Guide to the UK’s Least Visited AONBs

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When it comes to outstanding natural beauty spots, the UK has an abundance to offer, from the rugged coastline of the Cotswolds to the low cliffs and pebble beaches on Anglesey. According to our latest research, these are among the UK’s most visited AONBs, and it comes as no surprise. 

Interestingly, our study also revealed just how many of the most impressive areas of the country are yet to be explored, with only five AONBs being visited on average in a person’s lifetime. Therefore, we have compiled a list of these lesser visited areas of natural beauty and what makes them so special. 

Read on to discover the UKs 10 least-visited Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty…

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1. Strangford and Lecale, County Down

Strangford and Lecale AONB covers a varied landscape in County Down, Northern Ireland, and plays host to the stunning Strangford Lough, a vast inland sea dotted with countless islets. 

This beauty spot was formed by glacial activity at the end of the last Ice Age and over the centuries, the cultures and traditions of the Vikings right through to the Victorians have left their mark on the local environment. 

You can enjoy a range of watersports in this area, including sailing, kayaking and canoeing, while the avid cyclist or walker can find many activities to their liking on land. 

The main focal point of this AONB is the Lecale Coast, which sweeps down to the Mourne Mountains from the mouth of Strangford Lough and impresses with dramatic headlands and some lovely beaches to amble on.

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2. Sperrins, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland

County Tyrone is the home of Sperrins AONB, with its beckoning mountain range and unspoilt natural landscape, there is plenty to help you relax and unwind. As Sperrins (or Sperrin Mountains, as it’s also known) is an official Dark Sky area too, it makes it the ideal location for stargazing!

Historians will enjoy a trip to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles nestled on the outskirts of Davagh Forest Park, where you can take yourself back to the early Bronze Age and enjoy the surrounding scenery. 

You can climb to the summit of Sawel Mountain and even consider an adventure on the Far and Wild cycle tour, where you will visit local food producers, friendly pubs and see some iconic landmarks.

If you’re not feeling up to an escapade on foot or bike whilst visiting the area, there are some spectacular driving routes in the Sperrin Mountains for you to choose from, and no doubt you will be mesmerised by what you see along the way.

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3. Lagan Valley, County Down

Lagan Valley AONB in Northern Ireland is yet to be discovered by most, positioned between Belfast and Lisburn with the famous Lagan River sweeping through it.

You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the towpath which runs alongside the river or ride your bike on this trail and join part of the National Cycle Route 9. For those who like outdoor pursuits, this is the place for you!

The Lagan Valley Regional Park is where most of this AONB now lies, covering 4,500 acres of countryside filled with a mosaic of heritage sites, nature reserves and a plethora of wildlife. You will also find evidence of Norman mottes and early Stone Age settlements, notably the Giant’s Ring, near Shaw’s Bridge.

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 4. Howardian Hills, Yorkshire

The Howardian Hills AONB is a wondrous region to discover, positioned on the fringes of the North York Moors National Park and easily accessible from the city of York, boasting a vast range of activities and places to see. 

The ever-changing landscape yearns to be explored, along with large country houses such as Castle Howard and Nunnington Hall, as well as beautiful gardens and villages offering spots to grab a bite to eat along the way. 

Kirkham Priory nestles the banks of the River Derwent and is worth the visit if you like history. The site is run by English Heritage and can be enjoyed via a circular walk, which is a lovely trail taking you up some steep climbs, along the river and through undulating terrain.

Explore the attractive wildlife, remarkable heritage and truly feel at one with nature in this designated AONB. Our North Yorkshire guide also includes many more attractions you can visit during your stay in the Howardian Hills.

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5. Binevenagh, County Derry

This AONB is located on the Northwest coast of Northern Ireland and was designated in 2006. Binevenagh has a distinctive headland, which provides a dramatic backdrop to any photograph snapped during a coastal walk. The whole region has some of the best nature spots in the UK, perfect for those who love to watch the wildlife!

National Trust’s Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne perch on the edge of the clifftop, overlooking the coastline with uninterrupted views of the North Atlantic. This enchanting estate is steeped in history and has much to be discovered, including the secret garden at Bishop’s Gate and the Black Glen arboretum.

