A new study has revealed the UK’s ‘most beautiful’ views – and some of these hotspots are so breathtaking that Brits actually often mistake them for destinations abroad
The idyllic lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, Cumbria, UK(Image: Getty Images)
The UK’s ‘most stunning’ vistas have been unveiled, with some spots so awe-inspiring that many Brits mistake them for foreign destinations – including Ben Nevis and the Cotswolds.
Lake Windermere, three hours from Birmingham in the Lake District has been crowned as the UK’s most beautiful view – securing 42 per cent of the public vote in a poll asking the nation to choose their favourite.
Hot on its heels were Wales’ majestic Snowdonia and Scotland’s mythical Loch Ness.
Read more: Midlands’ worst GP surgeries
The study also discovered that a whopping 92 per cent of Brits would rather visit a picturesque location in the UK than travel abroad, with many even confusing local beauty spots for overseas destinations.
When shown an image of the vibrant lavender fields in Snowshill in the Cotswolds, over one in five people believed it was snapped in Provence, France – and Ben Nevis was mistaken for Iceland.
This follows a previous survey where the idyllic Lulworth Cove in Dorset was misidentified by 86 per cent of Brits as a beach resort abroad – with nearly half guessing it was either Greece or Cyprus.
Moreover, a photo of a sunny vineyard in Biddenden, Kent, was assumed to be in France, Italy, or California in the US.
With this in mind, here are the top 10 most stunning views in Britain, as voted by the UK public:.
1. Lake Windemere, Lake District.
Lake Windermere is England’s largest natural lake, stretching over 10 miles.
Bowness-on-Windermere, surrounded by dense woodlands and quaint villages, offers picturesque boat rides, scenic walking trails, and panoramic viewpoints like Orrest Head and Gummer’s How.
Its natural beauty is a hit with walkers, photographers, and those seeking tranquillity.
2. Snowdonia, Wales.
Snowdonia National Park, home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres, boasts rugged mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and charming stone-built villages.
It’s a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering routes for all skill levels.
3. Loch Ness, Scotland.
Loch Ness, one of the UK’s deepest and largest freshwater bodies, stretches for 23 miles.
Framed by dramatic hills, medieval ruins like Urquhart Castle, and scenic walking trails, it’s perhaps best known for its legendary resident, the Loch Ness Monster.
Lulworth Cove is the most famous beach on the Jurassic coast and its durdle door – a magnificent natural limestone arch formed by waves eroding a hole into the rock – is the scene of many a postcard(Image: Gary Yeowell / Getty Images)
4. St Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall.
This tidal island, crowned with a medieval castle and church, is linked to the mainland by a causeway that emerges only at low tide – often leading to comparisons with Mont Saint-Michel in France.
5. The Yorkshire Dales.
This national park features green valleys, dry stone walls, ancient moors and woodlands, and limestone cliffs.
The Dales also host waterfalls like Aysgarth and hidden treasures such as Malham Cove.
6. Durdle Door, Dorset.
This iconic limestone arch has been naturally sculpted by the sea over millennia.
With its turquoise waters and golden sands, it could easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean beach rather than an English one.
7. St Ives Bay, Cornwall.
St Ives boasts a vast bay with soft, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.
It’s also a cultural hub, housing the Tate St Ives and numerous artist galleries.
8. The Jurassic Coast, Dorset.
Stretching 95 miles, The Jurassic Coast is abundant in geological marvels and beaches littered with fossils.
Locations like Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks are particularly picturesque.
9. The Three Sisters in Glencoe Valley, Scotland.
Among the most recognisable landmarks in the Scottish Highlands, these three steep ridges on the Bidean nam Bian mountain are renowned for their striking beauty and dramatic scenery.
Overlooking the main road through Glencoe, the peaks of Aonach Dubh, Beinn Fhada, and Gearr Aonach are collectively known as the Three Sisters of Glencoe.
10. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset.
Britain’s largest gorge features towering limestone cliffs that descend into a dramatic, narrow valley.
This geological spectacle offers winding cliff-top trails, mysterious caves rich with ancient history, and breathtaking views. It’s also the birthplace of a classic British favourite – Cheddar cheese.