The Most Beautiful Area in England, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the area you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:17

Finding the most beautiful area in England is a delightful challenge, given the country's renowned natural diversity and picturesque landscapes. From rolling hills to rugged coastlines, the beauty of England is as varied as it is profound. A ranked list of these areas provides a clear picture of popular opinions and may serve as a guide for travelers and locals alike seeking to experience the country's top scenic spots. This list is dynamically shaped by the votes of users who share their personal experiences and affections for different locales. By participating, you contribute to a collective assessment that helps others identify which areas resonate most with visitors. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next excursion or simply want to see if others share your views, your input is valuable in painting a comprehensive picture of England's most cherished landscapes.

What Is the Most Beautiful Area in England?

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33
votes
Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake District

With its breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes, and forests, the Lake District is considered one of England's most beautiful areas. It has inspired writers and poets for centuries, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The Lake District is a picturesque region located in Northwest England. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by towering mountains, serene lakes, lush valleys, and charming villages. The landscape of the Lake District has captivated artists, poets, and nature enthusiasts for centuries.

Lakes: The region is home to sixteen major lakes, including Lake Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, all surrounded by magnificent scenery.

Mountains: The Lake District boasts the highest mountains in England, with Scafell Pike standing at 978 meters. The mountains offer breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and climbing.

Wildlife: The area is rich in diverse wildlife, including red deer, otters, birds, and rare species like red squirrels and ospreys.

National Park: The Lake District is a designated National Park, ensuring the preservation and protection of its natural environment.

World Heritage Site: In 2017, the Lake District was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique cultural landscape.
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44
votes
Evilbish · CC BY 3.0

Peak District

The Peak District is home to stunning landscapes, including deep valleys, steep hills, and beautiful moorland. It's a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
The Peak District is a stunning national park located in central England. It is known for its enchanting landscapes, picturesque villages, and diverse wildlife, all of which contribute to its reputation as one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

Location: Central England

Size: 1,437 square kilometers

Established: 17 April 1951

Highest point: Kinder Scout, 636 meters (2,087 feet)

Landscapes: Rolling hills, dales, limestone valleys, moorlands
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29
votes
Cornwall

Cornwall is known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. It's also home to the famous Tintagel Castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Cornwall is a picturesque region located in the southwestern part of England. It is known for its stunning coastline, charming fishing villages, and rich cultural heritage. The landscape of Cornwall is diverse, ranging from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to rolling hills and picturesque countryside. Its natural beauty has inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers for centuries. Cornwall offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and relaxation, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Geography: Located in southwestern England

Coastline: Stunning and rugged

Fishing Villages: Charming and picturesque

Cultural Heritage: Rich and diverse

Landscape: Varied and beautiful
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14
votes
Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a picturesque area of rolling hills and idyllic villages, known for its honey-colored stone buildings and quaint tea rooms. It's a popular destination for tourists seeking a quintessential English experience.
The Cotswolds is a picturesque area in England known for its enchanting landscapes, quaint villages, and honey-colored limestone buildings. It covers parts of six counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. The area is characterized by rolling hills, meandering rivers, ancient woodlands, and charming market towns. The creation of the Cotswolds as we know it today is a result of centuries of human influence and agricultural practices.

AONB Status: The Cotswolds is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), recognizing its exceptional scenic beauty and unique cultural heritage.

Landscape: The area features gentle, rolling hills with expansive views, uninterrupted by any major cities or industrial developments.

Architecture: The Cotswolds is renowned for its traditional countryside architecture, characterized by the widespread use of honey-colored limestone, thatched roofs, and mullioned windows.

Quaint Villages: The area is home to numerous charming villages, such as Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe, with their idyllic settings and well-preserved historic buildings.

Walking Trails: The Cotswolds offers an extensive network of walking trails, including the famous Cotswold Way, allowing visitors to explore the stunning countryside on foot.
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22
votes
Jez Smith from Whitefield, Bury, Gtr. Manchester, United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a stunning area of hills, valleys, and limestone formations. It's home to a diverse range of wildlife and is a popular destination for walkers and hikers.
The Yorkshire Dales is a stunningly beautiful area located in the northern part of England. It is a national park filled with picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, charming villages, and historic sites. The area is known for its unique and diverse nature, with moors, valleys, pastures, and limestone formations creating a breathtakingly beautiful setting for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Location: Northern England

Size: 2,178 square kilometers

Limestone features: Including cliffs, caves, and pavements

Waterfalls: Including Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force

Three peaks: Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent
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10
votes
Northumberland

Northumberland is known for its rugged coastline, castles, and stunning landscapes. It's also home to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northumberland is a picturesque county located in the northeastern part of England. It is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient castles, and breathtaking coastlines. The region offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquility, making it one of the most beautiful areas in England.

