The bucolic English Countryside with its rolling greens, lush foliage and unparalleled beauty is celebrated the world over, and is certainly a destination for all seasons. In fact there are 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, ranging from unspoilt woodlands, lush landscapes and quaint English villages. But where can visitors expect to find the very best views that England has to offer?
1. Saint Michael’s Mount
Saint Michael’s Mount is an iconic English landmark. A small island managed by the National Trust, it is located off the south coast of Cornwall and connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway.
Saint Michael’s Mount.
From around 400 BC to 400 AD the Mount was an important port for the export of copper to Europe. Today the views of Saint Michael’s Mount are the stuff of fairytales. It is undoubtedly the jewel in Cornwall’s crown, and arguably provides the most beautiful view in the whole of South West England.
2. South Coast Cliffs, Guernsey
The Channel Islands are home to many beautiful locations. But the rugged coastal charm of the South Coast Cliffs of Guernsey can’t be topped. A walker’s paradise, the island boasts over 42 miles of walking trails with the southerly cliff paths providing 28 miles of breathtaking views from La Vallette to Pleinmont. The cliffs offer panoramic views of the neighbouring Channel Islands and the alluring French coast.
Guernsey, Channel Islands.
3. Wastwater, Lake District
Next we turn to the Lake District; world-famous for its enviable landscapes and stunning scenery. Located in the Wasdale Valley, Wastwater Lake is 3 miles long, half a mile wide and 260 feet deep. In fact it is the deepest lake in the region and provides one of the most beautiful views in the whole of the country. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountainside, with Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain, all forming an incredible backdrop to the water views. Wastwater is undoubtedly England at its very best.
4. Cleeve Hill, Cotswolds
If you’re in the glorious Cotswolds, then you must check out the view from the summit of Cleeve Hill. Located just outside of Cheltenham, on a clear day walkers can see views over Cheltenham and the racecourse, over the River Severn and into Wales. As the highest point in Gloucestershire, at 1,083 feet above sea level, you’ll feel like you’re standing on top of England.
View from Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.
5. Broadway Tower, Worcestershire
Another incredible Cotswold view can be experienced from Broadway Tower in Worcestershire. The Tower is a folly on Broadway Hill, near the large Cotswold village of Broadway, and it commands views over 16 counties. Broadway Tower’s base is 1,024 feet (312 metres) above sea level, and the tower itself stands 65 feet high (20 metres). With incredible views stretching as far as the Welsh Mountains in one direction and Buckinghamshire in the other, walkers are always in for a real treat.
Broadway Tower, Broadway, Worcestershire, UK at sunrise.
England’s countryside truly is brimming with wonder, natural beauty and jaw-dropping views.
Sign up to receive the latest information on World Walks
