The Greatest Natural Wonders of the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are home to some jaw-dropping natural wonders. From dramatic clifftops to vast mountains, the landscapes in this gorgeous part of the world are truly something to behold. Jump in your United Kingdom motorhome hire and explore the picturesque destinations these countries have to offer - and be prepared for a few ‘I can’t believe my eyes!’ moments along the way.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Image: Jal74 (own work), (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

The Giant’s Causeway is on every Irish road trip bucket list, and for good reason. The popular UNESCO World Heritage Site paints a pretty picture as you draw close and around 40,000 blackened basalt columns come into view.

While nowadays scientists know how natural geological phenomena caused this unique formation, Irish legend says that the causeway was built by a local giant named Finn MacCool. Standing and looking out at the majestic stacks of rock, it’s not hard to believe they’re the handiwork of some ancient mystical creature. So, science or a real giant? You’ll have to make up your mind when you see it for yourself!

Best of all, the Giant’s Causeway is easy to get to - and free. All you need to do is jump in your Belfast campervan hire and make the drive about an hour north to get there. If you want to learn even more about the Causeway, stop by the Visitors Centre. But one of the best ways to experience it is to simply get out of the car and take one of the gorgeous scenic walks around the rocks, which range from about two to five kilometres in length.

Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Image: Gerry Zambonini (own work), (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

There’s nothing quite like the untamed beauty of a sea cave… and Scotland is home to one of the best. You’ll find Fingal’s Cave on the enchanting uninhabited island of Staffa. At 22 metres high and 82 metres deep, Fingal’s Cave has a couple of things in common with Giant’s Causeway. Most notably, it features long basalt columns formed from volcanic activity, which bear a striking resemblance to the Causeway. The legends of both their creations are also intertwined. More than anything, Fingal’s Cave looks more like an intricately-built cathedral than it does a humble cave.

To get to Fingal’s Cave, hire a campervan from Glasgow and drive a few hours northwest to a port town. Oban, Dervaig, Tobermory and Fionnphort, all on the Isle of Mull, run scenic boat tours to Fingal’s Cave. You can also take a tour from the island of Iona. In calm conditions, you may be able to land and explore the cave yourself on foot. You might even see puffins and minke whales (usually between the months of May and October) and dolphins are sighted year-round, so wildlife lovers, get in quick.

The White Cliffs of Dover, England

Many poems and songs have been written about the incredible White Cliffs of Dover, and for good reason - they’re a sight you won’t soon forget. These memorable chalky-white cliffs stretch 110 metres tall, facing out across the Strait of Dover towards France.

Hire a motorhome from London and drive less than two hours southeast to reach this magnificent destination. Once there, enjoy a walk along the clifftop (always stick to the designated path), and look out at the ever-changing wild seas before you. There’s also a lighthouse - and shelters that remain from World War II - to explore.

Because this is a busy tourist spot, try to visit early in the day. Make sure you check the weather report too: it can be extremely cool and blustery, so wrap up warm.

Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, Wales

Wales conjures up images of beautiful rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains and quaint villages. It’s also home to a stunning waterfall: Pistyll Rhaeadr, meaning ‘spring of the waterfall’. Standing at around 73 metres high, it’s known as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’.

You can find this fairytale of a spot in the Berwyn Mountains. It’s easy to get to: just hire a motorhome from Liverpool and make the two-hour drive southwest. Alternatively, you could hire a campervan from in Birmingham and drive a little under two hours west to reach the falls.

When you arrive, you’ll no doubt find the sparkling waterfall surrounded by lush green wilderness is an inspiring sight - and one imagines there could be fairies and mystical creatures roaming nearby. Get out and stretch your legs, exploring the falls with one of the local nature walks. For an easy stroll, start with the circuit that crosses the foot of the falls, and for a more challenging experience, take the track that climbs up beside the falls and along the ridgeline.

The Jurassic Coast, England

Imagine 150 kilometres of jaw-dropping cliffs, vast empty beaches and small towns, where you can experience 185 million years of the Earth’s history. Well, come to the Jurassic Coast and experience it for yourself at this UNESCO World Heritage destination in England.

Located along the southern English coastline and stretching between Exmouth and Studland Bay, the Jurassic Coast brims with natural wonders including a fossil forest and dozens of unique geological formations. It’s a road tripper’s dream because there are so many places to stop at along the way. Some highlights include the chalky white cliffs at Beer, the golden sands of West Bay and the arch at Durdle Door.

Hire a motorhome from Brighton and make the journey west along the Jurassic Coast, or do the trip in reverse.

So now you know some of the UK’s greatest natural wonders - what will be your first stop on your motorhome itinerary?  Looking for more recommendations? Motorhome Republic provides unmatched deals for campervan hire in Luton, Glasgow, and the remainder of the UK, so book with confidence today.