When you think of beautiful holiday destinations, what instantly comes to mind? Is it the crisp white beaches of the Mauritius Islands? Or possibly the sprawling, forest-filled valleys of New Zealand? Well, what about Great Britain? It’s a country overflowing with insatiably beautiful landscapes, hidden coves and enchanting forests; and as those who have ever visited Britain as a holiday destination before will know, it’s a place that’s steeped in a rich history, and has plenty to offer those who are willing to explore.
Malham Cove
Formed after the last ice age, this 80-metre-high limestone precipice stretches some 300 metres across the rolling hills of North Yorkshire. It’s just as renowned for its sheer curved edge as it is for the intricately formed limestone pavement which sits upon its surface. A collection of blocks of limestone separated by gaps, the pavement’s unique structure houses a whole host of rarely seen plant life. The view from atop of the cliff-face is something that has got to be seen to be believed, and it’s obviously mystified many a visitor, as they chose to use the cove as a major location for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. Visit Malham today and relive the magic.
Gower Peninsula
A peninsula of stunning beauty, jutting out of the Welsh coast, the Gower area actually covers around 70 square miles of land, but it’s most known as being the host to various different beaches, caves and castles. As popular with tourists as it is with surfers, the Gower contains several locations of outstanding splendour, and many of its beaches have been given green and blue flag awards. With plenty to do and see, you’ll find yourself entranced by Gower’s seemingly endless beauty.
The Giant’s Causeway
In the aftermath of an ancient volcanic eruption, the Giant’s Causeway on the northern coast of Northern Ireland is made up of over 40,000 interlocking columns. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland, the pillars are truly magnificent to behold. Their strangely uniform hexagonal shape has leant an air of mystery to their creation and there are indeed many legends surrounding the pillar’s origins, but you’ll have to visit the site to discover them for yourself.
The Shropshire Hills
Ideal for the adventurous type, these rambling country hills are officially an area of outstanding natural beauty and are truly one of Britain’s finest landscapes. Located in the county of Shropshire, near England’s border with Wales, you’ll certainly need to stop for a while to take in the spectacular views. Filled with plenty to discover, from seemingly endless valleys to stunning quartz tors (freestanding rock masses), you will certainly be sad to leave the Shropshire Hills behind.
Portmeirion
If adventuring across sprawling hills doesn’t really sound like your kind of thing, then perhaps you’d prefer to sit back and relax in the exquisitely enchanting Welsh village of Portmeirion. Designed by famous architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis the village has taken over 50 years to properly take shape and takes its inspiration from an Italian village. The quaint mix of colourful Italian architecture combined with historic welsh buildings makes for an exciting and entrancing holiday. The village’s unique style proved so popular that the 1960s cult TV hit the Prisoner was filmed entirely on location there. Visit Portmeirion today and discover what all the hype was about.
