{"id":878,"date":"2018-03-23T17:56:28","date_gmt":"2018-03-23T17:56:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/articles\/?p=878"},"modified":"2025-01-16T13:17:49","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T13:17:49","slug":"10-of-britains-natural-wonders-to-discover-on-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/10-of-britains-natural-wonders-to-discover-on-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"10 of Britain’s Natural Wonders to Discover on Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The<\/a>

The Giant’s Causeway at Sunset<\/p><\/div>\n

The UK is home to some amazing natural wonders, which inspire and amaze visitors.\u00a0 Which will you discover on your next break away?\u00a0 Forget having to go half way across the world to see some awe inspiring naturally stunning scenery, there is plenty to see right here at home in Britain.\u00a0 And one of the best parts, depending on where you live in the UK, you may not even need to catch a plane to get to some of these natural wonders, for many you may be able to just pack your stuff, jump in the car and go!<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 The Limestone Pavement, Malham, Yorkshire Dales<\/h2>\n

A landscape so unique and stunning it featured in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrows, the Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove is an absolute wonder.\u00a0 Visit and you can walk over the\u00a0 strange craggy rocks of this limestone formation as well as look out over amazing views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park.<\/p>\n

\"Malham'<\/a>

Malham’ Coves Amazing Limestone Pavement<\/p><\/div>\n

Getting to the top of Malham Cove though where the ‘pavement’ lies is quite a feat, as it’s a steep hike up (there are steps) so walking boots are a must and being physically fit is essential too.\u00a0 Beware of the drops from the limestone pavement, there is a sheer drop in to Malham Cove with no barriers.<\/p>\n

Places to Stay near the Limestone Pavement:<\/h3>\n

Malham<\/a> lies in a tranquil rural location in the Yorkshire Dales, choose to stay in a country cottage in the Yorkshire Dales<\/a>, and select accommodation not too far from Settle<\/a>, Grassington<\/a> and Skipton which are relatively close to Malham.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Cheddar Gorge<\/h2>\n
\"Cheddar<\/a>

Uniquely beautiful Cheddar Gorge<\/p><\/div>\n

One of England’s most stunning natural wonders, Cheddar Gorge is an imposing inland limestone gorge with high cliffs that runs for 3 miles within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to the town of Cheddar.\u00a0 Created during the Ice age, not only can you visit and see the amazing gorge, there are fascinating caves to see here too!\u00a0 Discover Gough’s Cave which was inhabited in prehistoric times.<\/p>\n

A special area of conservation, there is a cliff top walk you can take along the top of the gorge.\u00a0 Walking boots are recommended and stay away from the edge where there are steep drops.\u00a0 There are shops and a cafe on the edge of the gorge serving visitors.<\/p>\n

\"Amazing<\/a>

The amazing underground world at Cheddar Gorge<\/p><\/div>\n

Where to Stay near Cheddar Gorge:<\/h3>\n

The town of Cheddar<\/a> is extremely well located for visiting the nearby caves.\u00a0 The Mendip Hills<\/a> are another good choice for visiting the gorge on a day trip.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Durdle Door along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast<\/h2>\n

One of the Jurassic Coast\u2019s most photographed places, Durdle Door along the Dorset coast truly has to be seen to be believed.\u00a0 Depending on your vantage point, this limestone cliff structure can look like a dinosaur dipping its head in the sea or as a gateway to the ocean.\u00a0 Visit to see what it conjures up in your imagination!<\/p>\n

\"Durdle<\/a>

Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast<\/p><\/div>\n

The nearby sand and shingle beach is a great spot to sit and take in the views.
\nThere is a nearby car park but take a picnic as there are no cafes at Durdle Door.\u00a0 Just along the coast is another fascinating place to visit; Lulworth Cove where there are a couple of cafes.<\/p>\n

Places to Stay near Durdle Door:<\/h3>\n

Durdle Door is located around mid-way between Weymouth<\/a> and Swanage<\/a> and is just a drive away from many parts of the Jurassic coast<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 Winnats Pass, Peak District<\/h2>\n

Winnats Pass in Derbyshire\u2019s Hope Valley close to Mam Tor is a truly majestic place to visit.\u00a0 Not only is this grass covered limestone gorge amazing, but there are also a number of fascinating caves to discover in the nearby area including Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern, Peak Cavern and Speedwell Cavern.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Peak District’s Winnats Pass<\/p><\/div>\n

Some would argue that the underground world around this part of England is in fact even more amazing than the gorge above ground.\u00a0 Visit the caves and see glittering stalagmites, waterfalls and fossilised sea creatures from long ago.\u00a0 This part of the Peak District really is a true wonder.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay near WInnats Pass:<\/h3>\n

The nearest town is Castleton and the Hope Valley<\/a> is also close by.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 The Stacks of Duncansby, Caithness<\/h2>\n

Located on Scotland\u2019s most northerly coast close to John o\u2019 Groats is the Duncansby Head coastal area.\u00a0 Here you\u2019ll be greeted with high cliffs with sheer drops, as well as the awe inspiring rock formations that are the Stacks of Duncansby.\u00a0 These amazing jagged rock formations with their sharp pointed tops that look almost like castles rising from the sea are a real sight to behold and a superb natural wonder.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The simply unique Stacks of Duncansby, Caithness<\/p><\/div>\n

