Alan Rogers - Destinations Edition 10 (February 2023)

and the award goes to... Alan Rogers and the Caravan and Motorhome Club Awards are back p14 10TH EDITION | FEBRUARY 2023

the weird & whacky Discover the unusual side of France p4 go big in the usa Venture further... Drive the iconic Route 66 p42 DESTINATIONS INSPIRATION ADVICE NEWS TOP TIPS TRAVEL GUIDES

natural beauty

With Sandaya, you’re free to choose from our 44 campsites, with their 4 and 5 star luxury set in the heart of Europe’s most beautiful regions! You’re free to slow down and take your time, or use it to try a multitude of activities. Free to love authentic camping and enjoy our pitches, or free to discover our comfortable, quirky or Premium accommodation. Free to travel with the family or with your friends; or free to decide not to choose and enjoy a holiday with everyone! In fact, the choice is always yours and that, that’s freedom with Sandaya.

The tenth edition of Destinations is here! We first launched Destinations Magazine in the spring of 2013 with the aim of inspiring, enticing and intriguing you through fun, motivating and fresh content. The first edition included articles on the Dordogne, Brittany, Rhône-Alpes, the Vendée and Charente Maritime, Andalusia and England's West Country, with further articles written by late caravanning author and expert John Wickersham. Fast-forward 10 years, and we present a brand new edition of our much-loved magazine featuring content covering the weird and whacky attractions of France (pg4), Catalonia (pg32) and Portugal (pg52), a handy guide to camping beds and sleep accessories (pg24), an introduction to our fab 2023 programme of rallies (pg88) and a journey through England, Wales and Northern Ireland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (pg60). Oh, and remember to check out page 42

GUEST EDITORS

Russell Wheldon russetmarketing.com

Russell has worked in the camping industry for over 28 years and was a director at Alan Rogers for many of them. He now works for various tourism organisations as a marketing consultant.

From towering redwoods, breath-taking canyons, iconic routes and dazzling cities – there are few places that can deliver the variety and excitement that a US trip holds.

42

HIT THE ROAD: ICONIC AMERICA PAGE

Peter is a content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.

Peter Stannett Content Creator Catherine Morley rallies.alanrogers.com

Having supported rally organisers for over 15 years, Catherine has a wealth of experience in group travel abroad, as well as a great relationship with many campsite owners. Her friendly manner and ability to overcome the greatest challenges has made her very popular with rally marshals from all over the UK.

The people who make destinations come to life!

France has a great wealth of world-class tourist attractions. But sometimes, whether you've somehow managed to see them all, or just a handful, you want something more quirky.

But sometimes, whether you've somehow managed to see them all, or just a handful, you want something more quirky. You've visited Pont du Gard, the Caves of Lascaux, Père Lachaise Cemetery and

Monet's Gardens; what now? We've put together a few lesser attractions (in the sense that they're not headline attractions known the world over) that have a certain je ne sais quoi. Broadly taken from all corners of France, these unusual attractions offer something for those jaded with glitz and glamour and searching for the niche and the novel.

UNUSUAL FRANCE the weird the whacky the wow

Notre-Dame du Haut, Ronchamp

La Piscine Museum, Roubaix (Image credit: Camster2) c f

botanical conservatory of brest argonaute submarine les machines de l'liles fosse dionne musée du château des rohan oradour-sur-glane clermont-ferrand cathedral gorges du fier étang d'aureilhan le petit-paris château de montségur st. nicholas russian orthodox cathedral

Provençal Colorado, Rustrel Salin Aigues-Mortes, Occitanie i P

The aim here at the conservation centre is to save plants threatened with extinction. It's no small objective. The site was previously a quarry and rubbish dump before being acquired by the council, reimagined as a conservation centre, and eventually opened in 1977.

The gardens are laid out meticulously, with plants grouped geographically. There are 1700 species here, including familiar specimens from Europe, as well as euphorbia from Morocco, hibiscus from China, Cypress trees from Kashmir and eucalyptus from Australia. There are large glass houses with cacti and more delicate plants in four zones designated as tropical mountains, dry tropics, humid tropics and subtropical islands. Follow the easygoing marked trails and feel like you're doing a brief tour of the world! The centre is popular for school educational visits but is a great alternative for holidaymakers, especially on a wet day when the beach is not an option.

national botanical conservatory of brest argonaute submarine notre-dame du haut de ronchamp

In the Parc de la Villette, opposite the Cité des Sciences in the 19th Arrondissement of Paris, is a small surprise for unsuspecting visitors: a 50-metrelong submarine. It's been there, well out of any water, since 1991, receiving curious visitors and providing real insight into the lives of submariners and the claustrophobic conditions they endure. The Argonaute was launched in 1958 and served for 24 years before being decommissioned and, eventually, saved from being scrapped. Although adapted for tourists, the crew quarters, torpedo launch areas, periscope, and radar detectors can all still be seen. Adjacent is a visitor centre which illustrates the history of submarines and the technology that makes them so valuable to any navy. A fascinating visit that offers something genuinely different and a great alternative to all the crowded tourist magnets of Paris.

This is a Roman Catholic chapel with a difference. Designed by renowned Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, this 1955 modernist take on a religious shrine stands proud on a hill overlooking the town of Ronchamp.

Image credit: Conservatoire Botanique Nationale Brest a b

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fosse dionne

This is something wholly unique: an eclectic jumble of art, science, culture and plain whacky fun that defies categorisation and yet is a hit with everyone. It's futuristic yet also on-point retro at the same time. The old former shipyards of Nantes are home to this project which has captured imaginations around the world over the last few years.

Star attractions are the 12m tall elephant, capable of carrying 49 passengers for a short walk, and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. This is a multi-dimensional 25-metre-high marvel with 35 mechanical creatures that move on three levels: the ocean floor, the depths and the surface. Giant Crab, Giant Squid, Deep Sea Lantern Fish, Pirate Fish and Jellyfish… they're all here and moving around in this mesmerising carousel. Visitors can move around and clamber on-board to control the creatures' mechanical actions and go round and round in the fashion of a traditional fairground ride.

les machines de l'île la piscine museum

Burgundy is famed for its world-class wines. Some of the finest bottles ever created originate here. The Fosse Dionne spring is less well-known. It has been gushing out water at 311 litres per second for millennia. The Romans drank here, the Celts imbued it with religious significance, and the French built an attractive collonaded structure around it and made it into a washhouse.

The spring is in the town of Tonnerre, and little is known about it. The water's colour can change between blue, turquoise and off-brown, but no one knows how deep it is or where the water's source lies. On three occasions since the 1970s, divers have explored the twisting passages of its depths, and on two occasions, they have never returned to the surface. It seems the spring may be generous with its water but is reluctant to give up its secrets.

Constructed at the height of the Art Deco movement in France, the building opened as a swimming pool in 1932. Now, along with the adjacent former textile factory, it houses a museum of art and industry.

musée du château des rohan oradoursur-glane

Alsace is a region with a turbulent past, fought over many times. In the town of Saverne, a historically strategic point northwest of Strasbourg, Rohan Castle was a thoroughfare for military, merchants, artists, thinkers and the shapers of Europe. It's a magnificent structure set in an imposing location and offers magnificent views. Today it preserves the cultural heritage of Saverne and the wider region.

Founded in 1858, the museum has various spaces: in the vaulted cellars, a large Gallo-Roman and medieval archaeology collection sheds light on the region's evolution. The art and history section is varied and includes paintings, artworks, traditional Alsatian costumes and an excellent area dedicated to the castle's history. Lastly, the Louise Weiss section is named after an influential political journalist of the 20th century who gifted her archive and collections of art in the 1980s.

On 10th June 1944, the Waffen-SS rolled into Oradour-sur-Glane and destroyed it, massacring 643 men, women and children. The shattered village has been left as it was, with no rebuilding, no renovation, just a slowly decaying memorial to those murdered. Today it's an eerie experience to walk along the empty streets, past derelict houses. Plaques are mounted in various spots, indicating places where inhabitants were killed. Famously there are a couple of cars (including the doctor's), gradually rusting away, occasional bed frames, sewing machines and domestic bric-a-brac, all left as it fell. And the church, where many women and children were corralled and then shot in cold blood, is especially haunting.

The tactical reasons behind the crime are hazy, if any exist, but possibly were retaliation for the killing of German troops. Tucked away in rural Haute-Vienne, this is not on the main tourist route, but well worth a visit.

Wedged between the Luberon mountains to the south and the Monts de Vaucluse to the north, sits a little piece of Colorado. These ochre-coloured peaks are millions of years in the making, a result of ancient minerals reacting with the tropical climate.

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clermont-ferrand cathedral Gorges du Fier

Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne is known as a university city and an industrial centre, bordered by the volcanic Chaîne des Puys mountains, notably the Puy-de-Dôme. Perched on a high point in the centre of the city, the cathedral was built in the mid13th century and took seven centuries to complete. After many years of inactivity, the finishing touches were made in 1902.

It's notable for its use of black lava stone, the first time this was attempted on such a grand scale. This rock was sourced from the region's dormant volcanoes and explains the cathedral's dark, sometimes brooding, appearance as it towers over the countless terracotta roof tiles of the rest of the city. The interior, too, soaring up 108 metres, is dark and shadowy, with light coming through the 14thcentury stained glass windows.

These gorges are one of the most spectacular natural sites in the French Alps. About 10 km west of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie, it's a dramatic but narrow canyon carved through the rock by the tumbling waters of the River Fier. A path (originally designed and installed in 1869!) leads visitors through the gorge, clinging to the cliff face, 25 metres above the water. Being so narrow and so deep, the mossy green walls and the noise of the relentless waters below create quite an atmosphere.

