Across the UK, various sites offer spectacular views looking over an array of landscapes — here's some of the best views in Britain for those who love to gaze out on the countryside

Have we got views for you! Best of all, they’re right here in Britain and are sure to take your breath away.

The summit of Scafell Pike, Lake District

The moment you reach the top of England’s highest peak is an experience that will stay with you forever. The 360-degree panoramas are well worth the 3,209ft climb - on a clear day you can see all the way to Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

The quickest way up is the Wasdale Head route, which takes around two or three hours. You’ll probably need to catch your breath twice – once to recover from the long hike and another for the glorious vista of the Lake District National Park below.

From Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Part of Scotland’s Castle Trail, this cliff top fortress peering over the North Sea on the Aberdeenshire coastline counts Sir William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and the future King Charles II as guests.

Visitors can enjoy sweeping views through the dramatic ruins and discover a fascinating history stretching back to the 14th century. £11.50 adults, £5 child.

The ruins of Carreg Cennen, Wales

Explore the lanes around the Carmarthenshire hamlet of Trapp, and gaps in the hedgerows reveal glimpses of the enigmatic ruins of Carreg Cennen, on the edge of the Black Mountain Range in the remote corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Immortalised by Turner in a swirl of stormy watercolour that’s now in Tate Britain, it’s one of Wales’ most romantic views. £7 adults, £5 under 16s, students and concessions.

From the Birdoswald Trail, Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria and Northumbria

A spectacular World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and most dramatic countryside in England, Hadrian’s Wall offers a wealth of amazing views. Particularly spectacular are those from the Birdoswald walk, dominated by remains of the Roman frontier and picturesquely set by the River Irthing.

This 30-mile section of Hadrian’s Wall features the best preserved milecastle, a Roman fort which explores life in post Roman Britain, and a priory made from stones found on Hadrian’s Wall. Don’t miss the views from Harrows Scar Milecastle and Wall, the longest continuous stretch of wall.

From a hot air balloon, Bristol

Take to the skies for the best bird’s-eye view of Bristol and its historic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Every summer, hot air balloon fans gather for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta with as many as 100 ascending at the same time, making for fantastic views whether you’re on the ground or in the air.

From August 9-11, 2024. On Friday and Saturday nights, visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s infamous Night Glows, when dozens of hot air balloons inflate, and use their burners to glow in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music by BBC Radio Bristol.

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

This awe-inspiring World Heritage Site graced the cover of Led Zeppelin’s fifth album and has featured in countless films and TV shows. Head to the state-of-the-art visitor centre before taking in the breathtaking panoramas atop these famous basalt columns rising out of the sea. From £13.50 adult, £6.75 child

‘England’s finest view’ from Sutton Bank, North York Moors

Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Dramatic views soon start to appear as you set off on the flat, one-mile cliff-top walk from Sutton Bank National Park Centre – the lush vale of York and Mowbray, with the Pennines brooding in the distance. On a clear day this is a magnificent vantage point, while on a clear night countless stars splash light across the heavens at this Dark Sky Discovery Site.

Windsor Castle from the Royal Mile, Berkshire

With a history spanning more than 950 years, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. To appreciate its full majesty, take a stroll down the three-mile Long Walk between the Castle and Snow Hill in Windsor Great Park, turn around and admire the iconic view of the castle from afar. Around 500 deer roam freely around the Deer Park enclosure and are generally more than happy to pose for snap.