Six amazing vantage points in the UK

Whether it be the incredible Scottish Highlands, the rolling English hills, the peaks in Wales, or the beautiful sea views across Northern Ireland; the UK really does have it all. We asked our scholars to show us some of the amazing vantage points with beautiful views across the UK and you delivered! Now sit back and enjoy these six beautiful vantage points with us.

1. CHESTER, CHESHIRE

Founded as a Roman fort in 79AD, the walled city of Chester is one of the oldest cities in the UK. With Roman walls surrounding the city and distinctly Tudor and Victorian buildings all across the city, it is a must-see UK destination.

Nadia Cilene Almeida de Pina, Cape Verde

‘Chester – a beautiful city that makes you walk back in time with its heritage and architecture. The city seems like it came out of a picture.’

2. MUSSENDEN TEMPLE, CASTLEROCK

Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Mussenden Temple was built as a gift to Frideswide Mussenden, the niece of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol. Upon her death two years after it was built, the library remained as a memorial to her.

Faisal Rachman, Indonesia

‘Mussenden Temple, Castlerock, Northern Ireland – House at the end of the world? No, it’s just the coolest summer library man has ever built. Stood on the precipice of Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland since 1785, the building survived cliff’s erosion, wind, and even storms. Much epitomizes the beauty and perseverance that prevails against all odds and hardships, much reflecting the history of Northern Ireland itself. It was such a worthwhile 40 minutes walking from Castlerock Station to this outlandish scenery 2 hours from Belfast.’

3. ISLE OF EIGG, SCOTTISH INNER HEBRIDES

One of the Small Isles in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, Eigg is beautiful all over its 12 square mile area. The island is home to a population of 105 and almost 100% of its electricity is generated by renewable energy. With plenty of vantage points and beautiful views to accompany them, the Isle of Eigg is certainly worth the visit.

Luiza Nolasco, Brazil

‘The pictures are from the Isle of Eigg, one of the Small Isles in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. The trip to the island was part of a module of my masters and consisted of four days of immersion in the island’s community to understand how they live and organise to tackle the challenges raised by living in an isolated land. 

Organised in an association that manages the island, the 100 residents decided circa 10 years ago to live more environmentally consciously and they started many projects to transform their community. Refusing to connect to the electric grid in the mainland, the island is powered 100% by renewables with diesel available only as a backup. Every household and business have limited amounts of power supply and this makes them very concious of how much resources they are using and the impact this has on their land and lives. I had a wonderful time in Eigg! Not only due to the people I met, but also because the island has a delightful landscape and I could relax in its nature. The pictures are from the last hike to the highest point of the island – the Sgurr. A view I will keep in my memory forever.’

4. GLENFINNAN, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Based in the Scottish Highlands, Glenfinnan sits halfway between Fort William and Mallaig. Made famous in recent years through the Harry Potter franchise, the railway is used by the Jacobite steam train which has been dubbed the ‘Hogwarts Express’ to transport passengers through the two locations.

Frida Rica, Albania

‘If anyone would ask me to describe the Scottish Highlands, I would show them this picture which was taken in Glenfinnan overlooking Loch Shiel (which features as the Black Lake in the Harry Potter movies). At the time I took this picture I was truly breathless and not because of the hike! It includes almost everything you can expect of a Scottish landscape: pride, colours and magic! And while on the subject of magic, I must mention that on the opposite side of this view lies the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a must-see for all the Potterheads out there.’

5. SYCAMORE GAP ON HADRIAN’S WALL, NORTHUMBERLAND

A world heritage site since 1987, Hadrian’s Wall was built during the Roman Empire and sat at 73 miles long. Despite much of the wall being dismantled since its construction, there remains sections which can still be viewed. Hadrian’s Wall has also been cited as the inspiration for The Wall in George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series.

Viengdalat Somphet, Laos

‘The Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall, Steel Rigg, Northumberland National Park 

In AD122, the Emperor Hadrian ordered for the wall to be built, probably to act as a barrier and control the movement of peoples by Roman soldiers. This iconic tree stood along the wall and is only a tiny part of the 73 mile (117km) Hadrian Wall, which stood against the test of times. The trail allows you to experience not just the long history of people and place, but also the silent sound of the wind, the open hills and sky make this place even more fascinating, a truly hidden gem of the North. I love this picture because it captures the beauty of this spectacular sight of the Sycamore gap, Hadrian’s Wall and the open countryside views in one picture.’

6. BAMFORD EDGE, PEAK DISTRICT 

Bamford Edge is in the heart of the Peak District in the northern part of Derbyshire within the village of Bamford and it is a sight to be seen. The Peak District draws in millions of visitors each year who come from all across the world to view the natural beauty found here. Visitors to the area often cite ‘scenery and landscape’ as their main reason to visit the area and it is evident why.

Vidya Kanagarajah, Malaysia

‘An amazing view from Bamford Edge, Peak District. I hiked for 30 minutes to reach this breathtaking beauty. Immersed within the lush greeneries of the beautiful Peak District National Park, Bamford Edge is an overhang of rocks overlooking the magnificent Lady Bower Reservoir in Derbyshire, England. I continued hiking to reach the highest rock I could possibly find so that I could get a spectacular view of this postcard-like image and just lose myself in the beauty of nature. As Albert Einstein once said ‘ look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better’.

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