The whole experience is fascinating but also educational, with informative panels along the way and a display zone at the end, which explains the evolution of the gorge. Highlights include the Mer des Rochers (Sea of Rocks), where the torrent widens and eases – it's great for photos, but best arrive early morning or at the end of the day before closing.

Tucked away in the Landes, a vast forested area in the southwest of France, between Bordeaux and the Pyrenees, is a peaceful lake, the Etang d'Aureilhan.

On the shore sits the impressive Château Woolsack, built-in 1911 by the Duke of Westminster as a hunting lodge. The name was given as a humorous nod to the duke's similar property in South Africa, called Woolsack.

With the only access being via boat and a succession of colourful guests, the property epitomised the spirit of the Belle Epoque. Several notable visitors came and went during its heyday, including Charlie Chaplin, Salvador Dalí, Coco Chanel, Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, who painted the scenic lake and the surroundings of Mimizan. Today Woolsack is a private residence and not open to visitors, but the lake is public, and the beaches are free.

East of Montauban, to the north of Toulouse, is an extraordinary creation. A miniature version of Paris, complete with all the major landmarks, busy boulevards and huge goldfish swimming along the Seine.

The proprietor Gérard Brion (also Mayor of Paris), was 12 years old when he began his vision. Some 14 years later, it is open to the public and operates without state subsidy or grants. It's undoubtedly a real curiosity, eccentric too, but also has a touch of genius. It's an extraordinary achievement that is a must-visit for anyone who has done all the tick box tourist attractions. Drop in here and see the Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré Coeur, Les Invalides, and of course, the Eiffel Tower, all within a couple of hours. You can even take in Château Chambord, Carcassonne and Mont St Michel while you're there!

château de montségur st. nicholas russian orthodox cathedral

Take a 20-minute climb up to this ruined hilltop fortress; you won't regret it. Perched precariously on the pinnacle of a rocky outcrop and lying 30 km east of Foix, it's one of a string of Cathar castles sprinkled across Languedoc. It was a primary refuge for the Cathars and became something of a symbol of resistance. After a punishing siege, the Cathars were heavily defeated here in 1242, with all inhabitants burnt alive for refusing to renounce their faith. Adding mystery to the brutal facts of the event, local legend has it that the Holy Grail itself was smuggled out of the castle just before it was taken. The castle's altitude is over 1,200 metres at its highest point, so views over the surrounding mountains and the Pays d'Olmes are truly spectacular. Unusual among French medieval castles, Montségur was the title of a song by heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released in 2003.

Surprisingly perhaps, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice is one of the city's top attractions. At first glance, it may appear like a Disney fairytale castle, but this is the largest Russian orthodox place of worship outside Russia.

Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II to support the growing Russian ex-pat community on the Côte d'Azur, it was consecrated in 1912 and features many religious artefacts and carved icons transferred here for safekeeping during the Russian Revolution. For several decades wealthy Russians had been flocking to the Riviera, especially during winter, in search of a milder climate. The design is traditional orthodox but with a layout based on a Greek cross. A bell tower covered in gold leaf and several 'onion' domes create a distinctive and different silhouette on the Nice skyline. All the more striking when the typical Nice architecture is of the Haussmann style that is so prevalent in cities like Paris and Bordeaux.

Salt lakes aren't unusual, but this one is. Salin Aigues-Mortes is home to flocks of flamingos that visit the shores of this candyfloss-coloured salt lake. The vibrant pink is thanks to an algae which contains the same pigment found in carrots.

le palais idéal musée des egouts

Built entirely out of stones picked up on his morning post round, Le Palais idéal was constructed over 33 years by postman Ferdinand Cheval. It is an example of Naïve art - a form of visual art that is created by a person with no formal artistic training or education. Cheval took inspiration from other cultures and religions including Christianity and Hinduism.

Upon completion of the palace in 1912, Cheval wished to be buried in his palace but laws prohibited this and so he spent the next 8 years building a mausoleum in the same style for himself.

Hold your noses! You guessed it, Musée des Egouts or the Paris Sewer museum has been named as France's pongiest museum (but don't let that put you off!). Located under the bustling streets of Paris is a Napoleon-aged sewer system consisting of more than 1,000 kilometres of tunnels.

The museum itself is located in a working sewer giving visitors the chance to learn about its 145 year history and stroll along raised walkways directly above the water channels. Previously disused tunnels in this subterranean labyrinth have been repurposed to display interactive exhibits and in-depth information boards.

Image credit: © Radio France - Jade Peychieras

WINNER

Camping Lazy Rancho Unterseen-Interlaken, Bern, Switzerland

AR Ref: CH9430

Previous awards: 2018

SMALL & CHARMING AWARD

RUNNER UP

Glen of Aherlow Caravan and Camping Park Glen of Aherlow, Co. Tipperary, Ireland

AR Ref: IR9400 First Time Runner-up

an award for campsites that have mastered the art of being small, charming and fabulous

CAMPING AR GUIDE TO BEDS

On holiday everyone wants a good night sleep. So make sure you’re properly equipped and looking forward to turning out the lights when you next head off camping.

Some of us remember the bad old days of sleeping on the ground, on a canvas groundsheet which provided zero protection against the stones and twigs beneath and no insulation from the cold, damp ground.

Happily, today things are much better. The whole ‘art of camping’ has evolved with a combination of greater engineering possibilities, technical advancements and common sense. For starters, tents are better: more comfortable, quicker to assemble, lighter, more waterproof. And when it comes to the sleeping quarters, things have improved immeasurably too.

Modern alternatives for the well-equipped camper looking for a comfortable night’s sleep are quite a revelation. Camping may be partly about escaping the modern life of gadgets and connected devices for a more stripped back experience that is closer to nature. That said, none of us wants to give up the basic luxury of a decent night’s sleep.

Anyone with dark memories of old fashioned camp beds may be reassured that technical improvements have emerged over the last decades. The modern camp bed still offers the primary benefit of raising you off the ground but now it no longer snaps shut like a mantrap the moment you perch on one end.

What’s more, this staple is also available as a bunk bed, complete with its own carry bag. And other models are really high tech with various engineered fabrics and fillings designed to cosset, pamper, support in all the right places and regulate body temperature.

REDCAMP CAMP BED

VANGO SHANGRI-LA II 10 DOUBLE

At a glance

THE QUESTION IS

sleeping

airbeds mats or...

Airbeds have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly in the home where they can effectively increase sleeping capacity, whether for kids’ sleepovers, Christmas guests or granny.

They store well, though are considerably bulkier than a bedroll, and they provide comfort, but often only when inflated to just the right degree. This will depend on how many people are sleeping on it, their respective weights, and the extent to which the airbed is inflated. Too full and it is taut and unyielding with the sleepers bouncing on top like peas on a drum. Not enough air and it is slack and saggy, providing none of the comfort intended.

A little extra spent could prove a wise investment as certain comfort features will make a difference. Strengthened sides should make it harder to roll off during the night, and separate air pockets in double-size airbeds can make it much comfier for two. An electrically powered pump is a good idea as huffing and puffing is slow, tiring and can make you dizzy.

Airbeds that work via the cigarette lighter socket or 12v socket in the car are the best. Don’t forget the pump can make life easier when packing up too, by drawing air out from the airbed. No need to roll around madly on the deflating mattress trying to push out the last pockets of air.

When travelling light sleeping mats are a great option. They take up little space and come is all shapes and sizes and colours – they always prove immensely popular with festival-goers, backpackers and wild campers. The main principle behind them is that they simply unroll to form a barrier between you and the ground. A few millimetres insulates you with air and makes things much more comfortable. Some are billed a ‘self-inflating’ and these come with a valve. Unroll the mats, allow the foam inside to expand as it draws in air to form a slightly cushioned effect, then blow into the valve to add a little extra air. Result: a lightweight, springy pad which keeps you safe from the chill and discomfort of cold stony ground. The best models are made of a kind of memory foam for enhanced comfort and can be excellent value.

A WORD ABOUT INSULATION...

Generally, the ground is cold (outside high summer). Your air bed or sleeping mat (self-inflating or not) will lose heat through the ground, causing the air in the mat or bed to cool considerably. This will then make you cold too. The solution is to lay an insulating layer (blanket, rugs, foam mats) on the ground, and even on the mat itself too. More layers means improved insulation and a better night’s sleep.

CHOOSING YOUR

camping bed

When choosing the ideal camping bed for your requirements, think carefully. Consider how often you’ll use it (and so how generous your budget will be – if infrequent usage is expected, it might prove hard to justify a top of the range model). Bear in mind who will use it: the kids (who will grow) or any number of adults of different shapes and sizes (in this case you’ll probably need a bed suitable for all-comers).

If travelling by car you can consider an airbed (with its associated weight, bulk and the availability of a 12v socket). If backpacking you’ll probably be zooming in on a more easily portable sleeping mat of some kind.

Whatever you opt for it’s well worth a trip to a local store to see some camping beds in action. Serious anglers have a range of fishing beds designed for them – but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy one too! They are well thought out with impressive levels of detail and many a camper swears by them, despite never going near a fishing rod!

Go along to a camping and outdoors show where suppliers will have various models on show. Try one or two out at a camping superstore or a fishing superstore, see them set up and of course check that the one you like will fit inside your tent or trailer tent.

