Carbis bay Cornwall © Brian Spicer
We’ve all had moments of armchair holiday planning: the end of a long, busy day when we dream of places where we can go to relax and to rest our bodies, minds and souls. Sometimes places of incredible natural beauty speak most deeply to our need for that kind of rest. The next time you find yourself in dreaming or planning mode, you might want to look into some of these particularly beautiful areas in the British Isles:
- The Coasts and Hills of Cornwall
- The Wye River Valley in Wales
- The Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland
The beautiful coasts of Cornwall, in the southwest corner of England, are a lovely place to refresh your spirits. Rich in history as well as natural beauty, Cornwall was once known for its mining industry, but these days is especially inviting to tourists.
Those interested in stone age history, the study of geology or marine wildlife will find much to spark their enthusiasm in Cornwall, especially in villages like St. Agnes on the northern coast. The coast of St. Agnes is a naturally protected area with striking flora and fauna. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/257041 For an especially beautiful view, travel to St. Agnes Beacon, which overlooks the ocean. You’ll find both a stunning landscape and skyscape as you traverse the nearby green hills. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1852032 As you enjoy the coast in this area, you’ll find a number of coves and beaches that provide places for quiet contemplation. There are also lovely seaside resort towns, like nearby Perranporth, which provide opportunities for surfing as well as the chance to explore Celtic history and heritage. In Cornwall you’ll find much to explore, including sandy dunes, rocky cliffs, nature trails and golf courses.
Wye River Valley – Photo Credit: Siaron James
A love of history and an enthusiasm for greenery is all that’s required to enjoy the Wye River Valley in Wales. The region is marked by rolling hills, limestone, dense forests, and of course the river Wye, which ranks as the U.K.’s fifth longest river. The region has a number of protected areas dedicated to conserving wildlife habitats. Birders will especially enjoy this region, which is home to peregrine falcons and many other species. Medieval enthusiasts will want to see Tintern Abbey, a 12th century Gothic monastery rebuilt in the 13th century.
If music feeds your soul, you’ll want to visit the Glens of Antrim, nine valleys in northern Ireland known for their beauty and for their festivals. These local celebrations highlight the region’s Celtic heritage through song and dance. Rugged coasts, mountains and picturesque views all make up the charm of the Glens. Iron age history, church and castle architecture, and spectacular gorges and waterfalls are some of the other attractions of these valleys.
Glens of Antrim – Photo Credit: Simon & Nicole
These are just a few of the natural beauties of the British Isles. If you’re looking for places to feast your eyes and rest your spirit, consider travels to Cornwall, Wye or Antrim to help feed your need for rest and beauty.
Sally writes for The Cornwall Hotel Collection, owners of The Greenbank and Alverton. Both hotels have restaurants, if you are eating out in Truro & Falmouth, or looking for accomodation in Falmouth visit The Cornwall Hotel Collection.
