The South of England contains enough other-worldly landscapes to transport you to another realm. Ginnia Cheng reveals her pick of the best.
Travelling might have to be a little bit nearer to dwelling this 12 months. Make this a trigger for celebration and uncover among the UKâs hidden gems and interesting curiosities. From a desert panorama to an historical moss forest, the South of England alone accommodates sufficient other-wordly landscapes to transport you to another realm.
We spherical up six of our favorite spectacular spots in the south which are secluded sufficient to nonetheless really feel like youâre discovering it for your self.
1.Dungeness, Romney Marsh(*6*)
Home to 600 plant varieties, two nuclear energy stations and numerous stays of previous fishing huts and wrecked boats, this desolate desert panorama appears like a movie set trapped in time. The barren seashore terrain can also be dwelling to pleasant artwork installations and shocking meals stalls dotted amongst the eerie surroundings. Walk alongside the seashore to spot the lighthouse, the fog sign construction and the charming Prospect Cottage, which was the house of director and artist Derek Jarman.
Getting there: By automotive, the principle route from London / M25 takes you by A2070. If youâre coming from the north, take the A259. By public transport, take a prepare to Ashford International, adopted by bus routes 11, 11A or 11B which all serve Romney Marsh however donât come typically â test for occasions here.
2. Wistmanâs Woods, DevonÂ
Walking into this mysterious moss forest of historical oak timber seems like youâre stepping right into a fairytale. Some say itâs haunted, some assume itâs inhabited by pixies â however with greater than 100 totally different species of moss blanketing the timber and rocks in totally different shades of inexperienced, itâs straightforward to think about magic emanating from the twisted oaks. The gnarly branches could appear daunting at first, however donât be afraid to discover deep into the woods â the bottom is straightforward to traverse and itâs a uncommon deal with to really feel so cocooned by nature.
Getting there: By automotive, park close to the Two Bridges Hotel on the B3357 and stroll to the woods. By public transport, take a prepare to Newton Abbot from which itâs a 30-minute taxi ride, or catch native bus route 98 which takes you by Two Bridges.
3. Leather Tor, DartmoorÂ
Some argue Leather Tor ought to be renamed Cliff Tor, as its peak towers over dramatic sights of Burrator Reservoir and winding river views lined with beautiful alpine forests. While not as excessive in altitude as another Dartmoor peaks, itâs a mere 1.5 mile stroll â quick for Dartmoor requirements â for breathtaking rewards. For the courageous, climb onto the stack of rocks rising from the sting of the cliff for an additional rush when wanting over the magnificent steep drops.
Getting there: By automotive, Leather Tor is straightforward to get to from Yelverton-Princetown highway (B3212). Buses additionally run on the B3212 â the 98 Tavistock-Yelverton on weekdays and the Transmoor Link 82 on weekends.
4. Folkestone, Kent Â
This vibrant seashore city might be crowded on the peak of summer season, however its serene stretch of shingle seashore is scattered with intriguing seashore huts and lonely landmarks you can take pleasure in whereas respiration in the salt air. The finish of the harbour is marked by a stunning lighthouse became a champagne bar. For secluded spots, be certain that you hit Sunny Sands seashore tucked away subsequent to the harbour â the one sand seashore for miles â and stroll alongside the disused Folkestone Harbour railway station, now a maze of pedestrian footpaths, to add to the post-apocalyptic really feel.
Getting there: Folkestone city and seashore are simply accessible by automotive on the M20, and by prepare to Folkestone Central or Folkestone West stations.
5. Landâs End, CornwallÂ
Curl your toes over the craggy cliffs of Landâs End, Britainâs most south-westerly level, and really feel like you are at finish of the world. Winding paths alongside the cliff edge present uninterrupted views over Cornwallâs rugged shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean, whereas the common fog sign from the distant lighthouse echoes by the positioning, including to the edge-of-the-world vibe. If Landâs End purchasing advanced â which resembles a 1950âs seashore resort â isnât for you, head to the 200-year previous Greeb Farm as a substitute the place you can pet the animals whereas having fun with the magnificent surroundings.
Getting there: By automotive, head to the city of Penzance and observe the indicators for Landâs End alongside the A30 highway. By public transport, take the prepare to Penzance, from which you can bus routes 1/1a and 1b can take you to Landâs End.
6. Southend-on-Sea seashores, EssexÂ
Usually bursting with beachgoers, the previous 12 months has seen much less vacationers grace Southendâs shores. While the principle City Beach nonetheless receives its fair proportion of tourists, a brief stroll away from the principle station are quiet stretches the place you can have the ocean to your self. With Southendâs big amusement park and varied arcades closed quickly, the colorful shoreline now resembles a ghost city. Take benefit of the quiet season to wander by the in any other case bustling resort and benefit from the sights earlier than the crowds return.
Getting there: By automotive, you can attain Southend by the A127 Southend Arterial Road or the A13 London Road. By public transport, Southend Central railway station is served by mainline trains and c2c.