SEASIDE HOLIDAY PARADISE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Camping & Bungalow Park located right at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay of Rosas. Offers a large variety of entertainment and activities for all ages, state-of-the-art sanitary facilities and a large shopping centre. AQUAPARK with slides guarantees fun and relax for the whole family.

55th Edition

Selected Sites in Europe now available

Featuring details on over 400 of the best campsites in Europe!

Written by our expert campsite assessors and fully updated

Attractive full-page layout including contact details, GPS coordinates, site description, facilities lists and photos presented in a onecampsite-per-page view

Full-colour layout including country maps, indexed by site name, country, and region

Tourist information on featured countries and helpful advice for travelling abroad

CURIOUS

CATALUNYA

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For the Inquisitive-Minded

consult our catalogue at

AR.CAMP/CURIOUS-CATALONIA - - est 1968

ALAN ROGERS TRAVEL L

Much has been written about Catalonia and its myriad attractions. Perhaps one of the world’s A-list destinations, it boasts such gems as the Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia and the Dali Theatre-Museum, not to mention Valencia’s incredible Science Museum and dozens of theme parks, castles, vibrant cities and galleries.

Well, here we’re trying to think outside the box and suggest places to visit, which are not the typical highlights that appear in every blog post, guidebook, and insta. Places that are frankly niche, a bit esoteric perhaps, oddities even, but always fascinating. The bonus is that if there are any, the queues are tiny; the costs are lower than the big-name attractions, and you’ll come home with less of a tick-box feel to your holiday itinerary.

So here’s the Alan Rogers dozen: places that are more off-piste, off the beaten track and often well into the long grass. Visit a few of these, and you’ll feel far more informed about this fabulous region and have some experiences that will trump any of the "Big Name" attractions.

dalí gala t / /

About 170 km from Barcelona, the Jardins de Can Artigas lie in the village of La Pobla de Lillet. They were the brainchild of the famous architect Gaudi, famous for his major works in Barcelona and elsewhere. The gardens took shape during the early 20th century following a visit by Gaudi to his wealthy patron Eusebi Güell and were designed as a thank-you for his hospitality.

At the time Gaudi’s iconic Park Güell was taking shape in Barcelona, and he sent bricklayers from that project to ensure stylistic similarities. Highlights include La Glorieta, providing wonderful views, La Cova with its dramatic arches, the stone fountain of La Cascada and the arched bridge of El Berenador.

Almost forgotten and falling into disrepair, the gardens were rescued and restored in the 1970s, complete with Gaudi’s hallmark stonework, grottoes, Catholic symbols and wooden arches and are now open to the public.

Image credit: Olga Pibars - CC BY-SA 4.0

Sometimes known as the Castle of Púbol, this museum is where the extraordinary surrealist artist Salvador Dalí focused his creative energies to provide his wife Gala with a fitting resting place.

Dalí had always promised to buy her a castle, finally securing the dilapidated 11th-century Castle of Púbol in 1969. He revamped it, and she spent much of each summer there for the next decade until her death in 1982. Dalí himself even undertook not to visit the property without her express written permission.

It was opened to the public in 1996 as the Casa-Museu Castell Gala Dalí. Here visitors can discover the Piano Hall, the Gala Room, the library, the guest room and more, and admire the artworks that Dalí gave his wife: haute couture dresses, exquisite furniture and Gala’s mausoleum itself. Outside, the gardens are decorated with sculptures of long-legged elephants, a recurring motif in Dalí’s work.

MONT-REBEI DE CONGOST SAU DESANT ROMÀ

This gorge slices through a huge rocky outcrop of the Montsec mountain range, between Aragon and Catalonia. A protected area, walking paradise and designated wildlife refuge, the gorge is home to otters and majestic birds of prey circling overhead.

The ancient village of Sant Romà de Sau was once a sleepy community tucked away in Catalonia’s Sau Valley. Towering cliffs soared up on either side. The 1960s saw authorities construct a dam on the River Ter, providing a reservoir and ensuring water supplies for Catalonia, submerging Sant Romà.

- - DE SANTA

FLORENTINA Castell

Built on the foundations of an ancient Roman villa, this 11th-century castle is set in Canet de Mar, about 50 km from Barcelona. It’s a real gem, privately owned and often ignored by tourists looking for the big-name attractions who are unaware this was once cited as one of the world’s most beautiful castles.

TOWER MANRESANA / /

Back in the 10th-century, this region was dotted with sturdy watchtowers – ideal for spotting advancing hordes. This one, in Els Prats de Rei is perhaps the best preserved. Riseing up 21 metres, the tower is accessible with advanced booking.

Image credit: Angela Llop, CC BY-SA 2.0

In Piera, lying just to the west of Barcelona, local artist Julio Merino has created something unique. Is it a temple? Is it an art installation? Is it a pagoda? It’s probably a little of all of those. With Baroque elements, colourful tiles with vibrant blues, yellow and reds, and irregular spires that jut up into the suburban surroundings, it’s clearly inspired by Gaudi, whose work is an iconic part of the Barcelona landscape.

The point here is this is a different scale and approach. It’s one man's passion project, which has evolved over time. It’s a whimsical project that has taken shape in someone’s garden adjacent to a busy road. And it’s not just the ‘temple’ (the undoubted centrepiece). The whole garden is filled with Gaudi-style embellishments, from colourful tiled planters to ornate walls and intricate fencing. There’s even a grotto with water cascading down, frogs, naïve human figures, fish and nautical motifs, flowers and birds. This may not be classical art, but it’s brilliant.

The so-called Devil’s Bridge spans the River Llobregat, linking Martorell to Castellbisbal. Originally there was a Roman bridge here – fragments still remain and can be seen on either side, including the remains of a triumphal arch. In 1283 another was built which served well but was eventually destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1939, only rebuilt in 1965, using much of the original stone.

The bridge has earned the Devil’s Bridge nickname due to its slight otherworldly appearance. The massive bulwarks on either side are immense and solid-looking but taper to a delicate point in the middle. Oddly a small building is perched on this fragile-looking intersection. It’s shaped like a garden shed or a chapel, and is no accident of history: this small structure may once have been a toll booth, where payment was collected from travellers and is actually keeping the bridge stable.

Image credit: David Oliver, CC BY 2.0

Anis del Mono is a traditional aniseed liqueur created in 1868 by the Bosch brothers in Badalona. It’s a popular brand, shipped worldwide, featuring a bottle inspired by cut glass perfume bottles. Early on a monkey holding a bottle of the liqueur came to be the company's symbol, culminating in a 200 kg bronze sculpture of the monkey being installed on the waterside outside the factory in 2012. It remains a popular photo opportunity for tourists strolling along the seafront.

The distillery is a modernist jewel, with a modernist style that is preserved to this day, complete with wooden furniture and vintage posters. It was formally declared to be of historical heritage in 2007. The period heritage feel can be experienced with a tour – usually on the third Sunday of each month, but it’s best to check online for details.

Image credit: Vicente Maza Gómez, CC BY-SA 3.0

Back in the 10th-century, this region was dotted with sturdy watchtowers – ideal for spotting advancing hordes. This one, in Els Prats de Rei, around 50 km or so inland from Barcelona, is perhaps the best preserved. Dating from the 12th-century, this watchtower rises up 21 metres with a viewing terrace on the top where a fire could be lit, and smoke used to signal to other towers across the region.

It was once part of a much larger castle believed to have been visited by the king on several occasions. Nothing much remains of the castle but the tower was also a last bastion of defence, a final refuge should the castle fall into enemy hands. For this reason, it is solidly built with just a single door halfway up that could only be accessed by a ladder. This would be pulled up as the defenders retreated into the tower. Today the tower is freely accessible on the exterior, with advanced booking required to see inside.

PRÍNCEP JARDINS DEL D'EBRE POBLE VELL DE CORBERA

In Piera, lying just to the west of Barcelona, local artist Julio Merino has created something unique. Is it a temple? Is it an art installation? Is it a pagoda? It’s probably a little of all of those. With Baroque elements, colourful tiles with vibrant blues, yellow and reds, and irregular spires that jut up into the suburban surroundings, it’s clearly inspired by Gaudi, whose work is an iconic part of the Barcelona landscape.

The point here is this is a different scale and approach. It’s one man's passion project, which has evolved over time. It’s a whimsical project that has taken shape in someone’s garden adjacent to a busy road. And it’s not just the ‘temple’ (the undoubted centrepiece). The whole garden is filled with Gaudi-style embellishments, from colourful tiled planters to ornate walls and intricate fencing. There’s even a grotto with water cascading down, frogs, naïve human figures, fish and nautical motifs, flowers and birds. This may not be classical art, but it’s brilliant.

Image credit: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Prince’s Gardens are part park and part open-air gallery, beautifully arranged to showcase some wonderful sculptures. It’s a serene space, both inspiring and thought-provoking. Various themes in the artworks, created by the Spanish sculptor Santiago de Santiago, explore relationships and mankind’s tribulations. Most are nude figures cast in bronze though there are some more whimsical pieces, such as the family sitting on a bench, seeming to invite visitors to photograph themselves in the empty spaces.

The gardens are situated on the site of early 19th-century public baths and latterly a convent, at the foot of the Castell de la Suda’s northern ramparts. They offer a pleasant respite from the bustle of the town. After years of decline, they were opened in 1991, named after Prince Felipe de Borbon. There are great views over Tortosa’s old quarter from the top of the fortified town walls.

