Explore Britain's Hidden Gems
Embrace your British romance! These 8 natural wonders will help you unlock "Britain's hidden treasures."
A lakeside steam train puffs white smoke as it slowly passes by, a lighthouse on a cliff turns champagne gold at sunset, and thousands of basalt columns stretch toward the sea—Britain’s romance offers much more than just Tower Bridge and red phone booths.
At Bowness-on-Windermere Pier in England’s Lake District National Park, swans share the sparkling waters with cruise boats. Known as "Britain’s backyard," it boasts England’s largest natural lake, Windermere, with scenery that changes throughout the year, attracting millions of visitors annually.
From the northern Lake District town of Grasmere, you can taste handcrafted gingerbread passed down for centuries and explore the home of poet William Wordsworth. Boating in the town is a popular activity, with rowboats costing about £18 per hour and electric boats around £30, but be sure to avoid the shipping lanes used by larger vessels.
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01 Lake District: Rowing through a poetic landscape
The Lake District is the largest national park in England and Wales, covering about 2,250 square kilometers dotted with lakes of all sizes. The most famous, Windermere, is the largest natural lake in the UK.
The classic way to explore the Lake District is by taking a cruise. You can opt for a combined ticket including a cruise and a vintage steam train ride, priced around £15.20.
Public transport in the Lake District mainly relies on buses, with an adult day pass costing about £10.30 and a three-day pass around £22. Besides lake cruises, you can visit the Beatrix Potter Museum or the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Accommodation in the Lake District is relatively expensive year-round, ranging from about £80 to £200 per night.
02 Scottish Highlands: Entering a pristine movie-like wilderness
Rated one of Europe’s top ten travel destinations by National Geographic, this area served as filming locations for "Braveheart" and the James Bond series. A classic three-day itinerary covers most highlights.
Day one starts from Edinburgh, passing through Glasgow, visiting Loch Lomond, then arriving at the Highland gateway viewpoint and the magnificent Glencoe Valley.
Day two focuses on the mysterious Loch Ness and the "paradise on earth," the Isle of Skye, where the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock waterfall, and Heart-shaped Lake are must-sees.
Day three includes a visit to a whisky distillery, then to St Andrews to see the ancient golf course, finishing with a return to Edinburgh via the Forth Bridge.
The Highlands have unpredictable weather, so be prepared with adequate windproof and waterproof clothing.
03 Seven Sisters Cliffs: The land’s edge, cinematic to the max
These white cliffs on England’s southern coast are iconic filming locations for the movie "Atonement." Composed of seven connected chalk cliffs stretching for miles, standing atop offers panoramic views of the English Channel.
One-day itinerary
In the morning, visit Seaford Beach to snap photos at the movie’s famous spot; in the afternoon, enjoy a light hike along the cliff path—bring your own food.
Photography & Safety
· Best time: Shoot with the light from 3 to 6 pm; at sunset, the cliffs glow golden.
· Safety tips: Cliff edges are prone to collapse; keep at least 3 meters away, wear non-slip shoes, and secure hats against the wind.
· Weather impact: Overcast days diminish the scenery; always check the weather forecast before heading out.
04 Giant’s Causeway: A geological wonder where myth meets reality
Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of about 40,000 basalt columns extending into the sea. Legend says it was built by an Irish giant to challenge a Scottish giant.
Landmarks & Activities
· Geological marvel: Look for rare perfect hexagonal columns (only 7% of the total); at low tide, explore sea caves along the trail.
· Related sites: Nearby Dark Hedges served as the Kingsroad in "Game of Thrones."
· Notes: Climbing the columns is strictly prohibited and may result in heavy fines.
From Belfast, take bus 221 directly to the site, about a 95-minute ride. The Giant’s Causeway is open year-round from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm.
05 Welsh National Parks: A sanctuary for outdoor lovers
Wales blends nature and history, with three distinct national parks.
Snowdonia National Park centers on Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak, ideal for hiking and climbing. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park features steep cliffs and hidden beaches, perfect for surfing and sea kayaking. Brecon Beacons National Park is known for lush mountains and meadows.
Beyond natural beauty, visit medieval coastal castles like Conwy Castle and the Italianate village of Portmeirion, perfect for a family fairy-tale escape.
06 Northumberland Coast: A solitary symphony of ecology and history
This coastline is famous for its long sandy beaches, ancient castles, and abundant wildlife. Day tours depart from Edinburgh.
The itinerary includes Alnwick Castle, filming location for "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey," and Holy Island (Lindisfarne), a tidal island dating back to the 6th century, with its historic monastery.
It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching and grey seal viewing. The tour offers stunning views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands, with insights into the Viking invasions of the 8th century.
07 Stonehenge: Facing prehistoric mysteries
Located on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most mysterious prehistoric monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These massive stones, averaging nearly 30 tons each, still puzzle experts regarding their purpose and construction.
When visiting, besides walking around the stone circle, don’t miss the visitor center. It features engaging exhibits and replicas of Neolithic houses to help you understand life thousands of years ago.
The most mystical experience is visiting at sunrise during the summer or winter solstice, when the sun perfectly aligns with the stones.
08 White Cliffs of Dover: The British seafarer’s first impression
As a white landmark on the English Channel, the White Cliffs of Dover are the first piece of British land seen by sailors, symbolizing British spirit.
Compared to the Seven Sisters, Dover’s cliffs carry a stronger sense of history. Standing at the edge, you can gaze out over the busy channel and feel the vastness and grandeur of history.
Combine this with a day trip to the historic city of Canterbury for a journey that blends natural wonders with religious heritage.
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On the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, a visitor carefully avoids the slippery edges, searching for the legendary footprints of the giant Finn MacCool. At low tide, more columns leading into the sea are revealed.
On the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands, a steam train puffs white smoke as it passes on time, just like a scene from "Harry Potter." This spectacle is only visible from May to October each year.