What Are National Landscapes? Explore the UK’s Rebranded AONBs

The UK's beloved Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) have a new name. They are now called National Landscapes. 

This exciting rebrand starts a new chapter. It aims to protect and celebrate these incredible places. National Landscapes showcase the beauty and cultural heritage of these areas. 

They promote sustainable tourism and aim to preserve them for future generations.

The Cotswolds are iconic, and the North Pennines are stunning. National Landscapes offer breathtaking views and amazing biodiversity. They provide endless ways to connect with nature. 

This guide will explain what National Landscapes are. It will cover why the rebrand matters and how these areas protect the UK's natural beauty for all to enjoy.

A National Landscape, once an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is a UK gem. People know it for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. 

These landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged coastlines, are stunning. 

They show the UK's diverse beauty across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We protect National Landscapes to keep their character and ecology. 

We want them to inspire future generations, as they do today.

These designations aren't just about preserving scenic views. They aim to protect local wildlife and promote sustainable tourism. 

They also want to boost nearby communities' quality of life. Local authorities and conservation groups manage National Landscapes. 

They aim to preserve nature. They also want to create public spaces to enjoy, explore, and connect with the countryside.

What's the difference between a National Landscape and an AONB?

"National Landscape" and "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB) may refer to the same cherished spots. But, the new name brings a fresh focus on what these areas mean for us all. 

AONBs celebrated scenic beauty and conservation. "National Landscape" now calls these areas national treasures, equal to National Parks. This rebrand shows their bigger role. 

They are not just beautiful views. They are hubs of ecological, cultural, and social value. 

The protections and management haven't changed much. Calling them "National Landscapes" reflects a more holistic view. It shows their significance for the environment, communities, and sustainable tourism.

Why did they rename AONB to National Landscape?

The shift from AONB to "National Landscape" is a reflection of the priorities of today's society. 

They are conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable land management. 

This new name highlights these areas as vital natural resources. They protect biodiversity, store carbon, and preserve water quality. 

And let’s be honest: "National Landscape" is a bit friendlier... try saying "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" out loud, it’s a mouthful!

This new name makes these places more accessible. It invites everyone to connect with and cherish them as national icons. 

Also, aligning with National Parks (more on these later) creates a vision for the UK's protected areas. It will inspire more awareness and support.

National Landscapes are all about protecting and celebrating some of the UK’s most beautiful, diverse, and ecologically important areas. Created to preserve scenic beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, these areas are essential for supporting wildlife, building ecosystem resilience, and giving people spaces to connect with nature. They also play a huge role in tackling climate challenges, from protecting watersheds to capturing carbon and creating green corridors for species to thrive.

But it’s not just about conservation—these landscapes are vibrant destinations for sustainable tourism, supporting local economies and inviting visitors to explore while preserving their natural charm. Managed with a balance of protection and accessibility, National Landscapes enrich the UK’s environment, culture, and quality of life, ensuring that these cherished spaces can be enjoyed by generations to come.

In Scotland, areas similar to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in the rest of the UK are known as National Scenic Areas (NSAs). These regions are designated for their exceptional landscapes, showcasing some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery, from rugged mountains and coastlines to serene lochs and glens. NSAs are protected to conserve their natural beauty and cultural value, ensuring that Scotland’s stunning landscapes remain unspoiled for future generations to enjoy.

National Landscapes (formerly AONBs) play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism that respects and preserves their natural beauty. By encouraging responsible tourism, these areas help minimise environmental impact, offering visitors unique, low-impact ways to explore these stunning landscapes. Conservation is at the heart of these efforts, with sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife habitats, maintaining clean water sources, and reducing pollution.

Examples of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in National Landscapes:

• Eco-Friendly Trails and Paths: Managed walking and cycling routes allow visitors to enjoy the landscape while protecting sensitive ecosystems.
• Wildlife and Conservation Projects: Educational programmes and volunteer opportunities invite visitors to engage in conservation efforts, like habitat restoration and species protection.
• Local Business Partnerships: Collaborations with local businesses promote eco-friendly accommodation, transport, and locally sourced food, supporting the community and reducing the tourism footprint.

These initiatives protect the environment, provide visitors with meaningful experiences, and support local economies. Sustainable tourism within National Landscapes strikes a balance between conservation and accessibility, ensuring these treasured areas are preserved for future generations.

National Landscapes (formerly AONBs) and National Parks both work to protect some of the UK’s most stunning and ecologically vital areas, but they have different approaches when it comes to management, purpose, and visitor experience. 

You'd be forgiven for getting the two mixed up, to our surprise one of our most beautiful flight paths is around the Lake Districts National Park.

National Parks focus on both conservation and recreation, with dedicated authorities overseeing planning and visitor facilities. National Landscapes, while still protected, lean more toward conservation, are managed by local councils or conservation boards, and often provide a quieter, more natural experience.

Key Differences between National Landscapes and National Parks:

• Management: National Parks have dedicated authorities; National Landscapes are overseen by local councils or conservation boards.
• Purpose: National Parks focus on public access and recreation; National Landscapes prioritise conservation and low-impact tourism.
• Visitor Facilities: National Parks offer extensive infrastructure; National Landscapes provide a more natural, less developed experience.
• Planning Control: National Parks have stronger planning protections; National Landscapes rely on local authority planning.

At Virgin Balloon Flights, we’re passionate about sustainability and deeply committed to protecting the beautiful landscapes that make our flights unforgettable. Our sustainability pledge shapes everything we do, from eco-friendly practices to supporting local communities and contributing to landscape conservation across the UK.

How you can support National Landscapes

People can support National Landscapes by engaging in sustainable tourism, advocating for conservation, and contributing directly to initiatives that protect these areas. Here are some top ways to help:

1. Practice Leave No Trace: Respect the landscape by taking all waste with you, sticking to marked paths, and leaving natural features undisturbed.
2. Support Local Businesses: Choose local accommodation, dining, and tour providers that follow eco-friendly practices. This boosts the local economy and reduces environmental impact.
3. Volunteer for Conservation Projects: Many National Landscapes offer opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and wildlife monitoring.
4. Donate to Conservation Funds: Consider donating to organisations that protect National Landscapes or joining a “Friends of” group. Your contribution can help fund conservation, education, and accessibility projects.
5. Advocate for Preservation: Share information about the importance of National Landscapes, promote their conservation on social media, and support policies that protect these areas for future generations.

By taking these steps, everyone can play a role in preserving the beauty, biodiversity, and heritage of the UK’s National Landscapes.

Virgin Balloon Flights and National Landscapes

Flying over the UK’s National Landscapes (formerly AONBs) reminds us daily of the vital role landscape conservation plays in protecting our natural heritage. We’re proud to support low-impact tourism that respects these remarkable areas, promoting a sustainable approach to enjoying the UK’s stunning scenery. Through our flights, we not only share the beauty of these landscapes with our passengers but also encourage a shared commitment to preserving these natural treasures for future generations. At Virgin Balloon Flights, sustainability is woven into every journey—because we believe that protecting our landscapes is as important as admiring them from above.

We currently launch hot air balloon rides from several locations which offer views of several of the UK’s National Landscapes, including:

• Cotswolds (Shipston-on-Stour, Stratford-upon-Avon)
• High Weald (Tunbridge Wells)
• Kent Downs (Headcorn, Hollingbourne)
• Surrey Hills (Guildford)
• Chilterns (Aylesbury)
• North Wessex Downs (Newbury)
• South Downs (Petworth, Fernhurst)
• Norfolk Coast (Norwich)
• Forest of Bowland (Lancaster)

Each location provides a unique perspective of the UK’s cherished landscapes, blending the adventure of ballooning with stunning natural scenery.

As of November 2024, there are 46 stunning National Landscapes (AONBs) across the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), each one a slice of pure natural beauty just waiting to be explored. From rugged coastlines to rolling hills, these spots are some of the best the UK has to offer—and we’re here to help protect and celebrate every one of them!

Here’s a fun fact for you: National Landscapes come in all shapes and sizes! The tiniest one is the Isles of Scilly, covering just 6.2 square miles, while the grand champion is the Cotswolds, stretching over a massive 787 square miles! Together, these beautiful spots make up about 15% of England and 4% of Wales, offering everything from cosy corners to sprawling landscapes for everyone to enjoy.

National Landscapes in England

England is home to 34 National Landscapes (AONBs), each one a unique showcase of natural beauty, from rolling hills and dramatic coastlines to picturesque woodlands and rivers. These landscapes are some of the most breathtaking spots in the country, with everything from the wilds of the North Pennines to the serene views of the Chilterns. Whether you're exploring Cornwall’s rugged charm or taking in the views in the Cotswolds, these 34 stunning areas are here to be enjoyed and protected for generations to come.

