03 November 2023 , 14:45
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The most scenic spot in the country is blessed a relaxed pace of life and blooming flowers.
Thousands of members of the British public have voted the Isles of Scilly as the stand-out place to stand or sit and soak in the vistas. Which? asked almost 5,000 members to rate their experiences of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and National Scenic Areas (NSAs) in Scotland.
Locations were marked on eight criteria including peace and quiet, opportunities for wildlife spotting, visitor facilities, food and drink, scenery, accommodation, and attractions. An overall area score was calculated based on a combination of overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
The Isles of Scilly came out on top for the third time. Visitors were in awe of the islands’ ‘spectacular scenery’ and ‘beautiful beaches’. Despite being the smallest designated Area of Natural Beauty in the UK, the isles are famed for their unspoilt landscapes, with each island boasting a distinctive character and attractions, from the flower fields of St Martin’s to the tropical gardens of Tresco.
Cows on the beach, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly (Getty Images/iStockphoto)They scored an impressive five stars for their scenery, walks, accommodation and peace and quiet, with visitors praising the ‘tranquil’ surroundings and ‘relaxed’ pace of life. The Isles of Scilly also scored four stars for wildlife spotting opportunities and visitor facilities.
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The Isles of Scilly are England’s most remote and most tropical islands, and are full of surprises. Although located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, they can feel much further away than the often drizzly shores of Britain. While the high temperatures on the small island chain may not be particularly giddy, the lows are much milder here. The collection of islands also offer crystal clear waters, talc-soft beaches, rolling vineyards and dramatic headlands covered with wildflowers.
This year the Cornish outcrops have to share the top spot with the Northumberland coast, which was ranked five stars for its scenery, walks, and attractions, and received four stars in all remaining categories. Visitors heaped praise on the ‘beautiful unspoilt scenery’ and ‘fantastic sea views’ to be enjoyed along the coast.
The Northumbrian village of Bamburgh was named the UK’s favourite seaside town in a different survey earlier this year, and is just one of the many scenic locations this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has to offer. As one respondent enthused, ‘this place has everything – rugged coastline, castles, villages and wildlife’. From the stark beauty of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, an important Christian site dating back to the sixth century, to the gentle bustle of the harbour at Seahouses, there is plenty for all ages to enjoy.
The particularly fetching Bamburgh Castle and beach (Getty Images)Destinations in Northern Ireland and Wales tied in third place, with the Causeway Coast, Antrim Coast and Glens and Gower all receiving an area score of 83 per cent. Visitors to the Antrim Coast can enjoy a scenic road trip via the ‘spectacular’ Causeway Coastal Route, which takes in dramatic cliffside views, historic forts and castles and deserted beaches. The region received five stars for its scenery, and four stars for walks, peace and quiet and attractions, with visitors lauding the ‘stunning, rugged scenery’ and ‘great opportunities to see wildlife.’
The Causeway Coast meanwhile has won hearts for its beautiful scenery, selection of walks, visitor facilities and attractions. It boasts some of the most visited sites in Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the vertiginous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Likely owing to its popularity, the region scored just two stars for peace and quiet, though visitors noted that away from the ‘busy and touristy’ key attractions there was still tranquillity to be found – particularly on Rathlin Island, famous for its puffin population.
UK's most scenic spots
(Area score %)
- Isles of Scilly 89%
- Northumberland Coast 89%
- Antrim Coast and Glens 83%
- Causeway Coast 83%
- Gower 83%
- Cornwall 82%
- Dorset 82%
- Nidderdale 82%
- Strangford Lough 82%
- North Pennines 81%
- South Devon 81%
- Suffolk Coast and Heaths 81%
- Mourne 80%
- Norfolk Coast 80%
- Shropshire Hills 80%
- Arnside and Silverdale 79%
- Clwydian Range and Dee Valley 79%
- Isle of Wight 79%
- Llyn 79%
- North Devon 79%
- Forest of Bowland 78%
- The Cotswolds 77%
- Wye Valley 77%
- Anglesey 76%
- East Devon 76%
- North Wessex Downs 76%
- Howardian Hills 75%
- Malvern Hills 75%
- Quantock Hills 75%
- Tamar Valley 75%
- Dedham Vale 72%
- Kent Downs 72%
- Mendip Hills 72%
- Surrey Hills 72%
- Cranborne Chase 71%
- Solway Coast 71%
- The Chilterns 71%
- Blackdown Hills 69%
- High Weald 69%
- Chichester Harbour 68%
- Lincolnshire Wolds 68%
- Cannock Chase 67%
You can find out more on which.co.uk.