Image credit: Carme Ribes Moreno, CC BY-SA 3.0

Need a campsite at short notice? We can help you find campsites near you and get you on your way. In most corners of Europe, there are campsites situated close by. Find out more at ar.camp/near-me

VENTURE VENTURE

VENTURE VENTURE

VENTURE VENTURE Discover Discover Discover Discover

From towering redwoods, breath-taking canyons, iconic routes and dazzling cities – there are few places that can deliver the variety and excitement that a us trip holds. The usa is a tourer’s dream destination; the wide open roads comfortably carry you to some of the most extraordinary great-outdoors you can imagine. With National Parks to die for, blissful beaches to unwind on and thrilling cities to excite the senses, nowhere offers quite the same mix of sublime and ridiculous experiences.

Worldwide Caravan & Motorhome Holidays

As the most famous drive in the world, Route 66 is quite simply the ultimate road trip adventure.

Stretching over 3,900 kilometres, the road travels through eight states and guides travellers through the heart of America. It originally linked Chicago, Illinois, in the East with Santa Monica, Los Angeles in the West.

As one of the original highways of the us Highway System, it was established in 1926

and soon became a pop-cultural icon. It’s been referenced in hit songs such as “Get Your Kicks on (Route 66)” and John Steinbeck’s classic American novel The Grapes of Wrath.

The highway initially served as a primary westward route during the Great Migration. Now, this iconic road is home to unique roadside culture, vintage motels, fantastic food and thriving communities.

Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari

Bob's Gasoline Alley

THE LEGENDARY

Pacific

Coast HIGHWAY

The legendary California 1 Highway (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) is a true marvel of human endeavour. Hugging America’s rugged and beautiful western shoreline, it allows drivers to experience the awe-inspiring scenery of the Californian coast.

Linking San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Pacific Coast Highway allows visitors to enjoy California’s unique character and culture – from pioneer outposts to surfing hot spots, Hollywood glamour, bohemian kitsch and the region’s fantastic food and wine.

At over 900 kilometres long, it’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful roads in the world, a route designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

As well as expansive sandy beaches, you’ll be greeted by towering mountains and forests, endless skies and cosmopolitan cities. Thanks to California’s temperate weather, you can also take in the wonders of this “Sunshine State” all year round.

Big Sur Coast

california calling

independent motorhome tour

want to drive route 66? you need the 25 day, year-round tour

This is a fabulous opportunity to experience some of California’s highlights, along with must-sees in Nevada and Arizona. The bright lights of LA will welcome you before you head east to Joshua Tree National Park and a succession of some of the world’s greatest natural spectacles: national parks of Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite (Grand Canyon is even an option).

A stay in Vegas adds a touch of sparkle, San Francisco a flourish of cosmopolitan colour before there’s a chance to experience the Pacific Coast Highway and one of the world’s greatest drives.

CRUISE AMERICA

c30 large motorhome

San Francisco

Los Angeles and Hollywood Kingman and the Route 66 Museum Las Vegas

Calico "Ghost Town” San Francisco

The Pacific Coast Highway Monterey Bay and the 17 mile drive

UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park

"meets all the modern family needs"

The Cruise America C30 Large motorhome is an economical family unit and is a traditional favourite for those who want the walk-through convenience of a motorhome. The kitchen includes a gas/electric refrigerator with a large freezer section, a gas cook top, a microwave and a sink, making it easier to store and cook meals in the motorhome.

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what's included on this vacation?

Flights to Los Angeles

Three nights 4-star hotel accommodation in Los Angeles All transfers

Cruise America C19 Compact Motorhome hire for 21 days including: Statutory Liability Cover Supplemental Liability Insurance up to $1,000,000 VIP Coverage ($1,500 deductible per incident)

Unlimited mileage Unlimited Generator Usage Vehicle kit including cutlery and crockery, personal kit including sleeping bags, sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases 20 nights in pre-booked campgrounds in sought-after areas

Personalised road book with travel tips, local information and day-to-day driving itinerary

independent motorhome tour

america's national parks

22 day, year-round tour

This is a classic trip through epic scenery, partly along Route 66, linking several of America’s most sensational national parks. You’ll experience the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the natural drama of Canyonlands, the soaring sandstone arches and rock formations of Arches National Park and the serene majesty of Zion National Park.

You'll pass through epic movie locations, famous from many Westerns, in particular the iconic outcrops of Monument Valley. To top off the itinerary, enjoy the shimmering crystal waters of Lake Powell and the unique appeal of Las Vegas.

highlights include:

The lights of Las Vegas

Kingman and the Route 66 Museum

Moab and Arches National Park

Dead Horse State Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon National Park

Las Vegas

Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon Moab and Arches National Park

what's included on this vacation?

International flights to Las Vegas

Three nights 4-star hotel accommodation in Las Vegas

All transfers

Cruise America C19 Compact Motorhome hire for 18 days including:

Statutory Liability Cover

Supplemental Liability Insurance up to $1,000,000 VIP Coverage ($1,500 deductible per incident)

Unlimited mileage Unlimited Generator Usage Vehicle kit including cutlery and crockery, personal kit including sleeping bags, sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases

17 nights in pre-booked campgrounds in sought-after areas

Personalised road book with travel tips, local information and day-to-day driving itinerary

independent motorhome tour

the big one

38 day, year-round tour

This independent itinerary is designed to showcase some of the most incredible destinations in North America. It includes the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Joshua Tree and Lake Powell.

You’ll experience the majesty of celebrated national parks like Yosemite, Canyonlands, Sequoia, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion. You’ll visit the iconic cities of Las Vegas, San Francisco and LA. Enjoy extraordinary experiences like driving down the California Highway 1 and visiting Alcatraz.

Throw into the mix a chance to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and along Venice Beach, explore ghost towns and savour sunsets in the Mohave Desert and you have a sensational trip of a lifetime.

highlights include:

Monument Valley National Parks of Joshua Tree, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon & Sequoia Cities of Las Vegas and San Francisco

UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon & Yosemite National Parks

Yosemite National Park

Morro Bay

what's included on this vacation?

International flights to Las Vegas

Two nights 4-star hotel accommodation in Los Angeles

All transfers

Cruise America C19 Compact Motorhome hire for 35 days including:

Statutory Liability Cover

Supplemental Liability Insurance up to $1,000,000 VIP Coverage ($1,500 deductible per incident)

Unlimited mileage Unlimited Generator Usage Vehicle kit including cutlery and crockery, personal kit including sleeping bags, sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases

34 nights in pre-booked campgrounds in sought-after areas

Los Angeles

Personalised road book with travel tips, local information and day-to-day driving itinerary

Above all nations, the world around, sky routes are fast and free. The world up there is everyone's world. And no one knows it better than your Starliner pilot and crew - for TWA Starliners fly more than 5,000,000 miles a month, up where the world is one.

discover our other

all-american adventures

26 day, year-round, independent tour

New England is located in the north-east and combines the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Drive up into the mountains for spectacular panoramic views or drive along the New England coast to see the vibrant fall foliage colours along the roadsides and against the brilliant blue of the ocean.

florida & the keys

20 day, year-round, independent tour

Florida is best known for its theme parks but over the years it has also been a home to several bestselling authors, artists and architects - think Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams who both resided in Key West.

This independent tour offers all the highlights of the Sunshine State including Orlando, Miami, the Everglades, Florida Keys and the spectacular beaches right across the state.

the best of alaska

21 day, year-round, independent tour

The Rhythms of the South tour incorporates three of the main centres for American music, New Orleans famous for jazz, Memphis, home of the Blues and birthplace of Rock and Roll, plus Nashville for rock, bluegrass, jazz, blues and soul. With most of the drives being on easy-to-drive Interstate Highways and two or three night stays in most destinations, this tour should allow you plenty of time to soak up the music.

colours of new england rythms of the south red rocks by rail and road

21 day, year-round, independent tour

17 day, scheduled, independent tour

Our Best of Alaska independent motorhome tour offers you some fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing and the chance to immerse yourself in exceptionally beautiful scenery. Travelling through Alaska in a motorhome is an amazing way to explore the vast and remote wilderness which is home to Denali National Park and Mount McKinley/Denali, the highest peak in North America.

During the first part of your American adventure, you will board the famous Rocky Mountaineer and spends two days travelling through extraordinary landscapes across Utah and Colorado. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways, and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. Available in SilverLeaf Service, this Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and crossing the Continental Divide.

Once in your motorhome, you’ll have time to discover many of America’s National Parks as you head east and back towards Denver. This independent motorhome tour offers some of America's best scenery, from the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River to the dramatic canyon lands of the Moab and Arches and the snow-capped mountains of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

to find out more about our tours, visit worldwide.alanrogers.com

ALTE PORT RNAT UGAL IVE

The Alentejo forms around a third of Portugal's landmass, yet it has just 6% of the population, and few visitors can claim to know much about it.

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The region has had a real cocktail of influences: the Romans, Phoenicians, Spanish, Knights Templar, and Moors all left their mark – even Neolithic man left countless mysterious menhirs here. And the cultural heritage is as rich as anywhere in Europe, but with fewer visitors.

Those who visit are stunned by the epic, almost biblical landscape of rolling hills, vast open plains, cork oak and olive trees. In spring, it's a carpet of wildflowers. The coastline is dramatic,

Capela dos Ossos, Evora

Just 130 km from Lisbon, Evora is a treasure trove of history. There's so much to see with palaces, elegant squares, beautiful convents, and more – it's no surprise that the entire town has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Since the 17th century, the Chapel of Bones has represented the fleeting nature of life with its interior decorated with thousands of bones and skulls of long-departed monks which cover the walls, ceilings and pillars. An inscription reads, "We, the bones of the departed that lie here, await yours". Perhaps not the kind of chilling sentiment you expect to read on your holidays but a powerful statement nonetheless. This may seem macabre to us today, but it was born of necessity: overcrowding of graveyards meant that new solutions had to be found, and this was a way to respectfully deal with the problem while aligning with religious beliefs that the dead would be closer to God.

too, with craggy cliffs and fine sandy beaches stretching to the horizon. The Alentejo wine is fast becoming a favourite on the world stage, and the gastronomy is sublime: simple, regional cuisine at incredibly affordable prices – this is the epicurean soul of Portugal.