The whole area offers a wide variety of recreational pursuits, including gliding, cycling, swimming, and angling, so you won’t be stuck for activities to keep you entertained.      

For more things to do and inspiration for your next trip, you may find our County Derry travel guide useful.

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6. High Weald, East Sussex, Kent, West Sussex and Surrey

Surprisingly, High Weald AONB, which covers nearly 1,500 square km of Sussex, is among the top 3 least explored AONBs in England.

Rolling hills, irregular fields, and scattered farmsteads make up this medieval landscape that also encompasses parts of Kent and Surrey. 

There are some lovely villages and towns peppered throughout this region that you can visit, as well as historic houses looked after by the National Trust, and many other attractions for you to see.  

If you want to explore closer to the coast, the nature reserve at Rye Harbour is located just 1.5 miles south of Rye in East Sussex and accommodates a variety of wildlife. It is ideal for birdwatching, with all of the birdwatching hides easily accessible by wheelchair too.

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7. Ring of Gullion, County Armagh

The Ring of Gullion aptly takes its name from the ring of low hills that encircle Slieve Gullion, the highest mountain in the county, reaching 573 metres. This area boasts a fascinating history, drawing geologists from all over the world to study the best-preserved ring dyke in the British Isles.

The Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers stunning views over the mountains, unrivalled woodland trails, and great facilities for walkers and families, with its Adventure Playpark for kids of all ages and Giant’s Lair taking you on an enchanting journey.  

There are plenty of other walking and cycling trails to embark on, as well as scenic drives and even two centrally located equestrian centres for those who enjoy an adventure on horseback!

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8. Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire

Overlapping the boundaries of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB is made up of countless scenic areas to enjoy at any time of the year. 

The rich and diverse landscape comprises rolling grassland, river valleys and woodlands, each changing through the seasons to offer some of the best beauty spots in the UK. You can discover thatched cottages, cosy pubs and the National Trust’s beautiful gardens at Stourhead, which you may recognise from the film production of Pride and Prejudice!

Why not pay a visit to the Fovant Badges displayed on Fovant Hill? They form a distinctive pattern on the hillside and blend into the natural beauty of Wiltshire. These military badges were carved into the chalky hills by the regiments, in remembrance of those who were lost in battle after WWI, and you can get the best views of them from the layby on the southern side of the A30. 

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9. Llyn, Northwest Wales

Award-winning beaches, imposing castles and seaside towns make up this wonderful part of Northwest Wales. Llyn Peninsula AONB offers a remarkable landscape to enjoy whether you’re looking for nature reawakening in spring, or a place to enjoy watersports in the summer. 

Wildlife watchers will find nesting birds in the yellow gorse and walkers can enjoy a stroll on Porthdinllaen, followed by a drink at Tŷ Coch. You can take a day trip to Bardsey Island by boat and spend a few hours exploring its plant life, sea life and many landmarks.

The whole region is full of family-friendly activities; Criccieth castle being a must with its tidy Victorian terraces, notable castle and pebbled beach.

For more North Wales inspiration on where to stay and what to get up to while you’re in the area, see our guide for planning your next trip away.

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10. Dedham Vale, Essex and Suffolk

Dedham Vale AONB is nestled in the heart of Constable country, where the nation’s celebrated landscape artist, John Constable, went to school. Set by the River Stour on the Essex-Suffolk border, this charismatic region of England has much to offer its visitors, a lot of the countryside remaining unchanged since the artist lived here.

You may choose to hire a boat and journey along the River Stour, amble down Dedham High Street and admire its wooden-beamed houses, or the 15th Century Dedham church might take your interest.

Choose to visit the pretty hamlet of Flatford and follow the footsteps of John Constable on the Flatford and Constable walking trail. Discover Flatford Mill, Willy Lott’s House and Bridge Cottage among a plethora of wildlife and plant life.

Dedham Vale has many countryside paths for walkers, while the rolling meadows and picturesque villages make the ideal backdrop for a family photograph.

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Discover some of the UK’s best nature spots and scenic areas among one of the country’s least-visited AONBs. And why not look at some of our cottages in the countryside to spark some holiday inspiration for your next UK trip?