This time of year is hectic. And cold. And, overall, just a little bit overwhelming. It’s the time of year that makes you want to book yourself into a nature retreat, far, far away from society, to reconnect with the Earth and cleanse yourself of all the emails, traffic, and ready-meals of the year. If you’re currently planning your 2025 escape, you might want to book a to one of the spots that Which? has just named the most scenic in the country.
To determine where the best natural landscapes in the UK are, consumer advice company Which? conducted a survey which asked people to rate locations on eight different criteria, such as scenery, walks, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Then, each landscape got an overall rating out of 100, and from there, the ranking formed.
So where is the best spot to go for a bit of peace? Apparently, it’s the Isles of Scilly, down off the very south coast of England. They admit it isn’t easy to get to – you’ll need to brave a three hour ferry from Penzance, sorry to the jelly-legged among us – but it did get five stars in four separate categories including scenery, walks, accommodation, and ‘peace and quiet’.
Which? describes Scilly as ‘a serene destination where waves lap sandy beaches, and cars are rarely seen,’ so it’s perfect if you want to leave behind the modern world and embrace the natural one. The air quality is probably on a different level too, so you’ll breathe easier than ever before.
Next was the Northumberland coast, which received the same overall rating as Scilly, 89 percent, but only achieved five stars in walks and attractions. Those who like it really like it though, with one survey respondent describing it as having the ‘best beaches in the country.’ Take that, Cornwall.
For third place we hop over the Irish sea to the Antrim coast and glens, which got 83 percent overall. It boasts five-star scenery, and ‘beaches without a soul to disturb the peace.’ It is also only one boat ride away from a puffin colony, which is a perfect ‘escape to nature’ activity.
Here is the full list of the top ten natural landscapes in the country, as well as their final scores.
The 10 most scenic areas in the UK, according to Which?
- Isles of Scilly – 89 percent
- Northumberland Coast – 89 percent
- Antrim Coast and Glens – 83 percent
- Causeway Coast – 83 percent
- Gower – 83 percent
- Cornwall – 82 percent
- Dorset – 82 percent
- Nidderdale – 82 percent
- Strangford Lough – 82 percent
- North Pennines – 81 percent
You can have a look at the full list on Which? here to discover even more of the nation's prettiest landscapes.
Time (to get) Outdoors
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