Britain is home to some truly impressive natural wonders, from dramatic gorges in Somerset and magical limestone arches teetering across the Pembrokeshire coast, to otherworldly rock formations on the eastern edge of Scotland.
Millions of years in the making, monumental sites across the country not only provide perspective, but also offer an opportunity for the intrepid to immerse themselves in the nation’s rich and extensive natural history. Nothing beats those pinch-me moments courtesy of Mother Nature.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 must-see examples of the incredible natural world in the UK – and we’ve also shared the best campervan sites to stay at for each one.
For those of you who also like the idea of a seaside getaway, don’t miss our guide to the best seaside destinations in Britain to explore in your campervan, either.
The best natural landmarks in Britain
Cheddar Gorge
- Somerset, England
The village of Cheddar might be best known for its namesake cheese, but it is also home to the renowned Cheddar Gorge – the UK’s deepest natural canyon featuring striking 130m (427ft) limestone cliffs slicing through the Mendip Hills.
Carved out by the action of glacial meltwater during the last Ice Age, the spectacular gorge is riddled with subterranean caverns, boasting impressive displays of stalactites and stalagmites. There’s also a famous 274-step staircase, known as Jacob’s Ladder, leading to a truly stunning viewpoint and clifftop hiking trail.
Stay at: Cheddar Bridge Touring Park
The Green Bridge of Wales
- Pembrokeshire, Wales
This is one for fans of the best UK National Parks.
Think limestone arches and Durdle Door is likely to come to mind. Yet Wales has a bridge-like rock formation of its own – the 24m (79ft) Green Bridge of Wales. Made up of 350-million-year-old carboniferous limestone, its shape is the result of millions of years of erosion by wind and sea. Located along the tip of the Pembrokeshire National Park, the views here simply couldn’t be better.
Stay at: Newton Farm Campsite
The Old Man of Storr
- Isle of Skye, Scotland
A patchwork of moorland, mountains and lochs, the Isle of Skye could be considered a natural wonder in itself. But among the many treasures on this 80km (50-mile) long island is the legendary Old Man of Storr, a 55m (180ft) pinnacle of basalt rock left over from a volcanic plug that is 2800 million years old. Rising from Trotternish Ridge among the rolling, misty hills, its setting is quite simply spectacular.
Stay at: Portree Campsite
High Force
- County Durham, England
A waterfall had to feature somewhere on the list – and the honour goes to the River Tees’ thunderous High Force in the gorgeous North Pennines. Starting as a trickle, the river grows steadily more powerful as it weaves through the heather-covered fells before reaching Whin Sill – the rocky point where the water plummets 21m (69ft) down into the beautiful pool below.
Stay at: Barnard Castle C&CC Site
The Needles
- Isle of Wight, England
Jutting from the Isle of Wight’s western coast, these chalk stacks steal the show. They’re not particularly needle-like – the moniker actually refers to two earlier points that fell into the sea following a storm in 1764.
Boat trips and the Needles Chairlift enable visitors to get a closer look at the unearthly towers, as well as the still active lighthouse built on the outermost stack in 1859.
Stay at: Stoats Farm
Winnats Pass
- Derbyshire, England
Millions of years ago, a cave system created by melting glaciers collapsed, forming the Derbyshire wonder Winnats Pass.
It’s hard to believe this valley was once underwater, but the region is rife with sea-creature fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years. Don’t tackle this steep, winding route in your motorhome, though – it’s best to park at the bottom and walk.
Stay at: Castleton CAMC Site
Gaping Gill
- North Yorkshire, England
Buried some 100m (328ft) underneath the Yorkshire Dales, Gaping Gill forms part of Britain’s biggest cave system. It’s so big that St Paul’s Cathedral could fit inside it. A trip here requires some organisation, as the cavern is only open to the public twice a year, unless you’re an experienced caver.
While you’re exploring in the area, there is also the dramatically thunderous Fell Beck Stream waterfall to admire.
Stay at: Knight Stainforth Hall
Seven Sisters
- East Sussex, England
A truly iconic sight, made up of seven brilliant-white cliffs undulating along the edge of the South Downs, this magnificent stretch of coast presents the English Channel at its finest.
The best way to see the area in all its glory is to follow the clifftop trail from Seaford to Eastbourne, where Beachy Head provides a fitting finale to a really beautiful 22km (14-mile) walk.
Stay at: Normans Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Durdle Door
- Dorset, England
This limestone arch has become the poster child for Dorset’s legendary Jurassic Coast. Framed by sparkling bays and a long, sand-and-shingle beach, its distinctive good looks are unforgettable. A footpath from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is a popular way to explore, alongside fossil-hunters seeking out remnants of Jurassic-era history.
You can also take a look at our pick of the best motorhome sites in Dorset if you’re thinking of visiting other parts of this picturesque region.
Stay at: Durdle Door Holiday Park
Duncansby Stacks
- Caithness, Scotland
Not far from John O’Groats, three sandstone stacks protruding into the North Sea will make any visit to the distant reaches of north-eastern Scotland well worth the journey.
Over countless millennia, the wind and the waves have eroded the cliffs into their pointed formations, while the area continues to be a rich feeding ground for seabirds. Take a pair of binoculars along with you and spot puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills nesting.
Stay at: Wick River Campsite
For those who want more ideas for where to visit in their campervan, you could consider embarking on a UK road trip – they let you take in stunning views and breathtaking scenery.
After some more inspiration for where to go for a longer campervan getaway? Then head to our Go Campervanning: Longer Getaways section for more great ideas!
Lead image: Getty Images
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