It may be time to avoid the crowded hotspots of Mediterranean Europe and seek out an alternative that offers far more for far less.

Capela dos Ossos (by Vitor Oliveira, CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Amoreira Aqueduct

This astonishing structure was built around 400 years ago and still dominates the landscape as it snakes majestically towards the ancient fortified town of Elvas, not far from the Spanish border. The project to channel water from afar was begun in the mid-16th century and took almost a century to complete. The structure is epic, dominating the landscape and standing thirty metres high, with four tiers of beautifully constructed arches running for over eight kilometres. It's not possible to 'visit' the aqueduct, but be sure to pull over and admire its elegant proportions, graceful arches and remarkable condition.

Breathtakingly ambitious in its scale, this is one of Europe's largest aqueducts, and in its day, it solved the region's water supply problem. Today it is one of the most renowned symbols of the Alentejo and is one of the region's many UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Troia Peninsula

Lying at the entrance to the Sado River estuary, the Troia Peninsula is a magnificent 13-milelong sand bank studded with fragrant pine forests and some of Europe's finest beaches. At its foot, the small village of Comporta is one of the country's most chic and exclusive destinations. Its shimmering sands, pastelstriped beach cabanas and turquoise waters offer sophisticated beach life and is a magnet for celebrities. Madonna, José Mourinho, Harrison Ford, Carla Bruni and many more are no strangers to its crystal-clear waters and the upmarket villas and hotels that fringe the sheltered lagoon-like waters.

From Setúbal and Lisbon, a ferry crossing or a roundabout road runs through the nature reserves, home to storks, flamingos and herons. The Sado estuary is home to one of Europe's last communities of river dolphins – take a boat trip and see these friendly creatures up close as they follow the boat.

Amoreira Aqueduct

Troia Peninsula

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Évora Roman Temple

Evora's historic and charming town is packed with architectural treasures and monuments. The oldest building here dates from the 1st century AD, a temple built in honour of the Roman emperor Augustus and once clad in the finest Estremoz marble.

The temple is set in the centre of the old town, not far from the 13th-century cathedral, reached via a network of narrow alleys and cobbled streets. Today its 14 Corinthian columns stand proudly on the raised stone base, dominating the old square and a striking emblem of the town. Restored in the 19th century, it is today one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the Iberian Peninsula and is a powerful symbol of the Roman presence at the western edge of the empire.

Roman Temple of Évora

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Estremoz

With its white houses scattered across the hillside, Estremoz is known as one of Alentejo's 'white cities'. Many buildings are whitewashed, but there are also vast deposits of white marble here which explains why so many commonplace buildings feature this material. In fact, Estremoz accounts for about 90% of Portuguese marble exports.

Once a vital border bastion, Estremoz is clustered around a fortified 14th-century hilltop palace that rises above the old town. Visit the imposing castle, and admire the vast city walls and ancient convent. Stop by the famous artisan market and buy a traditional clay figurine - Bonecos de Estremoz - recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today the marble palace is a pousada hotel surrounded by quiet cobbled lanes and alleys with incredible panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

Alqueva Reservoir

This is Europe's largest artificial lake, formed by the damming of the River Guadiana in 2002 and covering a vast expanse of 250 square kilometres. Aside from providing water for the central Alentejo region, the lake offers a fantastic setting for watersports: sailing, water skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all popular here. The marina offers a range of craft for hire: why not take a houseboat for a few days or explore the countless creeks and tributaries and sleep under the stars of the Dark Sky Reserve?

Tour the olive groves and vineyards that border the lake and explore the picturesque villages that look down on it, notably Monsaraz and Mourao, complete with ancient castles and plenty of Alentejo charm. The sandy beach (praia fluvial) near Monsaraz is popular, with free parking, a restaurant and a kid's playground, as well as floating pontoons for swimmers.

Estremoz

Alqueva Reservoir

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Marvao

From the top of a rocky escarpment, over 800 metres above sea level, the medieval walled village of Marvão dominates the wild and rugged landscape of the Serra do Sapoio like an ancient eagle's nest. On the doorstep of Spain, it has long been a strategic watch tower, and today is simply a tranquil vantage point.

This is the highest point of the dramatic Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, where undulating moors and craggy ridges meet mysterious dolmens, ancient cork trees and tumbling streams. Take in the epic views, the clear air and the sweep of history, which dates back to 3,000 BC: numerous dolmens, rock tombs and megaliths blend into their surroundings and are part of the landscape.

Today the village is famed for its classical music Festival Internacional de Música de Marvão, performed in the magical setting of one of Portugal's most beautiful villages during July.

Elvas fortifications

Elvas fortifications

The frontier town of Elvas was stoutly defended against the Spanish and is beautifully preserved. Perched on a lofty hilltop is the castle, a massive structure of Moorish origin and once the scene of peace treaties and royal wedding banquets. In 1906, it became the first Portuguese national monument and, in 2012, was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Stroll the mighty walls and gaze over the rolling countryside to get a sense of Elvas' strategic importance.

Just outside the town lie two great local landmarks classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the distinctive star-shaped Forte da Graça and the Forte de Santa Luzia. The former is an example of 18th-century military architecture and is one of the greatest fortresses in the world. The latter is a 17th-century masterpiece, a survivor of many battles and a solid defence over the centuries - the Museu Militar is a hugely informative military museum.

Hilltop village of Marvao

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Cromeleque dos Almendres

The Cromlech of Almendres is located just outside Évora. Composed of 95 stone monoliths arranged in a circle, it is the largest formation of menhirs in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most important in the world, not only for its size but also for its conservation status.

Over 5,000 years old, the stones are set on a slight ridge and pre-date Stonehenge by 1,000 years. Incredibly, though used by generations of shepherds for grazing, it was only 'discovered' by a broader audience in the 1960s. Today it is still off the beaten track, down a dusty road ending at a small car park. Stroll among the mysterious stones (some up to 3.5m high), ponder the faint etchings that have long since lost their meaning and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. There are rarely crowds here, and there's no gift shop or tourist coaches, so this is an incredible spot to watch the sunset.

Monsaraz

One of the jewels of the Alentejo and a definite 'must see', the fortified hilltop village of Monsaraz is a pocket-sized, delightful place to stroll, crammed with history and offering enormous charm and photo opportunities. Monsaraz has witnessed an eventful history, courtesy of the Moors and Knights Templar and its narrow, cobbled streets, artisan shops, and whitewashed houses lead to a castle with commanding wraparound views across the Alentejan plains.

This is one of the oldest villages in Alentejo, set within a pastoral landscape and immersed in a deep, rich culture that stretches back thousands of years. Enter through one of the four historic gates set into the walls, visit the magnificent 16th-century church and taste the local wines. Follow one of the themed walking trails from the village through olive groves and past various menhirs that pepper the surrounding countryside and which still sit barely noticed as the centuries pass slowly.

Cromeleque dos Almendres

Monsaraz

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Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve

It's easy to see why conditions are so perfect for star gazing during the stunning night skies: the population is meagre, there are no major towns or conurbations and no real industry. With no light pollution, the Alqueva district was the first destination in the world to be awarded the Starlight Tourism Destination Certificate by UNESCO. The Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is still one of the few worldwide.

The reserve covers over 3,000 square kilometres, encompassing the picturesque villages of Alandroal, Monsaraz, Mourao, Portel,

Moura and Barrancos. With an average of 286 cloudless nights annually, visitors can enjoy unparalleled night sky views throughout the year. The reserve has two observatories, well away from light pollution and from where budding astronomers can marvel at the celestial carpet of stars that unfolds above them. Dark Sky Alqueva has created quite a stir, competing for the World Travel Awards and coming up against the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis and the Colosseum, amongst others.

Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve

CAMPING IN AREAS OF

OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

IN ENGLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND

There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own National Scenic Area designation). The AONB designation developed from the germ of an idea put forward by John Dower in 1945 and the first region to be awarded the status was the Gower Peninsula in 1956 (the most recent is the Tamar Valley in 1994).

Today the 46 AONBs cover around 18% of the UK countryside and 20% of the English coastline. Some 19,000 km of public footpaths run through AONBs. In short, two-thirds of the UK population live within 30 minutes of an AONB – the theory is most people should have access to some of the most delicate habitats and attractive landscapes in the country.

The primary role of AONBs is to conserve and enhance natural beauty. There are caveats, namely that “account should be taken of the needs of agriculture,

forestry, and other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities”. AONBs have similar levels of protection to those of national parks but, unlike national parks, the governing bodies do not have independent planning powers.

Each AONB has its own unique characteristics –exemplified by its landscape, habitats, wildlife and cultural heritage. The role of the AONB organisation is to protect and safeguard it for future generations.

Most AONBs have campsites either inside the designated area or within easy reach. Here we've compiled the definitive list of campsites in and around the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If this isn't for you, then check out our guide to Camping in our National Parks.

