When weather conditions are bad or the workload is heavy, we often find ourselves tempted to travel to distant places around the world.
But you don’t need to go outside the UK to enjoy the azure waters, golden sands and palm trees. In fact, for those who look only to airports, cross-Channel trains and ferries to fill their holidays, the sheer beauty that can be found throughout Britain is somewhat surprising. But as this guide will show you, it’s definitely a pleasant surprise.
The UK is home to flowing Bali-like waterfalls, jungle environments that resemble something from Central America, a slice of Sydney in Devon and even Italian villages in Wales. Moreover, some of our beaches (in terms of their natural environment, if not their weather conditions) can compete with the best beaches in the world.
That’s why these sadnesses affect you too, but if you can’t go abroad, don’t be afraid; Below are some of the best places in the UK where you can enjoy stunning exotic views.
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula
Half an hour’s drive from Swansea in South Wales, Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular coastline of sand dunes, salt marshes and the bay’s three signature limestone cliffs.
A photogenic stretch of the Gower Coast Path, this area is an ideal spot for a picnic and is popular for caravans, glamping and summer retreats.
Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Tinside Lido, part of the Art Deco hotel that first opened in 1935, closed in 1992 but returned after a successful local campaign and opened after World War II in 1998. It reached rank list status.
Poolside views are not unlike Bondi Beach in Sydney; And the saltwater swimming pool is a great place to splash around and sunbathe in the summer months. It is currently open every summer from late July to late September.
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Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Designed and built in the Italian village style by Sir Clough William-Ellis between 1925 and 1973, Portmeirion is one of the most unique villages in Wales.
Although Portmeirion is located in North Wales rather than the Mediterranean, it still attracts visitors for its natural beauty, boutique hotels and excellent restaurants.. The main village, subtropical gardens and part of the beach remain the most popular tourist attractions.
High Force, Durham
Lush landscapes and rushing waterfalls give High Force the feel of the Costa Rican jungle, but it can also be found in County Durham. One of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, it has a 21-metre drop into the beautiful plunge pool below.
A variety of wildlife and fauna can be seen at High Force throughout the seasons, from wildflowers, ferns and towering trees to roe deer and rabbits.
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Barafundle Bay, near the village of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire, is nestled between cliffs and resembles a secluded loch on a Greek island. The beach, once owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, is now open to the public and was previously included in the list of the world’s best beaches; The Good Holiday Guide also named it Britain’s best beach.
The beach, full of sand dunes and pine trees, can be reached with an 800-meter walk from the nearest car park, offering a secluded, scenic retreat.
West Bay, Dorset, England
With its towering orange cliffs and beautiful clear waters, West Bay in Dorset is reminiscent of the Algarve.
With its seaside location, it is ideal for family holidays and coastal walks; The nearby market town of Bridport has long enjoyed an excellent reputation for culture and food.
Kynance Bay, Cornwall, England
Kynance Cove is located in the south of Cornwall, not far from Lizard Point, the southernmost point of the United Kingdom. With its beautiful white sand and blue sea, it is one of the most photographed and painted places in the district and definitely wouldn’t look good on a Sardinian postcard.
A landscape painter’s dream, the contrast between the bay’s white sandy beach, emerald green waters and deep red and green serpentine rocks is breathtaking.
There are plenty of sea caves and islands to explore at low tide, and the rock towers have even been featured on BBC One. Poldark.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
On the right day, Tenby may feel like you’ve been transported to Bali, with its palm trees, golden sands, deep blue sea and colorful buildings.
A seaside tourist town for over 200 years, Tenby is steeped in history and surrounded by a medieval wall. It is also home to four beaches; North, South, Port and Castle. The North is popular for water sports, the Castle is popular for its stunning views and the South beach is popular for its almost three kilometers of golden sands. The port is the smallest of the four but is ideally located above the harbour.
Sgwd Year Eira, Brecon Beacons
Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall may look like a selfie spot in Thailand but it’s actually located in the Melte Valley in Wales’ Brecon Beacons National Park.
Literally translated as “snowfall”, visitors can walk behind the curtain of water on the path opened by sheep breeders, providing a perfect photo opportunity. The waterfall forms part of the national park’s ‘four waterfalls walk’, a six-mile loop that takes around three hours.
Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Described as one of Mull’s best kept secrets, Langamull Beach is often referred to as the Caribbean of Mull thanks to its white sand.
The 20-minute walk to the beach is secluded with stunning views that justify the journey, and there are other walks along grassy dunes and low cliffs. On a clear day visitors can see the other smaller islands and Skye.
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