The Coronavirus outbreak is going to change travel. I think we’ll go back to normal eventually, but many may choose to travel in different ways, whether that be less frequently, with more precautions, or locally. My travel bucket list is mostly foreign locations, but I’ve really started to consider a UK bucket list whilst in lockdown.
I’ve never been one to holiday in the UK as it’s more expensive than going abroad (crazy, right?) and I usually travel for hot weather – something that the UK doesn’t really offer. I may be tempted by warmer climes but the UK really does have some beautiful places, and I’d actually like to experience some of that. I’ve made a list of the top ten places I want to visit once we’re back to normal – here they are!
Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park
When I trekked Mount Kenya in 2018 I discovered that I am a mountain lover. I haven’t been able to trek one since, but Mount Snowdon is high on my list. It’s not particularly difficult as you can do it in a day, with several route options to choose. Plus, I could never get bored of the Welsh countryside. It will be a great trip to get me back into mountains, and once I’ve conquered Mount Snowdon I can set my sights on more challenging adventures again. For those that prefer to enjoy the scenery, you can also do Snowdonia National Park tours.
Isle of Skye
Scotland boasts some of the prettiest locations in the UK, and the Isle of Skye is certainly one of them. Combining medieval ruins and charming fishing villages with rugged, desolate landscapes, it’s an absolute must for a UK bucket list. I’d particularly like to visit the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle, a series of crystal clear blue pools, and Kilt Rock, which features a gorgeous waterfall that flows into the sea. A day trip tour of Isle of Skye is a great way of seeing many features of the island in one go.
Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove of the Jurassic Coast
I’ve been to a few points along the Jurassic Coast. Two I’m yet to experience are Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Both situated in Dorset, the two locations are famous for their unusual geographical formations and natural beauty. They’re also close to the Fossil Forest, the remains of an ancient Jurassic forest. There’s no other place quite like it, making it essential to any UK bucket list.
The Alnwick Garden Poison Garden
This is a bit of a different one, but it’s such a curious attraction that I have to go! The Alnwick Garden Poison Garden in Northumberland is home to around 100 different toxic plants, all contained within one area. There’s nothing else quite like it in the UK! The Alnwick Garden also features a cherry orchard and a rose garden, plus other activities. There are some less dangerous areas to explore for those that aren’t into poisonous plants!
The Peak District
The Peak District is a great location for hikers as it contains multitudes of hills and hiking trails. I’d be in my element there! Spread over 555 square miles it contains an abundance of caves and caverns in some areas, some of which were inhabited until around 1910. There is so much to explore in the area that it would require many visits to see it all, but I’m determined to explore as much of it as I can.
Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
I don’t think I’ve met a single person that doesn’t have Giants Causeway in Northern Island on their UK bucket list. The polygonal basalt columns are instantly recognisable with their unique structure and definitely something you don’t see every day. There is some really interesting Irish folklore behind the Giant’s Causeway, plus it is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Island, making it a very special visit.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful residential areas of the UK, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The rolling hills and cobblestone villages are stunning, creating the sort of imagery that people immediately think of as”quintessentially British”. It’s the perfect place to visit for striking rural architectural photography. There are so many wonderful pubs, restaurants, gardens, and historical attractions that there is something for everyone.
The Eden Project, Cornwall
The Eden Project is another great plant-based attraction. I’ve always wanted to visit it as it’s just such an amazing location. Not only does going there give you a good excuse to stay in Cornwall (one of my favourite areas of the UK) but you can explore the largest rainforest in captivity. It’s the perfect visit for plant lovers, and can give you a real experience of the natural world without having to leave the country.
Horse Riding in the New Forest
I’ve actually been to the New Forest in Hampshire quite a lot (my university commute went straight through it). It’s a stunning location, featuring picturesque views, interesting wildlife, and quaint British villages. One thing I’ve always wanted to do is explore it on horseback with one of the guided tours available. Because the New Forest is so expansive it’s hard to see it all, but going on horseback would lead to greater coverage of the area.
John O Groats, the furthest town North
John O Groats in Scotland is famous for being the furthesttown North in the UK. It’s often the start of a journey down to Land’s End, the furthest point South. The village is surrounded by some beautiful coastal scenery and breathtaking walks around the cliffs of Dunnet Head (the most northerly point on the mainland), as well as castles and other points of interests. I’d particularly like to undertake the North Coast 500, a 500 mile drive through the North Highlands, and view the Northern Lights.
What places are at the top of your UK bucket list? Are any of them the same as mine? Share below, and don’t forget to like and pin if you enjoyed this post! You can read some of my other travel articles below:
My Travel Adventure Bucket List
10 Things To Do When You Can’t Travel
Six Of The Most Sustainable Schools In The World
An amazing collection of beautiful places in England, Isle of Skye is high on my list to visit, I wanted to go there this September but not sure if that will happen. I live near Peak District so visited a few times, love it there!
Thank you for sharing, Hannah!
Very envious that you live near the Peak District!
I love Snowdon! That’s the only one here I’ve visited but I’m going to make a point of saving this post because I love a staycation and would love to visit all these gems in the UK. I love The Lake District, Cornwall, Shropshire – gosh there’s so many!
We’ve actually got so many beautiful places in the UK, haven’t we?
YES! So glad to see The Giants Causeway on here! I love it. It’s gorgeous and the legend behind it is so interesting. I also really want to visit the Isle of Skye! I’m also in Co. Antrim, but a little further south.
I really want to find out more about the legends of The Giants Causeway! My partner has been to Isle of Skye and he said it was gorgeous – full of waterfalls and rolling hills, like something out of a fairytale.
I’d love to go on a month-long trip across Britain and visit all these places! These locations look beautiful.
It would be a great trip! There are so many beautiful places to visit.
There are just so many places that I want to visit in the UK once we’re free. I used to holiday in Cornwall as a child so I’d love to go back!
What a lovely, wonder-filled post!
Rosie
Oh yes, Cornwall is stunning!
I don’t know will I never get the opportunity to explore these beautiful places- but given a chance will surely make it one day-
Thanx for letting the world know about some the attractive places of the UK with love from India
I sure hope you do someday! Our weather may not be great but we do have a lot to offer in terms of scenic landscapes and interesting history 😊 The same can be said for India though, of course!
This post just gave me major wanderlust haha. My family actually come from the New Forest originally so I know the area quite well, but I haven’t really been since my grandparents died. I really want to go back. I was also supposed to be doing the NC500 this year but obviously that’s been put in doubt! Hopefully we’ll all manage a few adventures when things calm down!
Cool post, Hannah. So great to hear that you love the New Forest as much as we do. We went horseback riding there several times. Also, great reminder to put Northumberland higher up on our list.
Thank you, yes it’s such a lovely place! I used to love travelling through on the train and seeing the deer and those seemingly never-ending landscapes. I bet horse riding there was wonderful!
Nearly all these places are on our list! We’ve done Snowdon and John O’groats and definitely recommend
That’s good to hear! They all look so amazing, it’s hard to know which one to tackle first!
Amazing blog, really interesting It is fun to read as well, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.