WALL

HADRIAN'S

This rugged, windswept coast is renowned for its wildlife and rich historical connections. Castles at Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh are particularly noteworthy. The AONB lies in a rural area with a population of 12,500 and runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Amble, a mix of long stretches of sand backed with rolling dunes. Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, is an obvious highlight, with its fast-submerged causeway and tidal pools that constantly refresh aquatic ecosystems with each high tide. The dunes and marshy mudflats here are home to a wonderful variety of birdlife. There are also several offshore islands and the rocky Farne Islands.

NORTHUMBERLAND COAST NORTH PENNINES

Lying between the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, here’s an AONB brimming with variety. It’s a tranquil landscape of real natural interest, from cascading waterfalls to epic vistas over the moors, from sturdy little grey stone villages to undulating dales. 40% of the UK’s upland hay meadows and 27% of its blanket bog can be found here. It sprawls across almost 2,000 square kilometres and is the second largest of all the AONBs.

This area has taken millions of years to be forged from the landscape: the huge valley of High Cup Gill near Dufton and High Force on the River Tees have slowly been carved out. No surprise that this AONB has been recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark for its geological significance.

The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not far from Carlisle and runs along the Cumbrian side of the Solway Firth with an unusual 7m high raised beach running along the coast. There are stretches of sandstone cliffs, none particularly high, and dunes that border the foreshore where countless wildfowl congregate to feed through the winter. As the tide recedes, the feeding grounds emerge from the waters, offering up salt marsh, rich mud flats and sandy beaches. Seals, porpoises and dolphins frequent the offshore waters.

SOLWAY COAST ARNSIDE & SILVERDALE

The Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, up in the northwest of England, remarkably claims that it hosts more than 50% of the flowering plant species of Britain. At 75 square kilometres, it may be one of the smallest AONBs, but it certainly packs a punch for a variety of habitats and a richness of terrain.

With craggy limestone outcrops, venerable woodlands, timeless meadows and nutrient-rich wetlands, it’s something of a magnet for all kinds of life. Rare butterflies and wildflowers like the High Brown Fritillary and Lady’s Slipper orchid find a safe refuge here. Wading birds flock to Morecambe Bay to feed in their thousands, and other species like marsh harrier and the endangered bittern are protected at RSPB Leighton.

FOREST OF BOWLAND

In 2005 this was the first area in England to be included in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. This celebrated the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's work in championing environmentally friendly tourism while still supporting the local economy.

This is a timeless place, with huge skies, rugged moors, granite farms and cottages clinging to the ancient landscape. The AONB comprises 803 square kilometres, spread over Lancashire and North Yorkshire, around Pendle Hill and the River Ribble. With so much unspoilt landscape, there’s plenty of wildlife and birds like the protected hen harrier are at home amidst the heather.

NIDDERDALE

Quintessentially a slice of northern England, its 233 square miles comprise lush wooded dales, tranquil lakes and blustery moors. The rolling hills and deep valleys attract visitors from across the world.

The AONB covers evocative places such as lower Wharfedale, Wensleydale and the Washburn valley. It includes historical monuments of national importance like Jervaulx Abbey and Fountains Abbey and childhood favourites like Brimham Rocks, where children through the generations have clambered over the bizarrely shaped and weathered rock formations that date from the last ice age 320 million years ago. The dark skies here are among the best in the country, with most of the AONB being uninterrupted open moorland.

HOWARDIAN HILLS

Lying north of York, this AONB is of national importance for its Jurassic limestone landscape. Highlights here are the deep Kirkham Gorge, a unique glacial channel, the River Derwent, which is a refuge for outstanding wild plants and animals, archaeological features like Iron Age earthworks, and grand houses such as Castle Howard, Newburgh Priory, Hovingham Hall, Gilling Castle and Nunnington Hall. These are all as much part of this landscape as they are man-made features.

The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 79 square miles of North Yorkshire countryside, wedged in between the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York.

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS

Occupying an area northeast of Lincoln and running broadly parallel with the coast, the Lincolnshire Wolds feature some of the most gorgeous countryside in the East Midlands. This is no sterile park; it’s a working landscape with plenty of habitats for protecting some of our most endangered species. Areas of woodland, unique grasslands and former chalk pits are all vital elements in this work.

Other features are the dramatic western scarp, the dry-sided valleys and the former sea cliff to the east, all of which evolved during the ice age some 150 million years ago.

SHROPSHIRE HILLS

Lying between Ludlow to the south and Shrewsbury to the north, the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty occupies 310 square miles in the Welsh Marches, around a quarter of Shropshire. It has had a turbulent history, with many deserted settlements, stone circles, Roman villas and remains of fortified hilltop communities dating from times when the defence was a primary concern.

As the name suggests, this AONB has plenty of hills to explore! The Long Mynd Trail is popular with deep valleys and Bronze Age monuments. Walcot Woods is magical, with the remnants of a large Elizabethan deer park dotted with 400-year-old oaks. The Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail runs for 177 miles, but 11 miles is in the AONB. Look for some of England’s less often-seen inhabitants along the way - pine martens, red grouse, snipe and merlin.

CANNOCK CHASE

Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is shaped by chalk, formed after a period 100 million years ago when it was under the sea. Today it comprises 380 square miles of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, almost 90% of which is classed as farmland. The AONB accounts for 14% of the UK’s important chalk grassland, as well as ancient woodlands and 220 miles of increasingly threatened chalk rivers.

It’s a walker’s paradise, with a network of Rights of Way that extends over 927 miles in total. The long-distance footpaths of the Wessex Ridgeway, Jubilee Trail and the Monarch’s Way run through this AONB. For epic views head to Melbury Beacon or Winklebury Hill Fort on the Ox Drove.

COTSWOLDS

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is synonymous with the classic English pastoral scene of bucolic landscape, picturesque, honey-coloured villages and verdant rolling hills linking sleepy settlements and peaceful pastures. It was awarded AONB status in 1966, and not surprisingly, it’s the largest of all AONBs, 787 square miles in all, ranging from near Stratford upon Avon to Bath and spread across several English counties.

Much of this area has its roots in the lucrative wool trade of the 17th century, and many handsome buildings still exist, built from the famous rich yellow Cotswold stone which bestows so much character to the area. There’s much to see and never enough time, but highlights include Chipping Camden, Broadway and Stow on the Wold, as well as Sudeley Castle, Tetbury Market House and Malmesbury Abbey.

CHILTERN HILLS

The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is in a glorious location just northwest of London and convenient for over 10 million people. It’s a varied mix of traditional farmland fringed with ancient hedges, woods, orchards and rich pasture. Plant species that favour chalk grassland thrive here, including rarities like Chiltern gentian, wild candytuft and pasqueflower.

It’s one of England’s most wooded landscapes, notably the mature beech woods. There are nine chalk streams whose fragile ecosystems are increasingly endangered and provide habitats for the otter, water vole and reed bunting. Special places to visit include Chenies Manor, West Wycombe Park and Hughenden Manor, all with fascinating histories to discover.

MALVERN HILLS

Lying southwest of Worcester, the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was created in 1959, and its dramatic landscape straddles Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. The hills are spectacular, the highest point being Worcestershire Beacon at 425 metres: on a clear day, there are views over to Wales and the Cotswolds. Some of these rocks are estimated at over 600 million years old, making them among the oldest in England.

Ancient woods are scattered across the hills and the rural pastures, crisscrossed by trails for walkers and cyclists and offering a variety of terrain and habitats that shelter different flora and fauna. The type of terrain changes across the AONB, with striking contrasts between the north-south ridge and the undulating agricultural land on either side.

NORFOLK COAST

The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty wraps around a long section of the coast and covers 451 square kilometres. It is one of a handful of lowland areas which retain elements of ‘wilderness’. There are various types of terrain, each adding interest and unique features: heaths, salt marshes, rocky cliffs, chalk rivers and little fishing ports. Notable features are the silt, shifting sands of the Wash, the exemplary dunes of Winterton and the constantly eroding cliffs east of Weybourne.

The coastal habitats house several bird sanctuaries and nature reserves, which attract ‘twitchers’ from around the world. Other visitors are drawn by heritage destinations like Holkham Hall, Felbrigg and Sheringham Park.

DEDHAM VALE

Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is synonymous with pastoral England, a place where time seems to have stood still for a couple of centuries. It feels immediately familiar to any visitor who has seen such scenes in greetings cards and kitchen calendars, often courtesy of paintings by Constable and Gainsborough.

It's all utterly charming and bucolic, with peaceful villages, rolling agricultural land, meandering rivers and ancient meadows. But East Anglian grasslands have been severely depleted over the years, and some of the wildflower meadows of this AONB are uniquely precious.

It’s a small area of just 90 square kilometres, with historic towns like Colchester not far away. Take a walk along the riverbank, where the willows drape over the slow-moving waters or rent a row boat in Dedham.

SUFFOLK COAST & HEATHS

The influence of Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB has stretched to the art world, its distinctive character acting as a muse for musicians and artists, including Benjamin Britten and Gustav Holst.

This is an area of natural beauty for long dog walks, strolls along the blustery beach, perhaps some cycling along the peaceful lanes or just taking some binoculars and observing the amazing bird life on the marshes.

This is one of most important wildlife centres, with three national nature reserves, a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the RSPB run Minsmere Reserve.

rural landscape of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was largely shaped during medieval times and whose character lingers to this day. It’s a terrain of rolling hills, occasionally broken by sandstone outcrops, dotted with relatively small fields, farms and ancient roads and lanes, often sunken with time. Stretching from Tonbridge and East Grinstead down to the coast at Hastings, this is 1,461 square kilometres of unspoilt countryside, despite being in the heart of one of England’s most populous regions, the southeast.

