6 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK

It has been shown that there are many benefits which come from exploring the outdoors, this includes relieving stress, building confidence and improving physical & mental health. Being amongst nature allows us to take a step back from the hectic things going on in our lives and simply immerse ourselves in the real-life magnificence which surrounds us in the moment.   

The UK boasts an impressive 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where some of the best countrysides in the nation offer everything from walking, cycling and horse-riding routes to wildlife-watching, canoeing and caving spots. 

So, what is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is land which has been protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). AONBs are decided on by Natural England, Natural Wales and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, who discover areas that have landscape quality, scenic quality, natural heritage and cultural heritage that needs to be preserved. 

AONBs are conserved and improved for the good of nature, people, business and culture, and are places that can be enjoyed by everyone. Visitors can also help to sustain the local communities home to these magnificent areas by buying local products and using local services.

We have created a list of the top 6 must-see AONBs which will provide you with the most breath-taking landscapes…

1. The Cotswolds AONB 

The Cotswolds is largest of the 46 AONBs in in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park. This almost 800-mile rural area is home to all that is quintessentially English, with rolling hills, meadows, farms, historic market towns and heritage inns across the 5 counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.

Lavender fields at Snowshill, Cotswolds Gloucestershire England UK

2. The Northumberland Coast AONB

The Northumberland Coast AONB has a coast path that stretches over 100km from Berwick to Cresswell. The AONB is situated on the North-East Coast and delivers boundless coastal castles, sandy beaches, nature reserves, tiny islands and over 100 ancient monuments.

Bamburgh Castle viewed from an elevated hillock, on the Northumberland coastline

3. Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Suffolk Coast & Heaths stretches between the coastal resort of Lowestoft in the north and the Essex border to the south, providing residents and tourists with one of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in England. 

Beach huts in sand dunes at Southwold on the Suffolk Heritage Coast

4. Cornwall Coast & Moors AONB
The AONB in Cornwall covers approximately 27% of the location and is said to be unique due to being made up of 12 separate geographical sections, this gives residents and tourists plentiful opportunities to go on an adventure.

Caunter Beach and Cliffs in Hartland, Cornwall Heritage Coast

5. High Weald AONB

Located on the Kent and Sussex border, The Weald is a 1461km2 area that covers parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey at the heart of South-East England. “The Seven Wonders of the Weald” also includes steam railways, castles, vineyards and farm parks. 

Sun rise over the Wilmington hill and the Sussex Weald in East Sussex, in the South-East of England

6. Isle of Wight AONB

The Isle of Wight boasts 380 square kilometres of island, with around half of the land made up of AONB. As well as being a popular destination for sailing, residents and tourists can also find hikes or trails that run all the way around the island on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path which takes a 70-mile route around the entire island's coastline.

Freshwater Bay and Tennyson Down on the Isle of Wight

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, be sure to take yourself away to one of these incredible locations to enjoy the many spectacular features offered by an Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty!