The most beautiful natural sites to discover England

3 km north of Wells lies a series of natural caves carved out by the River Axe. Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen here, one of which is the source of the legend of the witch turned to stone, which will no doubt be told to you during your visit. Other attractions include an archaeology museum, dinosaur reproductions, mini-golf, a 4D cinema, a Victorian arcade and circus performances on weekends and vacations. These caves make a great family visit.

It is one of the most famous Hop Gardens in Kent, a hop plantation. You will see entire fields of climbing plants, organized around the Oast Houses, or hop dryers in Molière's language. The Whitbread Hop Farm ones have been developed. It is the largest collection of Victorian houses in the world. This place was one of the main suppliers of hops to London breweries in the 19th and 20th centuries. Beer making will no longer have any secrets for you after this fun and original visit.

Here you can watch dishes from lions, racoons or sea lions. Amateurs will enjoy the watch of falcons. Others overlooks the snow leopard, European eagle, python, as well as 14 reproductions of grandeur dinosaurs: …, ptérodactyles, vélociraptors…

The house contains fine works of art (Reynolds paintings, tapestries, porcelain). The park includes Earl's Garden, with beautiful and rare essences, as well as scattered buildings (Thomson's Seat, Milton's Temple, The Folly, The Arch) that create French, American, New Zealand and English gardens and gardens. Don't miss the orangerie, the Italian garden (and the siren fountain!).

The New Forest Wildlife Park is a center for the protection and rescue of animals such as foxes, badgers, lynxes, fallow deer, wolves, owls, among many others... Meet them all here, just outside Southampton at the entrance to the New Forest National Park. The park's specialty is Britain's native wildlife, as well as otters and owls from all over the world, with over a dozen species. It's a great idea for a day out with the kids before heading off to hike in the National Park.

Take Hill Road, and continue until the end of the road, where a beautiful panorama awaits you. Breathing the ajoncs, the heather and the genêts, the lande you around. A walk early in the morning, or at sunset, to see the Welsh coast.

The adorable, tiny harbor of Mullion Cove is very picturesque, with its breakwater nestling between the cliffs and its imposing rocks jutting out of the water. We particularly like the colorful fishing boats. The place feels like the end of the world, yet the boats are freshly repainted and still in use, just as they have been since the port was founded in 1893. The wheel used to hoist the boats by hand can still be seen on its circular gravel site. The port used to specialize in sardines.

Park for the Protection of Endangered Species: tigers, Atlas lions, gorillas, black rhino, Asian elephants…

To the north of the peninsula, valleys, a riverside bordered by oaks, hamlets, small coves contrast with those of the rest of the peninsula. It's also here that we discover Frenchman's creek, made famous by the writer Daphne Du Maurier.

There are varied landscapes to discover during pleasant walks, in the surrounding countryside, or by visiting the surrounding fishermen's villages (Portloe, St Mawes, St Just-in-Roseland…).

The journey, longer than by road, but more picturesque is to avoid rainy days. However, the park offers a bucolic spectacle with its mountain on the horizon covered by snow most of the year, its little sheep, its river and its bridge…

On the other side of the A 35, you will be able to take a picnic in the well-established places and then walk in the woods on marked trails.

Falmouth has four main beaches: Gyllyngvase, Castle, Swanpool and Meanporth, all monitored.

Blue Anchor Bay, a pebble beach, stretches to a few miles from Minehead. A quiet promenade runs along the seafront and you can dine at the charming Driftwood Cafe, which serves snacks from until.

This beautiful Regency style building is surrounded by a park and was built in the 1830s by the wealthy Joseph Pitt. The Pump Room quickly became an attraction where the famous local water, discovered in the 1715s, was drawn from. In 1788, King George III and Queen Charlotte came to draw water from it, giving the place its reputation. The spring comes out in the park and you can taste the alkaline and salty water. The auditorium is also open to the public.

The A 371 leads west of Wells, then you go to Wookey Hole, you cross the village and turn right. There, a gorge and a beautiful panorama await you. Picnic area, parking.

A short walk along the shores of the lake leads to this very beautiful point of view that would have inspired John Ruskin. On the way, you can see the beautiful wooded island of Derwent and then contemplate the Friar's Grag the gentle mountains that reach the waters of the lake.

Park and garden where you can bathe and fish. Boat rental from late March to early November. Pay parking.

This garden overlooking the Dee River offers a pleasant promenade and a few buildings of interest. At the entrance the Grosvenor Park lodge and its typically revival look, with its black and white façade. It was designed by John Douglas, an architect who contributed to the definition of this style that today distinguishes the city. Elsewhere, a charming well is hidden between the trees. Its location would be explained by a popular belief that young girls wishing to find a husband should wish to do their best with the right leg diving in the water! This provides a perfect setting for a family picnic on the beautiful lawns. Outdoor theatre in the summer.

Starting point for long fox hunting parties, when they were still permitted, Exford is entirely oriented towards tourism. The village has a mountain atmosphere. The air is pure and feels like the end of the world. History and tradition play an important role.

It's a sumptuous natural arch flowing on the cliff. There are several hikes. Beautiful beaches next to, but often crowded with tourists from the beautiful days.

It's possible to take a hike to enjoy the charms of the landscape, the best is to stop in the small village of East Chaldon and there, walk explore Stairways Hole, Saint Oswald's Bay or Man O'War Cove and Durdle Door (6 km East Chaldon).

. peak (520 m). Many walks around Dunkery Beacon allow you to admire it.

This hiking trail begins in Poole and follows the entire south coast of Dorset to Lyme Regis. It takes about 5 days to do it in full but several stopovers are possible. The most beautiful places are Durdle Door, Lulworth Fossil Forest and Old Harry Rocks to Lulworth, then the Golden Cap and Charmouth (fossils) near Bridport.

Kynance Cove is a superb little wild cove, set at the bottom of the cliffs and very typical of Cornwall. In summer, the water is so turquoise that you might think you are on the other side of the world and here you will see beautiful examples of serpentine rock: a dark green, veined or spotted rock. A small paying car park precedes the site which is accessible by a path. Walking here is very pleasant, above the sea and facing the horizon. You can also go down to the small beach. The sunsets there are magnificent.

This pleasant promenade along the sea runs 6 km and allows you to reach the towns of Sandgate and Hythe. When it's nice it's really nice to walk on foot or by bike that distance, only the by the noise of the waves. Leas Cliff Lift makes it easier for you to go up the cliffs.

Approximately 17 hectares of gardens (English) extend around the Distinguishing River. Stone terraces and railings create a multitude of intimate gardens. A small farm is close to the youngest, as well as a "Nature trail" or adventure circuit, which allows you to discover the different species of trees and tree species.

Originally, Lulworth Castle hosted the nobles during their hunting parts and was successively occupied by several monarchs before being ravaged by a fire in 1929. An impressive renovation work revealed the original splendour of the building. To accentuate the effect of realism, some pieces are furnished as in the th century, when the castle was built. From the top of the towers, we saw the surrounding countryside.

Located near Lulworth West, this natural cove, almost perfectly circular, is one of the most beautiful examples of this type of natural formation in the world. The. Door is right next door.

Lizard Point is the most southerly point in Britain, making it a must-see in Cornwall. It gives the impression of having arrived at the end of the world. The cliffs aren't the highest in the region, but there's a certain charm about it, not least thanks to its ^18th-century lighthouse. It's on this ocean-defying piece of land that the Atlantic crossing record attempts are judged, starting from New York. Don't forget your binoculars for seal and cormorant watching on the way!

Funicular carry you from the station to the village tops, above a spectacular gorge. The exceptional view of heights has long seduced the curious since, since 1780, a "wild garden" was opened to welcome them. There was a walk on foot… Today, the park has several attractions and the ticket includes the discovery of ancient th century mines and a museum that recounts the history of the sites. Walking tours, outdoor attractions for children and bar where to eat.

This island belonged once again to the abbey of Glastonbury, which remains a few monastic cells. The island has two beaches and charming coves. Twice a year, you can reach the island on foot when the water has withdrawn enough!

Brownsea Island is a small 500-hectare island owned by the National Trust and accessed by ferry from Poole Quay or Sandbanks Terminal. In 1907, Lord Baden Powell set up the first Scout camp here. Quiet beaches, walking trails and beautiful coastal views make this an attractive location. The red squirrel is one of the rare species that can be seen here. For the crossing, contact Brownsea Island Ferries (www.brownseaislandferries.com). A great idea for a family day out!

Very beautiful beach with rocks cut through erosion.