Weald originally took its name from the dense forest, but this has mostly disappeared, leaving huge swathes of ancient broadleaf woods. In fact, the Weald AONB retains 23% of woodland cover, one of the highest in England.

The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a landscape running from the coast and the white cliffs of Dover up to Surrey and the edge of London. This is a stunning region, from the chalky cliffs, chalk grasslands of international importance, and traditional ragstone villages to ancient broadleaf woodlands carpeted with bluebells.

Much of the distinctive habitats and their wildlife is shaped by the chalky ground – the chalky grassland allows orchids, in particular, to thrive. Other terrain includes traditional orchards, marshy pastures, ponds and open heathland, each attractive to different forms of flora and fauna. Some of this is under threat: around 75% of ponds have been lost in the last century due to land intensification.

NORTH WESSEX DOWNS

The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all about chalk – more specifically, the magnificent sweeps of chalk downlands north of Salisbury. These gently rolling hills and undulating farmland, studded with picturesque villages, are mesmerizing. The AONB runs from Goring Gap to the east and incorporates the chalky uplands of the Marlborough, Berkshire and North Hampshire Downs, running west to the White Horse Vale. This is the third largest AONB, covering 668 square miles and running across parts of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Sarsen stones form the great stone circle, and the famous avenue at Avebury and Fyfield Down is a big attraction for visitors.

SURREY HILLS

Popular with day trippers coming from London, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs east to west through Surrey. Striking ridges, beechclad slopes and a prominent crest give way to a chalky landscape, along with sandy heathland to the west. Villages like Shere and Abinger are integral to the visual appeal of this AONB.

It was designated an AONB in 1958, the second area to be so recognised. Unusually for an AONB, agriculture is not the primary economic activity here. This is very much commuter territory, along with rural activities like equestrianism and outdoor activities.

Highlights include spectacular views from the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Leith Hill, the highest point in southeast England, and Newlands Corner's woods. Frensham Ponds is a lovely place for picnics, Reigate Hill offers wonderful views, and Box Hill is famous as a beauty spot with excellent walking trails.

CORNWALL

The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is slightly unusual in comprising 12 separate areas within Cornwall. Combined, these account for 370 square miles, some 27% of the county. Inevitably it features some of England’s landmark locations – Land’s End, the Lizard Peninsula, Tintagel and Polperro for starters.

Variety is the key here. The north coast features jagged cliffs and foam-splashed rocks, such as at Boscastle, while the south coast is more gentle with hidden coves and sleepy fishing villages. The wide open spaces of wild Bodmin Moor, with its dramatic stone tors, and the idyllic Roseland offer different habitats for all kinds of flora and fauna.

TARMAR VALLEY

Lying north of Plymouth, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddles Cornwall and Devon with 200 square kilometres. It was designated an AONB in 1995, making it one of the more recent to be so classified. The valley is shaped by the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher and has Dartmoor to the east and Kit Hill to the west. It features woodland valleys and steep gorges, which are often remote and inhospitable, leading down to wetlands that offer welcome nutrient-rich refuge for overwintering birds.

The AONB still bears witness to past human activities, with disused mining heritage from the 18th century and traditional field patterns and orchards that are a legacy of centuries of market gardening here.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers about half the island and has been recognised since 1992. It encompasses many different types of landscape, mostly characterised by chalk which has shaped the topography, the natural habitats and flora and fauna.

To the south, there are wonderful panoramas from the downs above Ventnor and the Undercliff. Enjoy the Tennyson Heritage Coast and chalk downs in the southwest, with epic sea views across the Needles chalk stacks and dinosaur footprints at Brook Bay. There’s the delightful Hamstead Heritage Coast overlooking the Solent, a peaceful shoreline interspersed by little creeks, cliffs and a wooded interior where red squirrels still find sanctuary. The Osborne Coast, with its exotic vegetation and Victorian structures, is famous for its royal connections.

CHICHESTER HARBOUR

Boats and birds. These define most of Chichester Harbour AONB and ensure visitors keep coming. These are some of England’s most popular boating waters, popular with dinghy sailors, yachties and all kinds of nautical types who enjoy messing about in boats. There are 14 sailing clubs and around 12,000 leisure boats to keep them occupied. As for wildlife, an estimated 55,000 birds are here throughout the year, including large numbers of Brent Geese, Dunlin and Little Egrets.

From the water, visit Bosham, one of the most attractive of the Harbour villages and where King Canute allegedly tried to turn the tide back. There’s the added bonus of excellent tea shops.

DORSET

This AONB accounts for about 50% of Dorset and showcases one of England’s finest coastlines. Head inland slightly, and the landscape is straight from a Thomas Hardy novel, all gentle hills, isolated farms linked by narrow lanes, picturesque villages and country steeples.

The area is notable for its chalky grasslands, heathlands, ancient meadows and woodlands, and, of course, the coastal cliffs and epic scenery of the Jurassic Coast, the first British natural World Heritage Site with all its dinosaur-based associations. Other visitors' highlights include the beautiful Lulworth Cove, the stone arch of Durdle Door - the subject of countless photographs and picture postcards - the elongated pebble bank of Chesil Beach and the Fleet.

There’s a hugely varied range of habitats and supported species here. It’s no surprise that 67 Sites of Special Scientific Interest cumulatively cover 7% of the AONB.

CRANBOURNE CHASE

Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers magnificent landscapes and superb outdoor activities, making it popular with cyclists, walkers and horse riders. Humans are known to have settled here since 8,000 BC, long before Cranborne Chase was created as a royal hunting forest in the time of William the Conqueror. Situated southeast of Stafford, it comprises heathland, deciduous woodland, conifer plantations and small lakes and is the smallest AONB with just 26 square miles. There are three local nature reserves, 21 wildlife sites and some 20% of the AONB is also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

QUANTOCK HILLS

The Quantock Hills are wild, peaceful and rugged. Running along a 19 km ridge north of Taunton, towards the Bristol Channel, there are magnificent views along the coast, across the vast heathlands and over the deep wooded valleys or combes. To the east, the long valleys give way to the dense vegetation and copses before falling off to the Somerset Levels.

The craggy Jurassic coastline is a unique area with its own cultural heritage and topographical character. The rocks here are up to 200 million years old, and the fossilised ammonites are among the oldest recorded in Britain.

MENDIP HILLS

This is a dramatic landscape of sheer gorges, rocky spurs and the lakes of the Chew Valley. Notable highlights include the Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge. Running inland from the Bristol Channel, the limestone hills of the Mendips climb to 300 metres before dropping to the Somerset Levels. The gorges create a unique habitat, and rare flora clings to the cliff face.

Up on the austere plateau around Priddy and Charterhouse, the rugged hilltops are scattered with timeless drystone walls, long disused mines and ancient remains from centuries past. Remnants from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman period are common.

Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has two National Nature Reserves, numerous sites of Special Scientific Interest and is a prominent caving centre.

EAST DEVON

Around 185 million years ago, the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was at the bottom of the sea. Today its 268 square kilometres represent a diverse collection of habitats, with plentiful wildlife and a vibrant cultural heritage that still thrives on traditional practices.

This is a captivating landscape of secretive wooded valleys, windswept heath, rolling hills and tranquil rivers.

The AONB stretches from Exmouth in the west to Sidmouth in the south and borders Honiton and Lyme Regis. Designated an AONB in 1963, it’s popular with walkers, especially for the South West Coast Path.

The Jurassic Coast is a notable highlight, an important World Heritage Site, where fossils can be found without too much trouble as you wander along the beach.

BLACKDOWN HILLS

On the border of Devon and Somerset, charming Blackdown Hills AONB is a serene area of natural beauty, rich in wildlife and cultural heritage. It has a fragile beauty, and in many ways, it is the epitome of the classic English countryside with scattered farms surrounded by irregular field systems, bordered by ancient hedgerows and interspersed by narrow lanes.

The hills feature a blustery plateau with wooded slopes and valleys falling down to the farmland on the lower reaches. There are ancient wildflower meadows, grasslands, fens and bogs, each habitat supporting different species. The increasingly endangered dormouse shelters in the woodland while the whiteclawed crayfish – our only native crayfish – has retreated to the River Culm.

Notable monuments include the Wellington Monument on the northern ridge, and the Otterhead Lakes Nature Reserve is popular with walkers.

NORTH DEVON

Spread across 66 square miles of some of England’s most attractive and important coastline, the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features dramatic cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, secret coves, sandy dunes and wooded valleys. Each habitat represents shelter and an environment where different species can find refuge, as well as providing geological and cultural interest for visitors.

There are countless villages and little ports to visit, including Clovelly with its pirate history, historic Bideford and Woolacombe with its magnificent beach. The enormous sweep of Barnstaple Bay and the sands of Westward Ho! and Braunton Burrows are in stark contrast to the jagged cliffs that face resolutely out to the Atlantic at Hartland Point. Further variety can be found in the cliff-top grasslands, many incorporating Sites of Special Scientific Interest and harbouring rare species like marsh orchids.

FARM

SOUTH DEVON

Designated as an AONB back in 1960; South Devon is spread over 330 square kilometres, about 30% of which is coastal. What makes it special is the variety of terrain and habitat, a potpourri of craggy cliffs at Bolt Head, fine beaches at Slapton Sands, idyllic waters of the Dart Estuary, rocky foreshore and nutrient-rich mudflats, heading inland to the rolling farmland, epic views, and pastoral landscape of the interior.

