The UK is well known for its lush green landscapes, lovely historic towns, charming villages and dramatic coastlines. With so many beautiful places to visit on a trip to the UK it can be difficult to know where to start but here are some suggestions to get you started.
The Lake District landscape
The Lake District is a truly magical place. The lush rolling green hills merge into dense forests and deep blue lakes. Walking in the fells or mountains of the Lake District provides you with some of the most amazing views possible.
Tourists have been flocking to the Lake District since Victorian times but in no way has it been spoilt by this. The area is so vast that even on the busiest of mountain trails you won’t feel surrounded by people. One thing that impresses me most about the Lake District is the close connection between the natural and the built environment. Natural local stone makes up the main building material of so many structures in the area, from dry stone walls to cottages nestled into the scenery as if they have always been there, some of which are now let as beautiful Lake District holiday cottages, making picture perfect holiday accommodation.
Haweswater
Not all of the lakes of the Lake District are totally natural; some are actually manmade reservoirs, built to provide urban areas with water, but they blend in perfectly to the natural landscape. Haweswater is one of the best known for this, flooded in 1935. In summertime when the water is low you can sometimes see the stone walls and bridge of the buried village of Mardale Green.
The City of Chester
Chester is a beautiful roman city. The city walls, that loop a two mile circuit around the city centre, protecting it in days gone by from invasion, are a stunning feet of building work in themselves. They are also a great place to catch a view of the peaks of the mountains of Snowdonia over in Wales. The Eastgate clock, on the city walls route, towers above Eastgate Street and is apparently the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben. I don’t know who is counting but it is a lovely clock!
Walking away from the city centre, the Grosvenor Park, a classic Victorian park, is a fine example of beautifully manicured flower beds and neatly kept lawns that is a lovely place to enjoy a picnic and admire the beautiful surroundings.
The Beaches of Cornwall
Cornwall is well known for its stunning beaches with fine golden sand, charming coves and impressive panoramic views. It’s no surprise really as more than 80% of the county is surrounded by sea. Six of the truly beautiful beaches in Cornwall have been recognised as excellent with the coveted Blue Flag status.
Cornwall Beach
Moving inland from the stunning beaches, Cornwall is a fantastic place to enjoy world class food. From the humble Cornish pasty to the very best seafood, it’s no wonder that so many well known chefs have chosen Cornwall as the home for their restaurants.
For thousands of holiday cottages in the UK and Ireland, visit www.SykesCottages.co.uk.
Photo attribution
Haweswater http://www.flickr.com/photos/peerlawther/3853229988/
Cornwall Beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/johngulliver/3253703361/
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I am trying to plan a trip next year. I'm researching and researching to figure out the places I HAVE to see while there in the UK. I'm from Texas and have never left the country except for short day trips to Mexico. I'm excited to start my travels there in Britain. Anymore suggestions? Want to visit Edinburgh, London, Cardiff and parts of Cornwall.