From exquisite beaches to wonderful working harbours, the UK really delivers when it comes Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Whether you're looking for somewhere to walk, cycle or hike this spring, these destinations are perfect for exploring England's finest landscapes.
According to new research from Sykes Holiday Cottages, AONBs in Cornwall and the Isle of Wight are the most-visited in the country, followed by Dorset and the Cotswolds. In fact, designated beauty spots throughout Devon are among some of the most popular, with East Devon and North Devon loved by ramblers.
On the other hand, however, the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Down, Sperrins in County Tyron, and Yorkshire's Howardian Hills are among the UK's least-visited AONBs. Researchers found that more than half of Brits in the survey (51%) don't know what an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is, while one in five (20%) admit to not being able to name any AONBs.
"Along with National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are considered to be some of the most impressive parts of our country, but this research reveals just how undiscovered many of them still are," Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, says.
"Given more than half of the population don't know what an AONB even is, we definitely need to raise the profile of these areas in the same way we do for National Parks – and show people what's truly special about them.
"AONBs offer some of the UK's best countryside for walking, cycling, horse-riding and wildlife-watching – whether it's escaping to the Isles of Scilly, visiting picture-perfect towns in the Cotswolds, or walking through woodland and meadows in the Lagan Valley, there really is something for everyone."
Take a look at the full list below...
Top 10 most-visited Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Cornwall
- Isle of Wight
- Dorset
- Cotswolds
- South Devon
- North Devon Coast
- Norfolk Coast
- East Devon
- Anglesey
- Northumberland Coast
10 least-visited Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Strangford and Lecale, County Down, Northern Ireland
- Sperrins, County Tyron, Northern Ireland
- Lagan Valley, County Down, Northern Ireland
- Howardian Hills, Yorkshire
- Binevenagh, County Derry, Northern Ireland
- High Weald, East Sussex, Kent, West Sussex and Surrey
- Ring of Gullion, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
- Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
- Llŷn, North West Wales
- Dedham Vale, Essex and Suffolk
Other AONBs with fewer visits include:
- North Wessex Downs, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire
- Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, North Wales
- Arnside and Silverdale, Lancashire and Cumbria
- Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland
- Antrim Coast and Glens, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Blackdown Hills,along Devon and Somerset border
- Nidderdale, North Yorkshire
- Solway Coast, northern Cumbria
- Quantock Hills, Somerset
- Isles of Scilly, off Cornish coast
16 spring and Easter wreaths to adorn your door
Country Cut Flowers Spring Styled Rope Wreath
A rustic jute rope wreath with a contemporary edge, dressed for spring with eucalyptus, thistles and grass seed heads. Hand-dyed silk ribbons and a calligraphy joy tag complete the piece.
A timeless choice for spring and summer, this artificial wreath pairs soft white and pale yellow tones for a fresh, elegant look. It features dahlias, ranunculus, daisies and eucalyptus.
A charming Easter wreath, decorated with fresh looking foliage and a hand-crafted porcelain bunny. Finished with a ribbon for hanging, it makes a simple but cheerful spring addition to the home.
Country Cut Flowers Small 15cm Rope Spring Wreath
Simple, elegant and stylish, you can add more decoration to this rope wreath or opt for less is more. It's great for indoors or outdoors.
Handmade Sussex Custom Made Everlasting Wreath made from Dried Flowers
Made in West Sussex from organically grown dried flowers, each wreath is arranged by hand in seasonal colours. As the flowers follow the year’s harvest, availability varies. Intended for indoor use, they retain a light natural scent and bring the garden indoors.
A simple way to bring a touch of Easter cheer to your door or wall, this round wreath is finished in soft pastel shades for spring. Decorated with polyester flowers and foam eggs, it's lightweight and low maintenance.
Handmade Sussex Everlasting Heart – Dried Limonium with Soft Blooms
Who said hearts are only for February? This heart-shaped wreath brings the idea into spring, pairing naturally dried limonium with soft pink and purple blooms that echo the season’s first colours.
60cm Pre Lit Oversized Easter Wreath with Removable Egg Garland
The perfect addition to your front door, this pre-lit oversized wreath features a removable egg garland — perfect to remove after Easter. Measuring 60cm, it also comes with pre-lit lights, artificial spring flowers and green foliage.
Step into spring with this charming lavender wreath from lights4Fun. The perfect accessory featuring faux flowers and foliage, it's ideal to reuse year after year.
Keep it simple with this eucalyptus door wreath featuring a cluster of pastel-coloured Easter eggs.
Why not go for an alternative wreath display with this flat hanging option? Hung in a porch or indoor above the dining table, it's sure to make a beautiful spring decoration. Pre-order now for May delivery.
An elegant Easter wreath, styled with white speckled eggs, soft foliage and a hand-crafted porcelain bunny at its centre. Finished with a simple ribbon for hanging, it brings a fresh note to spring interiors and makes a considered gift for the season.
This pussywillow wreath has a gorgeous, understated look. Each branch is hand woven and hand painted, finished with delicate speckles of soft white buds for a gently textured effect.
An alternative to flowers and foliage, this felt pom pom spring or Easter wreath can be carefully stored and used again year-after-year and for other annual celebrations. Hang it on a wall or place it flat and use it as a table centerpiece.
This Easter wreath has that rustic woodland look, covered in hand painted artificial eggs, larch cones, hedgerow twigs, guinea fowl feathers on a base of natural green, dried moss.
In the shape of a bunny head, this adorable wreath incorporates woven wood and faux flowers. Paired with bendable micro lights, this bunny can be brought to life by simply wrapping the lights around the frame for a cosy glow each evening.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