Here the countryside is achingly picturesque with sunken lanes worn by the centuries, pastel-hued cottages, and traditionally farmed small fields bordered by mixed hedgerows. The ancient woodlands of the Avon Valley and the borders of the Avon and Erme are a vital part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s DNA.

ISLES OF SCILLY

Set on an archipelago 28 miles southwest of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers the whole of the Scillies. It’s an area of just 16 square kilometres, the smallest AONB in the country. Landscape features include rocky cliffs, sheltered bays, tranquil lagoons, quaint little harbours, and other settlements. Not surprisingly, the islands and their crystal clear waters provide excellent habitats for grey seals and a variety of sea birds, but land-based animals like the Scilly Shrew and the Scilly Bee are unique.

The largest island is St Mary’s but the others like Tresco, a sub-tropical gem, St Agnes (the most southerly) and the ruggedly beautiful Bryher offer plenty of marine interest and conservation activities. Within the AONB are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Scheduled Ancient Monuments and ancient shipwrecks.

WYE VALLEY

Running along the England and Wales border, this has been an AONB since 1971 and comprises 320 square kilometres of stunning scenery. Visitors can discover limestone cliffs, plunging gorges, and undulating hills carpeted with ancient woodland smothered in bluebells and dotted with crumbling monasteries, disused industrial works and remote churches. The Wye is the first river whose entire length has been assigned as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Wildlife is rich and varied and includes deer, the endangered dormouse, otters, bats, birds of prey and even beavers which have been reintroduced for the first time since becoming extinct in Britain 500 years ago.

As for attractions, there’s Chepstow Castle, majestic 12th century Tintern Abbey, Symonds Yat, historic Ross on Wye and St Briavels in the forest of Dean.

ANGLESEY

The Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs almost the entire 201 kilometres of Anglesey’s coast, running through no less than three stretches of Heritage Coast along the way. These are some of Britain’s oldest rocks, and there’s a range of coastal terrain with limestone cliffs, huge sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, heathlands and pebble beaches. All are important for different flora and fauna, especially the Newborough National Nature Reserve which shelters an array of wildfowl.

The area is also attractive to those seeking outdoor activities, including kayaking, sailing, riding and bird watching. Walkers can explore the various trails that run through the AONB, including the Heritage route, Geo Trails and Wildlife Walks, while cyclists prefer the quiet roads of the Lon Las Cymru NCN 8 cycle route.

CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is part of the border between England and North Wales, running south from Prestatyn as far as Llangollen and Corwen. The brooding limestone hills shape much of the landscape. Rare plants like autumn gentian and orchids colonise areas of the limestone grassland, and the heather moorlands are of world importance and are home to the increasingly rare curlew and black grouse. Down in the valleys is fertile farmland, peppered with the area’s industrial heritage and where otters can be seen in the rivers.

This is 390 square kilometres at the gateway to North Wales, unspoilt and with a rich cultural history that is just slowly slipping back into the earth. The remains of several ancient hillforts can still be seen, perfectly positioned for defending long-forgotten settlements. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a World Heritage Site.

LLYN

Occupying about a quarter of the Llyn Peninsula in the Gwynedd region, this was one of the first areas to be designated AONB back in 1956. In fact, it is also recognised as a Heritage Coast. Then as now, it was recognised for its gorgeous coastline, unspoilt scenery, traditional wildlife habitats and cultural heritage. The tranquillity and wide open spaces of the region, along with the white-washed farms and narrow lanes, add to the charm.

The AONB features different terrains, including rolling hills, glowering mountains, sand dunes, rocky foreshores, and little offshore islands. Llyn has a rich heritage dating back to the Iron Age and Bronze Age, with burial chambers and forts at places like Garn Boduan. A distinct maritime tradition continues to this day, but quarrying and mining have ceased, leaving just disused works which add a ghostly reminder on the landscape.

GOWER

The Gower Peninsula in south Wales is 19 miles long, featuring vast sandy beaches, delicate grasslands, deciduous woodland, salt marsh and shifting dunes. Such is its natural beauty and international importance that it was the first AONB created in 1956. To boot, it also has three National Nature Reserves, five Special Areas of Conservation and numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It’s even designated as a Heritage Coast as well.

Man has been here since Neolithic times, and prehistoric Iron Age and Bronze Age traces are still evident at the western end of the peninsula. In fact, it is listed in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales.

BINEVENAGH

Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is defined by its stark, austere cliffs with majestic views from Gortmore's viewpoint of Magilligan’s Nature Reserve, Inishowen and the Scottish islands of Islay and Jura. Mussenden Temple and the Martello Tower can even be sighted far away

The special features here are the fine sandy beaches and dunes, as at Benone and Portstewart, which are both protected. The rich fertile plains around Lough Foyle have long supported the traditional agricultural activities here, with sheep farming being an important part of the upland moors. Wildlife includes wildfowl like brent geese and whooper swans, while the clear waters are important for shellfish, salmon and dolphins.

The Causeway Coastal Route has been voted 5th in a poll of the world’s most spectacular views.

CAUSEWAY COAST

Running 30 km along the North Antrim Coast, the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also designated as a World Heritage site and is world famous for the Giant’s Causeway, the most visited place in Northern Ireland. Sometimes referred to as the 8th wonder of the world, the Giant’s Causeway comprises 40,000 stacks of lava dating back 60 million years and most having the mysterious hexagonal shape.

The AONB incorporates eight Areas of Special Scientific Interest, as well as areas protected for their unique habitats. Sheep Island is important for migrating sea birds, notably cormorants, while plants like pink thrift, white sea campion and oysterplant are all protected.

SPERRIN

Lying south of Londonderry and running from the Strule Valley to the Lough Neagh lowlands, this is an epic area of towering mountains, exposed moorland and lush green valleys. Sawel Mountain is the highest peak at 678 metres and the 7th highest in Northern Ireland.

Tucked away in the heart of Ulster, this is some of Ireland’s most majestic scenery, millions of years in the making. Glenelly and Owenkillew valleys are on a majestic scale, and at the southern end, the Burren area is dotted with lakes and wetlands. The landscape is peppered with plenty of ancient heritage and mysterious standing stones.

The AONB is sparsely populated and mostly agricultural in terms of economic activity. The wide open spaces and lack of urban build-up ensures attractive habitats for wildlife such as Sika deer, pine marten, red grouse and survey their vast terrain.

ANTRIM COAST & GLENS

The Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was created in 1988, and it occupies a coastal and hinterland area from Ballycastle in the north to Larne in the south. The coastline is defined by imposing headlands that jut out, notably Ballygally Head, Garron Point, Torr and Fair Head.

Back from the coast, the Antrim Plateau is an eerily bleak landscape with a unique rugged beauty with blanket bog and watery heathland, home to rare plants, including the insect-eating butterwort. There are three Special Areas of Conservation within the AONB: Rathlin Island, Garron Plateau and Breen Wood. Red grouse, hen harrier, seabirds like razorbill, kittiwake and puffin, hare, bats and endangered flora like wood crane’s bill.

LAGAN VALLEY

Situated just to the south of Belfast, the River Lagan is what shapes this AONB, acting as a focal point that connects various elements of the Regional Park. The riverbank is tranquil and unspoilt, stretching out into meadows, woodland and lush farmland. Stroll along the towpath that connects Belfast and Lisburn for a unique perspective on this charming AONB.

The Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is rich in wildlife, inhabited by badgers, otters, bats, red squirrels and a wide variety of birdlife such as kingfishers, dippers and the increasingly rare yellowhammer.

The area has a wealth of ancient monuments, including the Giant’s Ring (a ring of tombs dating from the Stone Age), the early Christian ring fort in Clement Wilson Park, Norman mottes and long forgotten industrial heritage left behind by the linen industry that once thrived here.

STRANGFORD & LECALE

Strangford Lough is an almost landlocked inlet, sprinkled with countless tiny islets and surrounded by gorgeous undulating hills, meadows and marshes which provide wonderful habitats for all kinds of wildlife.

On the shores of the lough, the 15th-century Strangford Castle and the 18th-century Castle Ward estate, with its charming woodland trails and expansive gardens, are noteworthy attractions. At the northern end, Scrabo Hill and its Victorian tower is a local landmark, while to the south is the Quoile River Walk, taking in the ancient Mound of Down and 12th century Inch Abbey. Around 70,000 migratory birds arrive each autumn, joining the resident wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, porpoises and seals.

MOURNE

The mountains that define this AONB are perhaps the most dramatic of all of Ireland’s landscapes. Brooding, epic and imposing, the Mournes rise up around the shimmering expanse of the Silent Valley Reservoir in the heart of the mountain range. This is a majestic spot, with visitor centre and great hiking trails. The twelve peaks include Slieve Donard, Ireland’s highest mountain at 850m.

The craggy peaks give way to moorland, where endangered peregrines and rare red grouse thrive on the heather, and ridges offering sensational panoramic sea views before sweeping down to the coast. Enjoy the fine sandy shores, such as the Cranfield West Blue Flag beach at the entrance to Carlingford Lough – you might spot seals and dolphins here.

RING OF GULLION

The Gower Peninsula in south Wales is 19 miles long, featuring vast sandy beaches, delicate grasslands, deciduous woodland, salt marsh and shifting dunes. Such is its natural beauty and international importance that it was the first AONB created in 1956. To boot, it also has three National Nature Reserves, five Special Areas of Conservation and numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It’s even designated as a Heritage Coast as well.

Man has been here since Neolithic times, and prehistoric Iron Age and Bronze Age traces are still evident at the western end of the peninsula. In fact, it is listed in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales.