Most beautiful countrysides in the UK

Lake District

Location: Cumbria

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, the Lake District is one of England’s greatest treasures. The national park is home to charming towns, beautiful lakes and stunning scenery.

Where to eat: The award-winning inn Drunken Duck is a charming pub in Ambleside which serves exquisite meals made with local produce. 

Where to go: Head to Lake Windermere for a relaxing lake cruise around the park’s largest lake on a charming historic steamer.

 

Suffolk

Location: East Anglia  

For a real rural break head to the pretty East Anglian county of Suffolk. It has beautiful beaches, chocolate box villages, as well as miles and miles of stunning countryside walks. Visit the ancient village of Lavenham – made famous by Harry Potter – or head to the pretty seafront town of Aldeburgh.

Where to eat: Enjoy refined, sophisticated dishes at The Salthouse Harbour Hotel, standing in Ipswich Harbour. 

Where to go: Stroll along the beach, wander the pretty chocolate-box streets or explore the famous Adnams Brewery in Southwold.

 

Pembrokeshire

Location: Wales  

Pembrokeshire, the UK’s only coastal national park, stretches along 180 miles of coastline and encompasses a collection of offshore islands in the South West of Wales. With more than 50 beaches, this is one of the best spots in the UK for a fun-filled family escape to the seaside.

Where to eat: Plantagenet House is hidden down one of Tenby’s tiny streets but packs a big punch with its delicious menu that makes the most of the daily fresh catch. 

Where to go: Follow the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path along 186 miles of clifftops from Amroth to Poppit Sands. 

 

Devon

Location: South West  

Described as ‘Mother Nature’s Playground’, Devon offers sprawling fields, fossil cliffs and sandy beaches. It’s a brilliant destination for outdoor adventure, seaside fun, and excitement for the whole family come spring, summer, autumn and winter. 

Where to eat: Perched on the water’s edge in Salcombe, The Winking Prawn is a beach-hut style café serving everything from coffee to ice cream, breakfast to barbecue!

Where to go: Explore the wild moorlands of Dartmoor National Park where you can walk, cycle, ride or even canoe.

 

Cotswolds

Location: West Midlands  

The Cotswolds is a dreamy destination thanks to its rolling hills, stone villages and charming market towns. Covering nearly 800 square miles of idyllic countryside, sweeping meadows and fantastic forest, the Cotswolds takes in the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. It takes the crown for the largest area of outstanding natural beauty in England.

Where to eat: The Wild Rabbit is a gorgeous 18th century stone pub, in Kingham, that offers food and drink.  

Where to go: Widely regarded as the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe is well worth a visit.

 

Perthshire

Best for: Wonderful woodlands

If you do one thing: Climb Ben Lawers. 

Known as ‘Big Tree County’, Perthshire sits in the east of Scotland. It encompasses an array of landscapes, from tranquil glens, roaring waterfalls to wild moors. Wander through its woodlands and scale peaks such as Schiehallion and Ben Lawers.

 

Norfolk

Best for: Beach walks and forest fun

If you do one thing: Visit Holkham, voted ‘best beach in the UK’.

Norfolk has something for everyone; from vast stretches of beach to thick, magical forests. Whether you choose to be captain on a boat cruise or explore all the greenery the county has to offer, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. 

 

Dorset

Best for: A quintessentially English staycation

If you do one thing: Take a boat trip to wildlife haven Brownsea Island. 

Dorset is one of southern England’s gems. Home to the stunning 95 mile-long Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door, and Lulworth Cove, it’s a haven for anyone who enjoys natural landmarks. 

 

North Yorkshire

Best for: Natural beauty

If you do one thing: Try your hands at being a farmer by taking on the Ultimate Farmer activity.

North Yorkshire is one of the UK’s favourite countryside escapes. Escape the hustle and bustle of life for a stunning break in the North York Moors.