Synonymous with holidays, sunsets are usually the most serene time of day, incredibly romantic and create the type of moments that you remember for a lifetime. Many of our phone camera reels are filled with memories past where we’ve watched bright, colourful skies sink into darkness across the water or over the mountains.
That’s why, in 2020, the year of the staycation, we went on the hunt for the UK’s best sunsets and sunrises. More than 750 photos and 15,000 votes later and we can reveal the best sun-watching locations in the UK, counting down to the winning location…
10. Morte Point, Devon
This glorious photograph was taken not far from our North Devon HQ and beautifully shows off the diverse mixture of coast and countryside on offer in this region. We can assure you that you could spend a full day sitting in this spot and never tire of its beauty. Find out what else you can discover on a holiday to Devon.
Image by Vicky Hall
Devon cottages
9. Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The gorgeous sunflowers in this photo may be seasonal, but the view is undeniably impressive. If you’re heading to Dorset next summer, be sure to stop by to capture this view at sunset or sunrise and we promise it’s a moment you’ll not soon forget.
Image by @saintsmadmomma
Dorset cottages
8. Watermouth Harbour, Devon
The contrast of colours in this shot make for a dramatic landscape, paired with the peaceful nature of the water, you can just imagine those boats quietly bobbing as they all look out into the distance beyond in Devon.
Image by Simon Stuart
Devon cottages
7. Sandwood Bay, Scotland
Scotland, with its many peaks and waterways, is home to plenty of incredible places to catch a sunset, but this one really captures the serenity of the country with a perfectly speckled sky, calming waves and a deep colour palate forming a picturesque composition. We've rounded up what else you can discover on your next Scottish holiday.
Image by @abonnietravelersinsideguide
Scotland cottages
6. Perranporth, Cornwall
As far as sunsets at the beach go, this is certainly one of our favourites. Clouds might symbolise less-than-perfect weather, but they really do transform the lights in the sky to something spectacular. You can almost hear those waves in Cornwall rolling into the sands in a peaceful hum. Cornwall is a favourite for holidays; here's what you can discover on your next trip.
Image by Paige Platt-Lea - @pidgeface
Cornwall cottages
5. Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Two of Cornwall’s fine beaches made it into the top 10, but contrast completely and absolutely deserve their places. The pastel tones merge together so perfectly in this photo, it’s quite possibly one of the most Instagrammable images we saw throughout the competition.
Image by @adventures_by_the_sea
Cornwall cottages
4. Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, Wales
The top-rated sunrise in our list! Those who have climbed Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa in Wales will already be able to appreciate the magic of the view, but the sunrise captured in this shot is something we rarely get to enjoy. The combination of dramatic terrains paired with the mystic clouds and the colours of the sun really are something to marvel over. As well as mountain climbing, there's plenty more to do in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, making it a top destination for lovers of the great outdoors.
Image by @emmacmarshall
Wales cottages
3. Blenclathra, Lake District
The Lake District is renowned for awe-inspiring views, but this one really is quite something else. The vivid orange lighting up the sky contrasted with the dramatic, mighty mountains; it’s the kind of sight that takes your breath away with its beauty. Find out what else you can get up to in the Lake District on your next holiday.
Image by Tim Holt @timholt
Lake District cottages
2. Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire
Coming in at a very, very close second, Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire looks like something straight out of a romantic novel. The way the sun disappears beneath the hill makes for a majestic view; the perfect place to enjoy an autumnal sunset.
Image by @lanelifestyle
Cheshire cottages
1. Sandbanks, Dorset
Dorset is a stunning county, and a worthy location of taking the crowning position and our number 1 sunset watching spot in the UK. Capturing the romance amongst the palm trees with the glorious glow reflected between the bobbing boats, you’d barely believe this shot was taken in the UK!
Image by Carl Draper @WavesliderPhotography
The winner of the competition, Carl Draper, commented:
“The pic is summer sunset at Sandbanks with Keira my 16-year-old daughter and my brother. The conditions were perfect that evening: zero wind at high tide meant very little movement of water, which only lasts a few minutes, while there were also easterly winds bringing sand over from the Sahara Desert - which is why we get the 'Star Wars' type sunsets. I would definitely say: ‘right time, right light, right place’!”
"Many times people have said that I must have an amazing camera and lens to take a pic like that, but, for me, it's all about knowing where to be and when. That's where I capitalise on my advantage of being a surfer, I am obsessed with the weather! The weather will always tell me where to be and when.”
Dorset cottages
We were blown away by the stunning sights from all over the UK submitted throughout our hunt, which just goes to show that you really don’t need to travel outside of the UK to experience such incredible scenes!
Have you been inspired for your next adventure? Browse our collection of cottages in the UK.
Inspire me
