The Western most part of England, with a little bit of land jutting out into the Celtic Sea, is aptly called Land’s End. It is a cluster of jagged cliffs, promontories and coves that make for a dramatic coastline. While Cornwall is stunning throughout the year, it is even more ideal during winter when the landscape takes on a kind of wildness. Other sights here include the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Isles of Scilly, a cluster of islands off the Cornwall Coast where the Tresco Abbey Gardens are bound to mesmerise and the Eden Project on the mainland where exotic plants are grown in conservatories.
In England’s Southwest, in the Devon area, lie two fabulous national parks—Exmoor and Dartmoor. These are exposed moorlands, which are lush green and carpeted with moss and heather as well as exposed rock for much of the year. But in winter, the uneven and rugged landscape takes on a magical, frosty glow and venturing out early in the morning is well worth the effort. At sunrise, the whole place becomes surreal—the skies stretch out above the undulating land on whose frosty surface sunbeams light up for miles.
Adjacent to Devon is Somerset, which shares a part of the Exmoor National Park. It is also known for its rolling hills, rural countryside and sprawling flatlands. While the moors and the wilderness of the coastline are equally riveting in winter, it is the Mendip Hills that are particularly spectacular. Coated in frost and blanketed by snow, the whole area looks like a white wonderland. Sink your boots in the snow through rolling fields, ancient woodland and meandering hills. If you’re up for it, exert a bit and climb one of the gentle peaks for breath-taking views of the countryside or explore the stunning caves and rivers that run underground, or head to the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, a jaw-dropping canyon.
Perhaps England’s most beautiful place, Cumbria earns bragging rights for its Lake District National Park, comprising 16 lakes and over 50 large water bodies. Besides, it has a series of fells, mountains and valleys, which add to the grandeur and beauty of the district. It boasts of England’s highest mountain—Scafell Pike, and the country’s largest lake—Lake Windermere.
There cannot be talk of winter without the stunning highlands and mountains of Scotland. The most mountainous part of UK, Scotland has an astonishing number of mountain peaks and hills and is a paradise for trekkers. In winter, many of the peaks receive light to heavy snowfall and are an ideal destination. For skiers, there are numerous places such as Glencoe, Nevis, Cairngorm, Glenshee and Lecht. Heading to the Isle of Skye is also a good idea since it has stunning hills and mountain slopes.
The northern-most part of Northern Ireland ushers in spectacular sunrises and sunsets during winter and the landscape takes on a surreal quality. Meander the countryside through walking and trekking trails or experience mysterious sights such as the Dark Hedges, the jaw-dropping Carrick a Rede bridge or the dark and desolate Dunluce Castle. But nothing can compete with Giant’s Causeway, a collection of basalt rock formations rising and jutting majestically and mysteriously out of the sea.