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The 10 most beautiful counties in the UK
The UK offers some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, with rolling hills and dramatic coastlines to historic towns and pristine lakes. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or family break, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best and most beautiful counties in England to showcase the best of British natural beauty and help you decide where to go.
And you’re in luck because Away Resorts has parks up and down the UK, making planning your luxury trip easier.
Finding the best counties in England for your break away
When choosing the perfect county for your UK adventure, it’s vital to consider what matters most to you.
Are you looking for coastal walks, historical sites, charming villages, or dramatic mountain scenery? Our carefully curated list of the most beautiful counties in the UK combines all these elements, featuring counties that offer diverse experiences for every age and preference.
Cornwall
Cornwall is the jewel of England's southwest. Its rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and charming fishing villages are just a few of the things that make it one of the most beautiful counties in the UK. Cornwall offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, from St Michael's Mount to St Ives.
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Yorkshire
Known to some as ‘God's Own Country’, Yorkshire boasts three stunning national parks. These include the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and part of the Peak District. Historic cities like York and charming towns like Whitby provide perfect bases for exploring vast moorlands, dramatic valleys, and England’s coastline.
Find out moreYou could even visit Flamingo Land or Yorkshire Wildlife Park and make family memories that will last a lifetime.
Devon
Another of the best counties in the UK, Devon's appeal lies in its two contrasting coastlines – the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast to the south and the dramatic cliffs of the North Devon Coast. Inland, Dartmoor National Park offers wonderfully wild and windswept landscapes with ancient stone circles and grazing ponies.
Find out moreQuaint towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth provide quintessential English seaside charm, making Devon a diverse county with something for everyone.
Conwy and Gwynedd
Technically, these counties deserve recognition in North Wales for their outstanding natural beauty. Home to Snowdonia National Park and medieval castles galore, this region of the UK offers some of the country’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
Find out moreThe Victorian seaside town of Llandudno and the surrounding national parks are standout destinations in this picturesque UK county that you won’t want to miss.
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland's southern gem comprises several historical counties, known collectively as Dumfries and Galloway. With the perfect blend of coastal beauty and rolling hills, the region is known not only for its dark sky park, making it ideal for stargazing, but also its stunning gardens, historic abbeys, and towns filled with artistic heritage, making it a unique cultural UK county.
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Dorset
Like Devon, Dorset is home to the stunning Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The iconic Durdle Door, charming Lulworth Cove and historic Corfe Castle represent just a fraction of the countys historic and natural attractions. Not only this, but the county's rolling hills, ancient villages and literary connections make it a cultural treasure trove, perfect for all the family to explore.
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Lincolnshire
Often overlooked as one of the best counties in the UK, Lincolnshire surprises visitors with its diverse landscape and natural beauty. Plus, you won’t want to miss Lincoln's magnificent cathedral, Steep Hill and the quaint shops in the city centre.
Find out moreAlongside this, the historic town of Stamford and the unspoiled coast provide plenty of adventures and unique attractions for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Hampshire
Hampshire combines the ancient woodlands of the New Forest with the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs. Historic Winchester, once England's capital, provides a perfect day of exploration and learning in one of the most beautiful counties in the UK.
Find out moreThe combination of coastline, national parks, and historic sites makes Hampshire a versatile destination with something for everyone – especially golf lovers.
Essex
Unexpectedly, Essex boasts some of England's most diverse landscapes and is one of the best counties in the UK. In this picturesque UK county, explore medieval villages, vast estuaries teeming with wildlife, and the longest coastline of any English county.
Find out moreBut that’s not all. Constable Country, sharing borders with Suffolk, showcases the landscapes that inspired the famous painter John Constable.
Perthshire
Perthshire represents Scotland's natural beauty at its finest. Sometimes known as ‘Big Tree Country’, it offers spectacular forests, rushing rivers, and dramatic glens, making it one of the most beautiful counties in the UK to explore. The area around Glendevon provides walking opportunities and stunning highland scenery you won’t want to miss out on.
Find out moreThe most picturesque counties in the UK – FAQs
If you’re still not sure which UK county is best for your next getaway, here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help narrow it down:
What are the best counties to visit in England?
The best counties to visit depending on your interests, but Cornwall, Yorkshire, and Devon consistently rank among the top choices because their diverse attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage make them great spots for all ages and preferences.
What are the most beautiful counties in England?
While beauty is subjective, counties like Cornwall, Yorkshire, Devon, and Dorset are widely recognised for their outstanding natural landscapes and popular attractions. For example, you can visit the UK’s southernmost point in Cornwall – Land’s End. Or, in Dorset, you can see breathtaking natural rock formations and fossils along the Jurassic Coast.
Many of the most beautiful counties in the UK combine dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, and preserved historical features that make them memorable.
How many counties are in England?
England has 48 ceremonial counties, but the exact number can vary depending on how you count them. Some sources list fewer or more based on whether they include administrative, historical, or metropolitan counties in their count.
What are the 10 largest counties in England?
The largest counties in the UK by area are:
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Yorkshire (North, South, and West combined)
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Lincolnshire
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Cumbria
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Norfolk
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Northumberland
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Devon
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Somerset
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Suffolk
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Dorset
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Cornwall