For decades, we’ve known them as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) - wild stretches of coastline, sweeping moorland, and lush river valleys that capture the essence of Britain’s countryside. Today, they have a new name: Natural Landscapes. This simple change reflects a bigger ambition—to celebrate these places not only for their beauty but for their role in our wellbeing, culture, and environment.
Why the Name Change?
The shift from AONB to Natural Landscapes is more than a rebrand. It’s about clarity and connection. While “AONB” was accurate, it often felt technical and didn’t resonate with everyone. Natural Landscapes is warmer, more inclusive, and more reflective of what these spaces truly are: living, breathing environments that shape our lives and heritage. The new identity also comes with a renewed focus on community, sustainability and making these areas accessible to all.
How Many Natural Landscapes Are There?
Across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you’ll find 46 designated Natural Landscapes covering around a quarter of the countryside. Scotland doesn’t use the same classification but has its own National Scenic Areas with a similar purpose. These protected spaces are every bit as important as National Parks, offering the same sense of escape and wonder, without the crowds.
Why They Matter
Natural Landscapes are more than scenic backdrops for a countryside walk. They protect rare wildlife, preserve traditional farming practices, and guard habitats that are vital in the fight against climate change. They also nourish our wellbeing. Research shows that time spent in nature lowers stress, lifts mood, and encourages a slower, more mindful pace of life. In a world that feels increasingly busy, these landscapes offer something priceless: stillness.
Unmissable Natural Landscapes
So, where should you start? Here are a few of Britain's Finest favourites:
The Cotswolds – A tapestry of golden stone villages, rolling hills, and winding lanes. Perfect for a weekend of walking, antique hunting and pub lunches by the fire.
The Chilterns – Just an hour from London, yet it feels a world away. Expect chalk hills, ancient beech woodlands and charming market towns.
The Norfolk Coast – A stretch of wild beauty where tidal marshes meet big skies. Pack your binoculars for birdwatching and your appetite for freshly caught seafood.
Northumberland Coast – Windswept beaches, ancient castles and a rugged beauty that steals your breath away. Lindisfarne and Bamburgh are must-sees.
The Wye Valley – A serene river landscape that inspired poets and painters. Canoe along the Wye or explore Tintern Abbey’s romantic ruins.
Planning Your Visit
Natural Landscapes are free to explore, but the best experiences come when you slow down. Book a boutique hotel or a cosy pub with rooms, take time to discover local producers, and tread lightly, supporting the communities that call these places home. Many areas now offer guided walks, heritage trails and seasonal events that reveal the stories behind the scenery.
Why Book Through Britain’s Finest?
Because we do the hard work for you. Our collection features only handpicked hotels, country inns and luxury stays set within or near these remarkable landscapes. Unlike other platforms, we don’t take commission, your booking is direct, so you build a personal connection with the places you love. And because we’re as passionate about Britain as you are, every recommendation comes with trust, expertise and a genuine love for these landscapes.
Ready to Explore?
Whether it’s the wild Cornish coast, the chalk hills of the South Downs, or the brooding beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, Britain’s Natural Landscapes promise fresh air, big skies and a deeper sense of escape. This isn’t just a name change—it’s an invitation. To reconnect. To recharge. To rediscover the best of Britain.
