We all know we live in a beautiful country, surrounded by beautiful views; of rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and striking cityscapes to name but a few impressions. The task of selecting Britain’s best is an impossible one, but that’s no reason not pick out some of the finest, especially when it gives me an excuse to publish photos this pretty!
Lake District
Wastwater – Photo by half a world away
According to a 2007 poll by ITV Wastwater in the Lake District is the UK’s best view, so it seems right that it should kick off our round up. The lake, the deepest in Britain, is surrounded by the steep slopes of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Red Pike.
Hornister Pass – Photo by chelmsfordblue
Best view points: Wastwater is hardly alone in the Lake District, don’t miss the steamers crossing Lake Windemere, the waterfalls at Scale Force and the mountain views from Honister Pass to name but a few.
London
andypowe11
As UK city skylines go, London is in a class of its own. Newcomers the London Eye, The Gherkin and the latest addition, the Strata Tower share the sky with St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, creating an unmistakable mix.
Best view points:
On a clear day you can’t do better than the London Eye for seeing all of London in one go – it’s worth the cost and the queue. Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park in offers a similar broad sweeping view across the capital for free, but do have to expend the effort to climb it. London is most striking from the river, take a walk along the South Bank or across any of the central London bridges at dusk to best appreciate it.
Gower Peninsula
Rhossili – Photo by Blue Sky 4691
The long broad beaches of the Gower Peninsula in Wales consistently rank one of the best in Britain, and are routinely recognised for their cleanliness too.
Photo by tarrytown
Best view points:
There are 50 unspoilt beaches, coves and bays that make up the Gower Peninsula. Rhossili is striking for it’s vast size, as is famed Three Cliffs Bay. But there are also smaller secluded coves like Pwll Du to explore.
Edinburgh
Of all Britain’s many, many medieval cities Edinburgh stands apart as having preserved an awful lot of its architectural heritage. Almost the entirety of the city centre has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, and even Edinburgh’s ‘New Town’ dates back to 1765!
Edinburgh Castle from Carlton Hill – photo by photojenni.
Best view points:
Carlton Hill is the site of many of Edinburgh’s attractions, and also offers panoramic views of the city. Arthur’s Seat is a now extinct volcano just outside the city centre. At 250 metres it’s the highest hill in Edinburgh so offers great views of the city and surrounding countryside.
St Ives, Cornwall
The Cornish coastline is littered with picturesque coves and beautiful beaches, and the pretty town of St Ives on the north coast is known for being one of the best. The historic fishing village clusters around the harbour, which is often filled with small bobbing boats.
Top image – Ullswater in the Lake District by Bay Photographic.