With so many incredible worthwhile places to visit in the UK, we wouldn’t blame you for not knowing where to start.
So, we’ve made a list for you. If you’re ready to set off on some pretty worthwhile adventures across the UK this year, check out the best places to go below.
Read on to discover the best UK outdoor hotspots that should be on your bucket list…
A unique location and well worth adding to your bucket list, Robin Hood’s Bay is located on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors.
Renowned as a picturesque, pedestrianised fishing village bursting with natural wonders, Robin Hood’s Bay gained its name by supposedly being where Robin Hood saved the village from French pirates, resulting in the thieves returning stolen goods to the people of the town!
Apart from its rich history, Robin Hood’s Bay is a sight to behold. With sandy beaches, a vibrant village centre rich in character, dog-friendly routes, cycle paths and countryside trails, it’s not hard to see why this incredible location has been voted for many natural beauty awards.
Robin Hood’s Bay has been ranked as one of the prettiest places in the whole of the UK, and its glorious sandy beach (Whitby) is renowned as one of the best in the world.
So, if a short outdoor stay at one of the most unspoiled and preserved towns in the UK with plenty of outdoor activities to experience sounds like a dream to you, Robin Hood’s Bay isn’t one to miss!
Home to ancient woodland and some of the tallest trees in Britain, a no-brainer for your outdoor hotspot bucket list is The Hermitage, located in Scotland.
Back in the 18th century, The Hermitage was owned by the Dukes of Atholl and used as their very own secret outdoor haven.
In our opinion, The Hermitage is one of the most well-kept hidden gems in the UK. The landscape found in this location will likely leave you in awe, almost bordering on not appearing to be real.
Plus, there’s a little slice of everything here. From wild salmon frequently spotted leaping out of the lakes to the most picturesque foaming pools, rapids and waterfalls, many visitors have described The Hermitage as a place you have to see in real life to fully appreciate.
The famous River Braan is nestled in the ancient woodland, which flows throughout the entirety of The Hermitage. And, as we mentioned earlier, this location is home to some of the tallest trees in the UK, with the ginormous Douglas Firs measuring a staggering 194 feet.
Next, we have Cheddar Gorge, located in Somerset, England.
Cheddar Gorge is an ideal location to add to your bucket list if you enjoy exploring extraordinary landmarks, noted as an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
When a place is marked as an Area of Outstanding Beauty, it means that it is protected and designated for conservation because of its natural beauty and value. So, a trip to Cheddar Gorge is certain to not disappoint!
What you can expect to be greeted with is magnificent natural beauty in many forms, along with a host of outdoor activities to get stuck into. Show caves, thrilling rock climbing facilities, wildlife spotting (e.g. tribes of feral goats) and a variety of stupendous natural landmarks are all there waiting for you when you visit Cheddar Gorge.
Cheddar Gorge is truly one of the most spectacular natural places in the UK, with an abundance of walking and hiking trails worth experiencing across the area. It’s one of those places that has something for everyone!
If Cheddar George sounds exciting to you, one of the most famous natural attractions nearby is Wookey Hole – which is a string of outstanding underground caverns that you can tour through.
The Wookey Hole is a natural location that truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll likely never have been anywhere quite like it! However, it may seem familiar – as it’s been used as a filming location for Doctor Who and many other top-rated tv shows.
Aside from its magical atmosphere and underground lake, legend has it that the Wookey Hole is home to where a witch turned to stone at the hands of a monk from Glastonbury. For more information on this, do some research into the Witch of Wookey Hole!
So, if this kind of experience sounds appealing to you, be sure to add the Wookey Hole to your bucket list!
If you’re a fan of visiting breathtaking outdoor scenery that boasts stunning views and natural bodies of water, Loch Achray (located in Scotland) should be at the top of your bucket list.
Loch Achray is one of the smallest natural lochs found across Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, however, its natural beauty and mesmerising views make this spot well worth the visit.
Loch Achray is visited by hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year, with its most well-known draw being its incredible natural loch reflections of the surrounding scenery.
Visitors will have a first-hand experience of viewing the stunning natural reflection shots on the water, which consist of the Ben A’an and Ben Venue (the two closest mountains wrapping around the loch), as well as the surrounding woodland.