24 bourgeois residences as well as a set of shops with colonnades in the arc of circle.

Surrounded by huge parks conducive to hiking, this small village has a centre of art that presents various crafts: floral art, pottery, jewellery, metalwork, glassware… Some shops at the entrance to the thatched roof sell the crafts. A picturesque visit.

By going down to the beaches, we discover not only a superb view of the estuary but also a waterfall. Behind it is a cave which, according to legend, would be the birthplace of Merlin the enchanting.

A park crossing in Land Rover shows for 30 minutes several species of wild animals left here on day parole.

Protected by the National Trust, this beach is one of the most beautiful ones we can dream of for memorable walks by the water: white dunes, sky with lost sight… Erosion revealed footprints of no animals and humans dating back to the Neolithic period! In the pine forest, there are also small red squirrels, a protected species. At the entrance to the parking lot is a kiosk with free documentation on the recommended walking circuits to discover the best of this beautiful nature. Picnic areas, toilets and facilities to change the baby are also available.

Crosby's huge beach stretches north of Waterloo with superb views and many opportunities for walking. Artist Antony Gormley gave him a new stamp in 2005 with his Next Place project: 650 iron silhouettes weighing 1,89 kilos each and measuring metres. They stretch over three kilometres long and one kilometer wide. It is the allegory of one being reproduced in an industrial way on the artist's model, trying to stand upright and to breathe on the horizon loaded with ships. A special atmosphere… Unfortunately, it is impossible to swim in the sea here because of the shifting sands.

South of Hope Valley, Castleton has four caves that are now open to the public after long years of mining sites, since the th century. They can be found easily at the west end of the village following the indications. Treak Cliff and Blue John offer guided tours leading to the heart of the hill from which the stone'Blue John'is extracted to make jewelry. To discover the daily life of old lead mines, you will have to take a boat tour on the Côté side or venture into the Peak cavern, which has the largest natural entrance in England. The people of the corner in called "Devil's Arse"… Consider checking the schedules online.

Over 8 500 British secret Agents worked here during the Second World War, including one Ian Fleming, who drew his inspiration for writing his James Bond. You can discover a bomb reconstitution, the machine used to decrypt encrypted messages, and several exhibitions and museums on war, toys or computers (among others).

Owned by the National Trust, this rich property has a park of over 1,000 hectares and a lovely palladian house. With its Chippendale furniture and its very aesthetic decoration, it is a place that will delight lovers of history and architecture.

The Jurassic Coast is Dorset's greatest asset. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting coastline stretches for over 150 kilometers from Studland Bay, near Poole, to Exmouth in Devon. Its landscapes are of rare beauty, and its name derives from its very special nature. No less than 185 million years of geological history have shaped this coastline, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been found. The best way to discover the region is to get behind the wheel and embark on a road trip along the sea, which can be completed in a single day. Here are the main sites of interest, from east to west:

Corfe Castle: this picture-postcard medieval village is on the way to the coast from Poole. It's well worth stopping for a photo or to visit the impressive ruins of its hilltop castle (www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

Old Harry Rocks: at the eastern tip of Studland, this stunning chalk geological formation features stacks and huge white rocks jutting out of the water. It might remind you of Australia's Great Ocean Road, but this is England.

Lulworth Cove: this small, almost perfectly circular natural bay is an idyllic place of rare beauty, and one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Right next door, on the western flank, is Stair Hole, another cove with rocks from elsewhere.

Durdle Door: not far from Lulworth Cove, this poetically-named site is a splendid arch cut into the cliff. On its eastern side, St Oswald's Bay and Man o'War are delightful beaches.

Bat's Head and White Nothe: to the west of Durdle Door, Bat's Head and White Nothe are two enormous points of white rock from which you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is no road to get there, but the South West Path provides access.

Chesil Beach: just beyond Weymouth, Chesil Beach is an interminable 19-kilometre long beach. A lagoon separates most of it from the coast, and it can be admired from Portland, Abbotsbury and West Bexington.

West Bay: made famous by the Broadchurch detective series, which uses it as a backdrop, this small community boasts a typical harbour and superb East Cliffs, set like a wall against the sea.

Golden Cap: 10 kilometers before Lyme Regis, Golden Cap forms a 191-metre-high rocky promontory facing the sea. It's particularly visible from Seatown, where a path provides a 40-minute walk.

