Bah, it’s busy, isn’t it? You go into town, it’s busy. Go to the supermarket, it’s busy. Open your phone, and suddenly everyone’s making plans. It can’t just be me who feels like running off to the Dales and hiding in nature, can it? Bring on January and getting into nature, if you ask me. And with Which? recently naming its most scenic parts of the country, we’ve got some new inspiration for where we’d like to escape to in 2025.
Topping this year’s list of the 10 most scenic areas in the UK was the Isle of Scilly. And whilst we’d love to hide there right now, this is The Yorkshireman, and we’re here for one thing only – God’s Own Country. With that in mind, you may be wondering which part of Yorkshire made the list.
First, let’s justify this list so you don’t feel cheated. No one wants to think someone has a big map of the UK and just goes around pointing at things, do they? To determine the best natural landscapes in the UK, Which? conducted a survey that asked people to rate locations on eight criteria, from scenery and walks to wildlife and facilities. The locations were then given a rating out of 100, and almost 4,000 people voted.
To narrow it down, the areas selected were the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), or, as they are now referred to, ‘National Landscapes’ – of which there are currently 46. But which part of Yorkshire made it into the top 10?
The answer is the stunning Nidderdale region in North Yorkshire and the southeastern corner of the Yorkshire Dales. It managed to place eighth, comfortably within the top 10 most beautiful places in the UK. Nidderdale scored five stars for walks and visitor facilities, with an overall score of 82%. However, it only received three stars for attractions and wildlife spotting.
It gets its name from the River Nidd, which winds its way through the dale. It’s a stunning and tranquil region known for its natural beauty and historic charm, made up of rolling hills, lush valleys, moorland, and picturesque reservoirs such as Gouthwaite Reservoir.
Key attractions in this AONB, or ‘National Landscape’, include the incredible Brimham Rocks, several reservoirs, and numerous fantastic walks.
Check out the list of the 10 most scenic areas in the UK, according to Which? below:
- 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%
Check out the full Which? survey here.
Read More: 10 Must-See Yorkshire Dales Attractions You Can’t Miss
Feature Image Credit: Photo © jcw1967 (cc-by-sa/2.0)