1. Arnside and Silverdale, 29 sq mi - Lancashire (Lancaster), Westmorland and Furness
2. Blackdown Hills, 140 sq mi - Devon (East Devon, Mid Devon), Somerset
3. Cannock Chase, 26 sq mi - Staffordshire (Cannock Chase, Lichfield)
4. Chichester Harbour, 14 sq mi - Hampshire (Havant), West Sussex (Chichester)
5. Chilterns, 322 sq mi - Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire (Dacorum, North Hertfordshire, Three Rivers), Luton, Oxfordshire (South Oxfordshire)
6. Cornwall, 370 sq mi - Cornwall
7. Cotswolds, 787 sq mi - Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Stroud, Tewkesbury), Oxfordshire (Cherwell, West Oxfordshire), South Gloucestershire, Warwickshire (Stratford-on-Avon), Wiltshire, Worcestershire (Wychavon)
8. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs, 380 sq mi - Dorset, Hampshire (New Forest), Somerset, Wiltshire
9. Dedham Vale, 35 sq mi - Essex (Colchester, Tendring), Suffolk (Babergh)
10. Dorset, 436 sq mi - Dorset
11. East Devon, 103 sq mi - Devon (East Devon)
12. Forest of Bowland, 310 sq mi - Lancashire (Lancaster, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Wyre), North Yorkshire
13. High Weald, 560 sq mi - East Sussex (Hastings, Rother, Wealden), Kent (Ashford, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells), Surrey (Tandridge), West Sussex (Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex)
14. Howardian Hills, 79 sq mi - North Yorkshire
15. Isle of Wight, 73 sq mi - Isle of Wight
16. Isles of Scilly, 6.2 sq mi - Isles of Scilly
17. Kent Downs, 339 sq mi - Greater London (Bromley), Kent (Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swale, Tonbridge and Malling), Medway
18. Lincolnshire Wolds, 220 sq mi - Lincolnshire (East Lindsey, West Lindsey), North East Lincolnshire
19. Malvern Hills, 41 sq mi - Gloucestershire (Forest of Dean), Herefordshire, Worcestershire (Malvern Hills)
20. Mendip Hills, 77 sq mi - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset
21. Nidderdale, 233 sq mi - North Yorkshire
22. Norfolk Coast, 175 sq mi - Norfolk (Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk)
23. North Devon Coast, 66 sq mi - Devon (North Devon, Torridge)
24. North Pennines, 766 sq mi - County Durham, Cumberland, Northumberland, North Yorkshire
25. Northumberland Coast, 53 sq mi - Northumberland
26. North Wessex Downs, 670 sq mi - Hampshire (Basingstoke and Deane, Test Valley), Oxfordshire (South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse), Swindon, West Berkshire, Wiltshire
27. Quantock Hills, 38 sq mi - Somerset
28. Shropshire Hills, 310 sq mi - Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
29. Solway Coast, 44 sq mi - Cumberland
30. South Devon, 130 sq mi - Devon (South Hams), Plymouth, Torbay
31. Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths, 156 sq mi - Suffolk (Babergh, East Suffolk)
32. Surrey Hills, 163 sq mi - Surrey (Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge, Waverley)
33. Tamar Valley, 73 sq mi - Cornwall, Devon (South Hams, West Devon)
34. Wye Valley (partly in Wales), 126 sq mi - Gloucestershire (Forest of Dean), Herefordshire, Wales: Monmouthshire

National Landscapes in Wales

Wales is home to five incredible National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), each offering its own slice of natural wonder. From the windswept beauty of Anglesey and the dramatic peaks of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley to the coastal magic of the Gower Peninsula, these areas are all about showcasing the best of Welsh scenery. Add the peaceful landscapes of the Llŷn Peninsula and the winding charm of the Wye Valley, and you’ve got some of the UK’s most cherished and unique natural spots, ready to be explored and celebrated.

1. Anglesey (Ynys Môn), 85 sq mi - Anglesey
2. Clwydian Range and Dee Valley (Bryniau Clwyd a Dyffryn Dyfrdwy), 150 sq mi - Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham
3. Gower (Gŵyr), 73 sq mi - Swansea
4. Llŷn, 60 sq mi - Gwynedd
5. Wye Valley (Dyffryn Gwy), 126 sq mi - Monmouthshire, (also in England: Gloucestershire, Herefordshire)

National Landscapes in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to some breathtaking National Landscapes, each with its own unique charm and rugged beauty. From the iconic Antrim Coast to the dramatic Mourne Mountains, these areas are all about showcasing Northern Ireland's most stunning and diverse scenery. Here’s a look at the National Landscapes in Northern Ireland:

1. Antrim Coast and Glens, 280 sq mi - Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim
2. Binevenagh, 53 sq mi - Causeway Coast and Glens
3. Causeway Coast, 16 sq mi - Causeway Coast and Glens
4. Lagan Valley, 15 sq mi - Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh
5. Mourne Mountains, 220 sq mi - Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Newry, Mourne and Down
6. Ring of Gullion, 59 sq mi - Newry, Mourne and Down
7. Sperrins, 456 sq mi - Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh, Mid Ulster
8. Strangford and Lecale, 203 sq mi - Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down

Top activities in the UK’s National Landscapes (formerly AONBs) focus on connecting with nature, exploring historic sites, and enjoying outdoor recreation in stunning scenery. Here are a few highlights:

• Walking and Hiking: Many National Landscapes feature world-renowned walking routes, like the South West Coast Path and Cotswold Way, offering paths for all levels and immersing visitors in breathtaking views.
• Wildlife Watching: These areas are havens for wildlife, making birdwatching, spotting native animals, and exploring nature reserves popular activities, especially in regions like the Norfolk Coast and the North Pennines.
• Cycling and Mountain Biking: National Landscapes often have dedicated cycling routes, providing a sustainable way to explore everything from gentle hills to rugged trails, ideal for both casual cyclists and more adventurous riders.
• Exploring Historical Sites: Many landscapes are dotted with ancient ruins, castles, and historic villages, adding a cultural layer to outdoor excursions. Areas like the Chilterns and High Weald offer a mix of natural beauty and historical charm.
• Water-Based Activities: For areas near rivers, lakes, or coastlines, activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular ways to engage with the environment while taking in the serene surroundings.

These activities allow visitors to experience the beauty, tranquillity, and heritage of the UK’s National Landscapes, making them ideal destinations for both relaxation and adventure.