Awe-inspiring spots around the UK
Which runners and walkers are lucky enough to live near some of the UK’s best-loved scenery? The team at Haddonstone has been finding out. They’ve trawled thousands of TripAdvisor reviews, searching for the UK’s most amazing views that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a public park bench.
We looked at the top parks in the UK on TripAdvisor and analysed the number of mentions of 'best view', 'best views', 'amazing view' and 'amazing views,' searching for the UK's most scenic views that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a park bench.
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1 - Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
4,067 mentions of its views
It’s no surprise that so many people complement its views – Arthur's Seat is a must see for Edinburgh’s residents and visitors alike. You can easily drive to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, whilst walking to its summit will take you around an hour. In ‘normal’ times, people come from all over the world to hike to the top for the beautiful panorama of the city.
Technically, there isn’t actually a park bench on top of Arthur’s Seat. However we’re counting this one because it has so many ratings, and the entire landmark is based on, well, a seat!
2 - Calton Hill, Edinburgh
1,252 mentions of its views
Coming in second is a landmark that’s just a stone’s throw from Arthur’s Seat, proving that Edinburgh’s views really are the most favoured in Britain.
From one side, you can take in the sights of Edinburgh Old Town, Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. Walk around to the other side of the hill, and you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Firth of Forth, linking Edinburgh to the North Sea.
3 - Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Downs, Bristol
1,193 mentions of its views
Clifton Downs offers a huge green space on a cliff top overlooking the bridge, and is just a 30 minute walk from Bristol City Centre. It’s an idyllic setting, with park benches and open areas to sit and watch the world go by, as well as the famous Clifton Observatory, which is currently closed for visitors.
4 - Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Cornwall
809 mentions of its views
This world-famous open-air amphitheatre is carved into the granite cliffs overlooking the half-moon cove of Porthcurno Bay. If you go on a sunny day, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in ancient Greece. Perch yourself on one of the café benches or treat yourself to a sea view spectacle sat on one of the 750 stone seats.
5 - Lulworth Cove, Dorset
490 mentions of its views
A World Heritage Site, Lulworth Cove is one of the globe’s finest natural coves. It was originally formed when the sea broke through a thin layer of the Portland Stone cliff, creating an almost perfect semi-circular bay.
There are several park benches in and around the cove, offering awe-inspiring views.
6 - Beachy Head, Eastbourne
416 mentions of its views
Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, rising 531ft above sea level, near to the renowned Seven Sisters.
Its iconic white chalk cliffs are seen as the ‘eastern gateway’ to the South Downs National Park, and its expansive green space and park benches offer stunning views across the English Channel.
7 - Orrest Head Viewpoint, Windermere, Lake District
361 mentions of its views
Based in the Lake District, Orrest Head is a popular destination for both seasoned hikers and casual walkers, offering 360-degree views over Lake Windermere, Morecambe Bay and the Pennines. At 239 metres above sea level, Orrest Head Viewpoint is the highest vantage point along the Orrest Head walk.
8 - Primrose Hill, Regents Park, London
341 mentions of its views
The first mention of London in this list. Primrose Hill’s namesake hilltop park has been presenting spectacular views across London since it was purchased from Eton College in 1841.
Next to the park benches at the top of the hill, you will find a stone inscribed with William Blake’s homage to the area: “I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill”.
9 - Brandon Hill Nature Park, Bristol
277 mentions of its views
When it’s open, Grade II listed Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill, Bristol, provides truly impressive views over the city centre, Clifton and Hotwells. There’s plenty of places to walk and stop for a breather. A firm favourite is the park bench next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
10 - Corfe Castle, Dorset
239 mentions of its views
The village of Corfe Castle is located over a gap in the quintessentially pretty Purbeck Hills in Dorset.
Sitting on one of the many park benches located around the ruins, you could be mistaken for feeling like you’ve stepped into a period drama!
11 - Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
220 mentions of its views
With three mentions out of 12, Edinburgh arguably really does have the best views in the UK, according to TripAdvisor reviewers.
The location is home to Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, but throughout the year it’s known for telling the tale of two cities.
From one side, you can see views of the historic Old Town, but turn your head the other way, and you can watch the modern-day hustle and bustle of the New Town in the urban park.
12 - Brimham Rocks, Harrogate, England
209 mentions of its views
Brimham Rocks is a staggering collection of natural rock formations in North Yorkshire. Managed by the National Trust, this 183.9-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest sits proudly in North Yorkshire.
A collection of park benches can be found throughout the area, with the top spots facing the uniquely rock formations.
13 - Greenwich Park, London
149 mentions of its views
It’s an awe-inspiring spot, and one of the most photographed views in London for good reason. The vantage point from Greenwich Park displays the incredible contrast between London’s history and heritage, and today’s modern-day metropolis.
Nicola Clements, Marketing Manager at Haddonstone, commented: "Parks and green spaces have been a saviour during lockdown. The outdoors is proven to help uplift our mental health and wellbeing, and for many of us, our daily walk or run has been the highlight of our day. That's why we did this research, to find the UK's best-loved scenery and stunning views which can be enjoyed from a bench to enjoy the British countryside."
