So you’re looking forward to spend a couple of days exploring the English countryside? In that case, you’re in for a treat! There are plenty of awe-inspiring natural sceneries available throughout rural Britain, and this article will present you to the most enjoyable of them all. From suitable places for rock-pooling to the most pleasurable trekking routes, you are about to learn about the other side of the UK. Away from the metropolitan hubs, you may just find that your piece of mind is at heights, and your energy levels are quickly restored.
Cornwall: the world’s largest greenhouse complex
If you’re the least bit interested about ecology and sustainable living, you’ve probably heard about the Eden Project in the outskirts of Cornwall. With around a decade of existence, this project comprises the largest set of bio-domes (greenhouses) in the world, where you can observe thousands of plant species – both local and tropical.
Additionally, the Eden Project also focuses on cultural and educational initiatives; this includes musical and visual performances by some of the nation’s best known artists, as well as regular workshops and conferences aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and the preservation of the flora. Highly recommendable, for anyone who’s interested in agriculture and/or gardening.
Wembury: best beaches for rock-pooling
In case you’re not familiar with the concept, rock-pooling involves the exploration of beaches during low tide. This practice is most interesting in sites where several pools of salt water are formed whenever the sea recedes, in which case an interesting display of the local sea life is usually formed.
One of the best places in England (and even the world) for adepts of rock-pooling is the region of Wembury, located at Devon county. Within the beaches at Wembury, the geography is such that multiple pools of water are formed between the rocks during low time: allowing visitors to observe several marine creatures (such as limpets, multiple species of crabs, sea scorpions, starfishes, the Cornish sucker fish and many others) in their natural habitat, without need for scuba gear.
Yorkshire: finest rock climbing routes
If you’re rather climb rocks rather than peek at their recesses during low tide, you will probably do well to visit the county of Yorkshire, which many recognize as the best place in Britain for rock climbing. This area features some great sites for climbing enthusiast of all skill levels, so if you want to become good at this sport, you may as well rent a holiday cottage around here.
Absolutely inexperienced climbers should probably begin by getting some training at the indoor climbing walls available in towns such as Leeds, Ingleton or Hull. Climbing beginners will be pleased with the gritstone outcrops throughout the region, whereas advanced climbers will be delighted with infamous limestone cliffs such as Kilnsey, Gordale Scar or Malham Cove.
Dorset + East Devon: exploring the Jurassic coast
For anyone who’s looking to explore a beautiful stretch of land and sea, the Jurassic Coast is surely the best available option. It covers nearly 100 miles of England’s southern shoreline (from East Devon to Dorset), and features stunning landscapes and multiple geological highlights, including some of the oldest rock formations in the country.
Should you decide to trek across the Jurassic Coast, you may get the feeling as though you stepped on a time machine, while walking across areas with rocks dating back to the Triassic, Cretaceous and of course the Jurassic period. Some of the rock formations in the area date as far back as 200 million years, and provide great geological insight into the Earth’s past.
Cumbria: largest natural park of England
There are no less than 13 natural parks across England, the largest and most interesting is most assuredly the Lake District Natural Park, located in the modern county of Cumbria (on the NorthWest). If you could use a rural vacation of enjoyment and natural contemplation, this is probably the place to go.
The Lake District Natural Park comprises both the country’s tallest mountain (Scafell Pike) and the deepest lake (Wastwater), as well as a vast expanse of natural grounds well worth exploring – nearly 900 square miles featuring some of the most beautiful displays of fauna and flora in the country.
If you’re still on the hunt for a truly rural destination but away from the crowds of the UK, you should try the Bijilo Forest Park of Gambia.
All 5 of these landscapes are really great places to visit.
Could I also sing the praises of the Isle Of Skye (we visited Skye and Cumbria in the same trip last year and Skye blew Cumbria away in our opinion).
Also can I give out a shout for the South Downs in Hampshire and Sussex as a fairly remote sort of landscape which isn’t too far from anywhere (if that’s not too much of a contradiciton).