Lyme Regis: the charming little village of Lyme Regis is very picturesque, and Lyme Bay is famous for its many shells and fossils.

South West Coast Path: if you'd like to explore the Jurassic Coast on foot, the South West Coast Path (www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk) is a 1,014-kilometer long-distance footpath between Minehead (Somerset) and Poole (Dorset). It covers the whole of the South West Peninsula, well beyond the Jurassic Coast, but you're free to do only the sections that interest you.

Accommodation: there are plenty of campsites and B&Bs. The national youth hostel association YHA (www.yha.org.uk) also has several addresses along the coast (YHA Swanage, YHA Lulworth Cove, YHA Litton Cheney and YHA Beer).

Further information: www.jurassiccoast.org

Snaefell is the only mountain on the island and its highest peak, reaching 621 metres. The famous TT road passes at its feet, and its plateau hosts two antennas and a café-restaurant, open during the season. Once at the top, it is said that you can see the seven kingdoms: Man, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, the sea and the sky. You may not see everything depending on the weather, but what is certain is that the panorama is extraordinary. The green hills of the centre and the agricultural plains of the north are ideal for travelers, lulled by the Irish Sea and dotted with small towns. On the western flank, the deep waters of the Sulby Reservoir reflect the azure and its clouds. There are two ways to get to this small earthly paradise: by electric train or on foot.

Electric train: from April to November, you can leave Douglas at Derby Castle, on the north end of the Promenade, or directly from Laxey. Allow a good hour from the capital, with the connection halfway through. The ride is lovely but perhaps a little chilly on the open wagon, especially if you are chilly and the temperatures are not suitable. Up to Laxey, the rails mainly run along the coast but the most pleasant part comes during the ascent. On the right is the Laxey Valley and its Great Wheel. On the left come the hilly heights of the centre of the island. It is necessary sometimes to stop to let the sheep pass.... When you cross the TT circuit, you will see a special kind of it. It is of course a reproduction of the famous loaghtan, the local, typical species with impressive horns. The train then winds up to the top in a short time. Remember to check the line times on the web or in the tourist office booklets.

By foot: take the electric train to Bungalow Station, stop on the road below, then follow the path. You can also park your car there if you are motorized but there are few spaces! For longer hikes, refer to the Ordnance Survey map to find a starting point and route at your convenience.

Start by fortifying yourself at the legendary The Head of the River pub under Folly Bridge. On the terrace, you can watch the rowing competitions, the pub being the finish line. Then take the riverbank and follow the Isis River to the right. Iffley Lock, with its stone bridge and weeping willow, awaits you at the end of the road. The city now seems far away. Continue the walk to charming Iffley Village. En route, you'll come across the famous Isis Farmhouse, one of those "old-fashioned" pubs that are worth their weight in gold. When you reach the village, turn around and return to civilization along the left bank of the river, along Christ Church Meadows.

In East Looe, the streets of the city centre lead to a charming sandy beach. It is not dangerous and covered with soft sand, especially attracting families.

This island is a few miles by boat from Ilfracombe and is a 4.45 km² nature reserve. Puffins are the local stars, but there are also fallow deer, ponies and all kinds of birds. It is possible to stay on site.

This impressive valley with its jagged coastline is one of Exmoor's most beautiful spots. Less than a mile from Lynton, the Valley of Rocks is famous for its rock formations and strange caves. The formation of this natural site is thought to date back to prehistoric times, with the valley sanding up over the years to form a U-shape. On your walk, you may come across wild goats roaming freely, often quite frighteningly, along the jagged cliffs. Don't forget your camera on this beautiful walk!

On foot from Newquay town center, follow the coast along the natural byways of the South West Coast Path. You'll pass The Huer's Hut, a ^14th-century white stone hut where a "crier" used to sound the alarm about approaching shoals of sardines. The view over Newquay's beaches is magnificent. Continue on to Headland and its belvedere. The scent of the plants and the fresh air along the walk are a real change of scenery. Come at the end of the day to enjoy an incredible sunset.

Discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful coastal nature reserve. Along the paths of the salt marshes, beaches and Camber Castle, you can stop at one of the 5 birdwatching stations and admire the birds in their natural habitat. More than 4,275 species have been recorded in the reserve, over 300 of which are considered rare and endangered in the country. Take a tour of the Discovery Centre to find out more.