Remember to wear good walking boots and stay clear of the cliff edges, there are sheer drops with no barriers.<\/p>\n

Head to nearby Bay of Sannick whilst in this part of Scotland and you may be lucky enough to see the local resident population of seals too!<\/p>\n

Where to Stay Near The Stacks of Duncansby:<\/h3>\n

The town of John o\u2019Groats is close by and Thurso<\/a> is just 21 miles away.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 Isle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave<\/h2>\n

Lying off the coast, close to the Isle of Mull in Scotland, the uninhabited Isle of Staffa is an absolute wonder.\u00a0 Reached by boat, this small island with its unusual tall basalt columns is a sight to behold.\u00a0 The distinctive geological formations on this island give it a truly other worldly feel.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Amazing Isle of Staffa<\/p><\/div>\n

Weather permitting you may be able to explore Fingal’s cave too, a sea cave explored by boat where you can see more of the amazing basalt columns up close.
\nWhere to Stay to Visit the Isle of Staffa on Holiday:<\/p>\n

As an uninhabited island, it’s impossible to stay on the small island of Staffa.\u00a0 Boat trips run from the island of Iona and mainly from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Fairy Pools Isle of Skye<\/h2>\n

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is home to more than its fair share of natural wonders\u00a0 as well as an interesting kind of light which has inspired artists for generations.\u00a0 One of the Isle’s most inspiring natural wonders are the Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin hills which spectacular waterfalls pool in to.\u00a0 With turquoise coloured waters, these pools and waterfalls certainly seem to exude a certain kind of magic.<\/p>\n

\"Experience<\/a>

Experience a kind of magic with Skye’s Fairy Pools<\/p><\/div>\n

As with many of the UK’s natural wonders, wearing good walking boots is essential.\u00a0 The closest village on Skye is Carbost.<\/p>\n

Places to Stay Near the Fairy Pools on Skye:<\/h3>\n

The town of Portree<\/a> is a popular place to stay on the Isle of Skye and is around half an hour’s drive from the Fairy Pools.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0 Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n
\"Follow<\/a>

Follow in giant footsteps at the Giant’s Causeway, Ireland ?<\/p><\/div>\n

Perhaps one of Britain’s best known natural wonders and definitely one for the bucket list is the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.\u00a0 This place is so unique and special, it’s no wonder it’s steeped in legend and myth.\u00a0 Visit and be filled by wonder and amazement when you see these amazing basalt columns in person.\u00a0 The result of volcanic activity dating back millions of years, prepare for this amazing coastal geological wonder to inspire and amaze you.
\nAs a major tourist attraction, there is a Visitor Centre close to the Giant’s Causeway with extensive parking, coffee shop and loos.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay near the Giant\u2019s Causeway:<\/h3>\n

The Giant’s Causeway is located in County Antrim<\/a>, Northern Ireland, close to the town of Ballycastle, Coleraine and Armoy.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0 Dark Hedges, near Armoy Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n

Having recently featured in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, this avenue of twisted beech trees that run along Bregagh Road near Ballymoney are an amazing place to visit.\u00a0 With a sinister unusual appearance, these trees conjure up thoughts of magic and special forces, and are so atmospheric and spooky it’s no wonder they featured in the Game of Thrones.<\/p>\n

\"Discover<\/a>

Discover Northern Ireland’s Dark Hedges<\/p><\/div>\n

Conveniently, these atmospheric trees are just 25 minutes’ drive from the Giant’s Causeway making it easy to explore both of these natural wonders on the one trip.<\/p>\n

Places to Stay near the Dark Hedges:<\/h3>\n

Nearby towns not too far from the Dark Hedges include Coleraine, Ballymoney and Ballycastle.<\/p>\n

10. Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/a>

The majestic Pistyll-Rhaeadr waterfall<\/p><\/div>\n

This waterfall in is one of Wales\u2019 best natural wonders.\u00a0\u00a0 Renowned as being the highest waterfall in the whole of Wales, this dramatic waterfall lies close to the Berwyn Mountains and is only around 21 miles from Snowdonia National Park.\u00a0 There are many good walks in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n

At its base there is a car park and a tea shop which is an ideal spot to stop off at whilst enjoying this wonderful location.<\/p>\n

Places to Stay near Pistyll Rhaeadr:<\/h3>\n

Bala<\/a> in Snowdonia is around 21 miles away and also close by is Llandrillo.<\/p>\n

Stay Safe When Discovering Britain\u2019s Natural Wonders<\/h2>\n

As naturally occurring landscapes and landmarks, many of the listed natural wonders feature sheer drops and if visiting with children they must be supervised at all times.\u00a0 Some of the locations are best suited for visiting with children aged 10 and older.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The UK is home to some amazing natural wonders, which inspire and amaze visitors.\u00a0 Which will you discover on your next break away?\u00a0 Forget having to go half way across the world to see some awe inspiring naturally stunning scenery, there is plenty to see right here at home in Britain.\u00a0 And one of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,38,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-holiday-ideas","category-holiday-inspiration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=878"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2089,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/878\/revisions\/2089"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.countrycottagesonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}