8 of the UK's Best Views

Regular Treasure Trailers will know that our Treasure Trails Partners try to ensure that each and every Trail they write showcases the best bits of the area, town or village that the Trail is based around.  The best bits often include a fantastic view and the below are eight favourites!

Castles and Cathedrals

Castles and Cathedrals were often built on hills to ensure that the surrounding countryside could be viewed and as you would expect the City of Durham Treasure Trail has a fantastic view looking over the city to Durham Cathedral. One of the clues is on a sculpture which is designed to frame the view!  The Cathedral was a glimpse of Heaven to visiting pilgrims and the Castle an imposing fortress, symbols of spiritual and military medieval power. Now a World Heritage Site and the greatest Norman building in Britain, a visit to Durham Cathedral is truly unforgettable.

Or head north to Edinburgh and complete the Edinburgh Royal Mile Trail that has views from Edinburgh castle esplanade over Edinburgh and all the way to Fife.  And down in Derbyshire, the Castleton Trail includes Peveril Castle which overlooks the town and is best described to people that have not seen it before as one of those romantic ruins of an impregnable castle perched high up on sheer cliffs.

Cityscapes

Primrose Hill is probably the best known natural view in London. You can see all across the skyline from the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, new city skyscrapers and up river to St George’s Tower. This particular Trail goes from the colourful bustle of Camden to the placid quirkiness of Primrose Hill with its pastel townhouses and inviting teashops, and on to the spectacular views from Primrose Hill Park and the leafy cool of Regent's Park.  The walk takes in the Regent's Canal at Camden and passes by Camden Lock and London Zoo. Definitely one for all the family!

Coastal Views

Possibly our most favourite of all views are coastal ones and the Portland Bill 1 Treasure Trail has spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast.  The Jurassic Coast is the first wholly natural World Heritage Site to be designated in England and well worth a visit. Walking along the Trail you will see spectacular views from Poole Harbour and along the entire length of Chesil Beach, although walking the coastal path is not for the faint hearted.

Historical Views

There are many view points on this Trail, one of which enables you to see (on a clear day) Pen y fan - the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park and in South Wales. Other views are of the famous Rhondda coal mining valleys which are now green and pleasant but still have scars of the old industry, some pit head winding gear and also colourful miners’ cottages clinging to the undulations of the valleys. We recommend you choose a fine day to make the most of the views. Starting at the Rhondda Heritage Park in Trehafod, the Trail takes you up the Rhondda Fawr, along the Heads of the Valleys and then drops back into the Rhondda Fach at Maerdy, the last bastion of the coal industry in South Wales. Stopping at 5 magnificent viewpoints and 6 other places of interest, you can't fail to see views but also get a view of life in the Rhondda Valleys! A truly memorable experience!

Panoramic Views

Box Hill is an outstanding area of woodland and chalk land located at the south eastern corner of the Mole Gap, the valley carved by the River Mole through the North Downs. Named after the ancient box woodland found on the steepest west-facing chalk slopes, it lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forms part of the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Box Hill Trail takes you through the woodland using paths and parts of trails created by The National Trust, and takes in the wonderful views using a section of the North Downs Way, a long distance footpath that runs along the southern escarpment. Visit their website at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/northdowns for more information. The Trail finishes on the grassy slopes overlooking the panoramic views and is a great picnic spot.

Wildlife Views

Over in Norfolk the Burnham Deepdale Murder Mystery has views across the salt marshes and is perfect for wildlife viewing whilst tracking down who dunnit!  One of the driest villages in the country, there is something to see all year round with the spectacular sight in winter of the sky filled with pink-footed geese. Even if you aren't interested in wildlife, you might be interested in staying dry!

Where have you been blown away by a stunning view? Do let us know through the usual channels of facebook or twitter. We would love to hear from you.