Breathtaking Natural Wonders in England

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This limestone formation, just outside the village of Malham in North Yorkshire, was formed thousands of years ago by a waterfall created at the end of the Ice Age. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the sheer rock face and distinctive limestone pavement might look familiar as they featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1).

This world-famous geological wonder with its giant rock arch can be found on Dorset’s breathtaking Jurassic Coast. Durdle Door has a picturesque beach perfect for relaxing with a picnic or even swimming, if you’re feeling brave.

With dramatic cliffs reaching a height of 450ft, this Somerset spot is the biggest gorge in the UK. Climb to the top of Cheddar Gorge for jaw-dropping views across the South West of the country, or head underground and explore the spectacular Gough’s Cave.

Just off the coast of mainland England, you’ll find the picturesque island known as the Isle of Wight and at the western point of the island, you’ll find The Needles. Here, the sea and elements have eroded the chalk coast, leaving three distinct towers of chalk that rise 30m out of the sea. View this natural wonder from the sea, or take to the skies in the nearby chairlift ride.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, these wonderfully weird natural rock formations are as striking as they are unique. Owned by the National Trust and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Brimham Rocks stand at around 30ft tall – a true wonder of the natural world.

Head to the Dales to discover one of the country’s most famous and awe-inspiring caves. Gaping Gill is 100m deep, so not somewhere you can just go and explore on your own. A couple of times each year, The Bradford Pothole Club and the Craven Pothole Club set up a winch above the shaft for members of the public to ride down to the bottom and back, to experience this wonder for themselves.

Situated in the idyllic South Downs, the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs make up one of England’s most unspoilt coastlines. The cliffs peak and dip along the shoreline, making seven hills in total – hence the name. As the cliffs are left to erode, naturally they remain a beautiful white colour. For the best view of the Seven Sisters, head to Seaford Head, looking east across the River Cuckmere.

At 978m high, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and arguably its most beautiful, with exhilarating sweeping views that are very hard to beat. There are three routes to choose from if you decide to hike to the summit, with Hollowstones being the most straightforward. The rewards of that staggering view are definitely worth the effort.

In the heart of the beautiful Peak District, you’ll find Winnats Pass which is a steep-sided limestone valley, with towering cliffs on all sides. At first sight, it looks as though the cliffs have parted to make room for the single road that winds its way along the bottom of the valley. There are plenty of footpaths around Winnats Pass, so you can explore this wonder of nature for yourself.

One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, High Force really is a force of nature. From its source on the pretty heather covered fells of the North Pennines, the River Tees flows down towards the dramatic 21m drop of the main waterfall. A relaxing walk through scenic woodland will lead you to the perfect spot to witness High Force in all its glory.

Coniston Water in the Lake District, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. At five and a half miles long and half a mile wide, you’ll be blown away by this picture-perfect, peaceful lake. Surrounded by some of the best scenery England has to offer, Coniston Water is a place that will capture your heart.