A Scottish island has been named the most beautiful place anywhere in the UK.
Topping a new list of the 25 most stunning UK destinations compiled by travel site Big 7 Travel is the Isle of Skye. The Scots island beat out fellow scenic spots such as Snowdonia National Park and The Lake District for the number one spot.
Skye, which is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides, is home to spectacular rugged landscapes, charming fishing villages, and rare wildlife. It can be accessed via the Skye Bridge or the iconic Glenelg-Skye turntable ferry.
As reported by The Mirror, it topped Big 7 Travel's list based on reader submissions and editorial judgement.
The population centre of Skye is the beautiful town of Portree, which is home to approximately 2,300 people. Situated on the island's coast, Portree includes a picturesque harbour and plenty of gorgeous viewing spots to admire the scenery and snap some photos.
Elsewhere on the island, golden eagles can be regularly seen flying over the rolling hills and dramatic landscapes, while red deer bound through the heather, and Atlantic salmon swim in the water.
You can also walk or drive up into the Cuillin mountains if you want to get out and immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty.
Other highlights include Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr, the former referring to tranquil clear blue pools of water that are said to be habited by magical creatures while the latter is a hiking hotspot that offers incredible views across Skye.
Visitors to the island tend to leave enriched by its natural beauty and wanting to return, with many taking to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts. One wrote: "The scenery here is both beautiful and remote.
"There is so little evidence of human habitation in vast expanses of mountains and coast line. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes scenic tours."
Meanwhile, a second commented: "If there is one description that would justify this place the best, is that it is out of this world. The mountain scenery looks like that out of Lord of the Rings, and is majestically haunting."
Other Scottish destinations to appear on Big 7 Travel's list include Edinburgh, the Devil’s Pulpit in Finnich Glen, and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Dean Village, the Shetland Islands, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Dunnottar Castle, and Eoligarry Beach are also included.
The most beautiful places in the UK according to Big 7 Travel
- Isle of Skye – Scotland
- Snowdonia National Park – Wales
- The Lake District – England
- Bath – England
- Pembrokeshire Coast – Wales
- Cambridge – England
- Edinburgh – Scotland
- Castle Combe, the Cotswolds – England
- Three Cliffs Bay – Wales
- Devil’s Pulpit, Finnich Glen – Scotland
- Minack Theatre, Cornwall
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – Scotland
- Durdle Door, Dorset
- Conwy Castle – Wales
- Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
- White Cliffs of Dover – England
- Dean Village – Scotland
- The Shetland Islands – Scotland
- Gower Peninsula – Wales
- Tollymore Forest Park – Northern Ireland
- Glenfinnan Viaduct – Scotland
- Kinbane Castle – Northern Ireland
- High Force Waterfalls – England
- Dunnottar Castle – Scotland
- Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra – Scotland
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