Because of the natural water reflections at Loch Achray, this hotspot tends to be busy at sunrise and sunset.
What’s more, if you’re a fan of wild camping, you’ll be glad to know that this type of outdoor adventure is welcomed at Loch Achray. There are approximately 17-20 pitching spots up for grabs, with both open-air and woodland camping pitch areas available.
However, if wild camping isn’t for you, there are also plenty of incredible campsites nearby, and of course, the famous Loch Achray hotel! Which was built back in 1868 by the Duke of Montrose.
If you’re a road trip type of person, this next outdoor hotspot is an ideal location to add to your bucket list.
So, without further ado, we have Winnats Pass, located in Derbyshire, England!
Renowned as one of the most stunning roads England has to offer, Winnats Pass benefits from breathtaking 360 views of the surrounding countryside, towering cliffs and a limestone gorge – which contains fossil remains of prehistoric sea creatures, home to the valley millions of years ago.
Along with its one-of-a-kind natural scenery, Winnats Pass is most famous for its Speedwell Cavern – a cave where groups of nature enthusiasts can explore by boat or foot. People also enjoy the abundance of trails around this area, should you prefer to stay above ground!
Next, we have the Giants Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Renowned by many as the 8th wonder of the world, Giants Causeway is one of the most breathtaking natural hotspots worth adding to your bucket list.
Legend has it that the Giants Causeway was once home to a giant called Finn, who was challenged by a Scottish giant named Benandonner. Finn was then said to have torn chunks of rock from the County Antrim coastline (what we know now as the Giants Causeway) to throw across the ocean at Benandonner, hurling them as a threatening retaliation.
When visiting the Giants Causeway, you’ll likely feel positively overwhelmed by the natural beauty whilst simultaneously feeling puzzled! The rocks are cut in an almost perfect formation across 40,000 black-coloured basalt columns.
Scientists believe that these rocks across the coastline were formed due to an ancient volcanic eruption, however, the legend is a much-loved tale across Northern Ireland.
So much so that there’s a visitor centre located at the hotspot itself where you can learn more about it! Perfect if you’re bringing children along for the fun.
If you plan on visiting the Giants Causeway, make sure you check out Dark Hedges on your way.
Merely a 20-minute drive from the Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges is another renowned attraction located in County Antrim.
The Dark Hedges was planted back in the 18th century by the Stuart family, with the hopes of impressing people who visited their Georgian estate over 200 years ago. These trees have become a natural attraction known as a magical sight in real life.
This outdoor hotspot can be described as large, magical beech trees planted along Bregagh Road. These trees block out the natural lighting, with the dark ambience creating an almost mystical feel.
And, similar to the Giants Causeway, there are also legends associated with this idyllic outdoor hotspot. The Dark Hedges is also (allegedly) haunted by a ghost woman known as the Grey Lady!
The Dark Hedges has featured in the likes of Game of Thrones, catapulting its popularity. So, if you plan on checking the Dark Hedges out for yourself, expect to see a few Game of Thrones fan’s alongside you!
Mother Shipton’s Cave is located in Knaresborough – and it’s the oldest outdoor attraction in England!
Mother Shipton’s story dates back to 1488, with this outdoor attraction being where she was born. Legend has it that Mother Shipton was a prophetess, predicting the future for those who dared to visit her cave.
Fast forward to now, outdoor enthusiasts who love the idea of a magical woodland walk can visit her cave, along with the famous well beside it, which is known to turn whatever is tossed into it into stone.
It’s common for those who visit to toss a coin into the well for good luck, so be sure to bring a few pennies with you.
The woodland walk is also located next to a river, with the town centre located only a short distance away. The entire route should take you around an hour at a leisurely pace, and dogs are also welcome to come along for the fun!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on the best UK outdoor hotspots that should be on your bucket list.
From walking & hiking gear to camping essentials and tents, you’ll find everything you need to ensure your next adventure is an unforgettable experience.
So, if you plan on going away on any outdoor trips anytime soon, make sure you remain safe, comfortable and protected with our extensive outdoor equipment selection!
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