Kielder Water & Forest Park: Europe's largest man-made lake surrounded by picturesque forests.

Hadrian's Wall: An iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 73 miles across the county.

Bamburgh Castle: A majestic castle perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Northumberland coastline.

Farne Islands: A group of stunning islands known for their rich wildlife, including thousands of puffins and seals.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne: A tidal island famous for its picturesque Abbey and historic ruins.
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12
votes
The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful island off the southern coast of England, known for its sandy beaches, stunning coastal views, and scenic walking trails. It's a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking a peaceful retreat.
The Isle of Wight is a picturesque island located off the south coast of England. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers a variety of landscapes including picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, rolling countryside, and charming villages. The Isle of Wight is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a peaceful escape from the mainland.

Location: Off the south coast of England

Size: 376 square kilometers (145 square miles)

Population: Approximately 140,500

Geography: Mix of beaches, hills, cliffs, and countryside

Climate: Mild and temperate
8

3
votes
The New Forest

The New Forest is a beautiful area of woodland, heathland, and pasture, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including ponies, deer, and birds. It's a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
The New Forest is a picturesque area located in southern England, notably covering parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset. It is a unique and enchanting landscape, consisting of vast tracts of open heathland, ancient woodlands, and idyllic villages. The area is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty, the New Forest offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Size: Approximately 566 square kilometers

Landscapes: Open heathland, ancient woodlands, rivers, and coastline

Wildlife: Home to various species including ponies, deer, owls, and rare birds

Activities: Walking, cycling, horse riding, wildlife watching, and picnicking

History: Rich cultural heritage with archaeological sites and historic buildings
9

9
votes
The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern England, known for its dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and fossil-rich beaches. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for walkers and fossil hunters.
The Jurassic Coast is a beautiful area located along the southern coast of England. It stretches over 96 miles (155 kilometers) from Devon to Dorset, and was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. The coastline is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and geological significance, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, fossil hunters, and nature lovers alike.

Length: 96 miles (155 kilometers)

Location: Southern coast of England

Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Year of Designation: 2001

Geological Significance: Contains rocks from the Jurassic period
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6
votes
The South Downs

The South Downs is a beautiful area of rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and picturesque villages. It's home to the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, a popular location for walkers and photographers.
The South Downs is a stunning area of natural beauty located in southern England. It is a range of chalk hills that stretch across West Sussex, East Sussex, and Hampshire, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. The area is renowned for its picturesque rolling hills, ancient woodlands, vibrant green meadows, and stunning views of the coastline. It is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful countryside escape.

Location: Southern England

Extent: 260 square miles

Geology: Chalk hills

Counties: West Sussex, East Sussex, Hampshire

Features: Rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, coastal views

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Ranking factors for beautiful area

Natural beauty

Consider the landscapes, countryside, coastlines, and flora and fauna of the area. Aesthetic appeal and uniqueness of natural features, such as rolling hills, forests, or dramatic cliffs, should also be taken into account.
Historical and cultural significance

Evaluate the historical and cultural heritage of the area, including architecture, historical sites, literary connections, and local legends or folklore.
Well-preserved environment

Assess the cleanliness and general state of conservation of the area. Factors to consider include air and water quality, waste management, and the presence of pollution or litter.
Recreational opportunities

Evaluate the availability and variety of recreational activities in the area, such as hiking, cycling, water sports, or birdwatching, as these add to the overall appeal of a location.
Accessibility

Consider the ease of access to the area, including proximity to major cities or transportation hubs, availability of public transportation, and the quality of local roads and infrastructure.
Local amenities and facilities

Assess the presence of restaurants, shops, accommodation, and other facilities that cater to visitors and help make an area more attractive to tourists.
Vibrant communities

Evaluate the local communities and their ability to contribute to the overall charm and character of an area. Consider factors such as friendliness of residents, community involvement and support for local activities, and cultural events or festivals.
Safety and security

Assess the general safety of the area, including crime rates, the presence of dangerous wildlife or environmental hazards, and the availability of emergency services and medical facilities.
Seasonal variations

Consider the impact of different seasons on the area's beauty, and its ability to maintain its appeal throughout the year.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful area in England. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or area is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1558 views
183 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each area once every 24 hours. The rank of each area is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful area in england

England is a country renowned for its scenic beauty, charming countryside, and historic architecture. From the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, there is no shortage of stunning areas to explore. However, when it comes to determining the most beautiful area in England, opinions may vary. Whether you are drawn to the quaint villages of the Lake District, the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District, or the picturesque beaches of the South West, each region has its own unique charm and appeal. With so many beautiful areas to choose from, it's no wonder that this topic has sparked countless debates and discussions. At StrawPoll, we invite you to share your thoughts and vote for the most beautiful area in England.