing force of nature and a waterfall that dates back 300 million years. Located in the North Pennines, it looks more like it belongs in a dense forest than it does on the border of Yorkshire and County Durham. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in England. To get there, park at the Bowlees Visitor Center and take a walk in the woods. In cold conditions, the waterfall can freeze, creating a spectacular sight.
The power of water in the High Force @natureinbritain
8. Gaping Gill
The Gaping Gill is one of the largest known underground chambers in the UK. In fact, this British wonder of nature was the deepest known until Titan in Derbyshire was discovered in 1999. Gaping Gill still holds the record for the highest unbroken waterfall in the UK and largest underground cavity that opens naturally to the surface.
9. Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and is one of the most famous natural wonders in the UK.
The columns form the stone steps that lead from the bottom of the cliff and disappear into the sea. The flat surface at the top of the columns is hexagonal, although some have four, five, seven or eight sides. The tallest columns are about 12 meters tall and the lava solidifies in the 28-meter-thick cliffs.
Giant's Causeway
10. Fingal Cave
Fingal's Cave is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa. Like the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, the cave is formed from hexagonally connected basalt columns. Visitors can land on the island and walk into the cave via a causeway.
German composer Felix Mendelssohn visited Staffa in 1829 and was inspired to compose the Hebrides Overture after hearing the sound of waves echoing in this British natural wonder.
Fingal Cave
11. Suilven
Suilven in Sutherland is only 731m high, but its distinctive shape makes it one of the most beautiful peaks and one of the natural wonders in England. Located in a remote area to the west of Sutherland, it rises almost vertically from a wild landscape of wasteland, swamps and lakes.
The peak has a steep slope more than a mile long. The highest point, known as Caisteal Liath (Gray Castle in Scottish Gaelic), lies at the northwest end of this ridge. There are two other peaks: Meall Meadhonach at the central point of the ridge and Meall Beag at the southeast end.
12. Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters Chalk Cliffs have been used as locations in several films including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Atonement.
They are often compared to the more famous White Cliffs of Dover because they are relatively unaffected by modern development and are allowed to erode naturally, helping to maintain their bright white color. In contrast, Dover's White Cliffs are protected by the harbor and are therefore greening due to increasing vegetation.
Seven Sisters
