10 Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty To Visit
10 Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty To Visit
With holiday parks in England, Scotland and Wales, you will never be far from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The purpose of these areas is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. Additionally, meeting the need for quiet enjoyment of the countryside and having regard those who live and work there is essential.
While we will all live fairly close to at least one of these amazing sites, going on holiday gives you the opportunity to explore them further. There are many sites to visit across the United Kingdom. We’ve picked out 10 we think are well worth a visit on your next holiday!
1. Anglesey
As soon as you cross one of the bridges to the island, you will be met with incredible landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and pretty towns and villages. The islands are full of culture and heritage, with wonderful flora and fauna to explore. Miles of scenic walks await, along the considerable coastline (the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path). The beaches contain vast stretches of sand, watersport adventures and rock pools. The island is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Consider staying at the 5 star rated family owned and run Home Farm Caravan Park on Anglesey.
2. Lincolnshire Wolds
A little off the beaten track when compared to the South West, Lincolnshire has so much to offer with its idyllic landscapes, rolling hills, hidden valleys, gentle streams and picturesque villages. Situated in the East Midlands, it is within easy reach of London and the North. Perfect if you don’t want to travel too much!
Designated an AONB in 1973, this is a living, working landscape with woodland, grassland and abandoned chalk pits offering important habitats for flora and fauna. Stay locally at Long Acres Touring Park or Cherry Tree Springs Touring Park.
3. Cornwall
We are so familiar with the sights and sounds of Cornwall; the rolling waves crashing onto the bays and beaches, the sight of St Michael’s Mount peeking out of Mounts Bay and the tin mines that dot the landscape. These natural and heritage features make it such a draw for visitors.
Stay locally at Trethem Mill Touring Park, Trevalgan Touring Park, Wooda Farm Park, Polmanter Touring Park and Hendra Holiday Park.
4. Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland Coast was designated an AONB in 1958, covering an area of 138 sq km along 64km of the coastline between Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Coquet Estuary. This unspoilt landscape is quieter than the busier beaches in the South, and they provide endless opportunities for relaxation. Pretty villages are waiting to be explored, along with the rugged landscape and heritage sites such as Bamburgh Castle.
Stay locally at Ord House Country Park.
5. Glen Affric
Scotland have a slightly different system with their AONB, and one such site is Glen Affric. It is a magical mix of native woods, glistening lochs and haunting moorland. It features over 30 miles of ancient pinewoods and is one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland. The wildlife is incredible, you can wander amongst the pine trees accompanied by the chirpy calls of woodland birds. Elsewhere you might encounter ospreys, secretive otters or red and black throated divers. Autumn makes the perfect time to see the mosaic of colour and the echoing roar of red deer stags.
Stay locally at Blair Castle Caravan Park.
6. Cotswolds
The Cotswolds provide some beautiful photo opportunities. Jurassic limestone gives the Cotswolds their distinctive character and Cotswold villages are probably some of the most photographed in the world. Pretty villages and market towns dot the landscape. The Cotswolds spread through many counties, primarily Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but also parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Stay locally in Oxfordshire at Swiss Farm Touring and Camping or Lincoln Farm Park.
7. Quantock Hills, Somerset
The Quantock Hills are an area of wilderness and tranquility, infamously marked by the colours of the heathland. Panoramic views provide views of coast, heath and combe. Explore and you will find rocky coastline, exposed heathland summits, deep wooded combes, undulating farmland and attractive villages all within this protected landscape. The Hills received AONB protected status in 1956.
Stay in Somerset: Waterrow Touring Park, Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park or Old Oaks Touring & Glamping Park.
8. Dorset
The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers just over 40% of Dorset, stretching from Lyme Regis to Poole Harbour and inland as far as Blandford Forum. The stunning Jurassic coastline has featured in many TV and film productions, with many towns and villages just as well known. A stunning reminder of our geological background and formation of the vast landscape.
Stay at: Highlands End Holiday Park, South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park or Wareham Forest Touring Park.
9. High Weald and the Kent Downs
In Kent, the High Weald and the Kent Downs are two separate AONBs. The county is generally known as the ‘Garden of England’. The Kent Downs stretch from the white cliffs of Dover to Surrey and the London border. With ancient bluebell woodlands, rugged chalk coastline, internationally rare chalk grassland, and ragstone villages there is beauty to explore all year round.
The Kent High Weald is a medieval landscape of wooded, rolling hills studded with sandstone outcrops; small, irregular-shaped fields; scattered farmsteads; and ancient routeways. The area covers parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey at the heart of South East England.
Stay locally at: Broadhembury Holiday Park and Tanner Farm Touring Caravan and Camping Park.
10. Shropshire Hills
The Shropshire Hills AONB was designated in 1958 and covers an area of 802 square kilometres, extending from the Wrekin to the Clun Forest and from the Stiperstones across to the Clee Hills. The range of habitats and wildlife found here reflects its transitional position between upland and lowland. There is a mix of heathland, grassland, woodland and river habitats. There are castles, historic villages and market towns ready to explore.
Stay locally at Daisy Bank Touring Park, Cartref Caravan and Camping or Oxon Hall Touring Park.
