The world’s most beautiful blue spaces

Here, we’ll be revealing:

• The UK's most eye-catching blue spaces
• The world's most eye-catching blue spaces

In our quest for the most beautiful blue places, we found some incredible waterscapes right here in the United Kingdom. From charming lakes tucked away in picturesque valleys to majestic rivers flowing through historic towns, the UK's most eye-catching blue spaces will leave you breathless. 

Cornwall’s The Loe, also referred to as Loe Pool, is one of the UK’s largest freshwater lakes and doesn’t disappoint in terms of natural beauty, ranking as the most eye-catching blue space the UK has to offer. 

In second place for the UK – and taking the top spot in Scotland – are the ethereal fairy pools located on the Isle of Skye. Visitors can take in the beautiful pools and waterfalls on a nearby walk, and those who are brave enough to brace the chilly water can also swim!

Two other Scottish expanses of water rank in the top 10: Loch Lomond (4th) based in The Tossachs National Park and Mealt Falls (8th), the latter of which is a stunning 55m sea cliff waterfall that spills over Kilt Rock! Just outside of the top 10 is arguably the nation’s most famous waterscape, Loch Ness (16th). 

In England, Ullswater Lake completes the top three. One of the many stunning blue spaces in the Lake District, this glacial stretch of water is the second largest lake in the region and is a perfect spot for wild water swimming. 

Northern Ireland boasts just one blue space in the rankings, but Glenariff Waterfall is truly a worthy contender. Based in a nature reserve after the same name, a 3.5km circular trail offers various spectacles from a river gorge, rare wildlife and three scenic waterfalls. 

Llangorse Lake (7th), Llyn Idwal (11th), Pistyll Rhaeadr (15th) and the Kennet and Avon Canal (19th) make up the top eye-catching blue spaces in Wales in the rankings. Based in the Brecon Beacons National Park and the nation’s largest natural lake, Llangorse is famed for its crannog, coarse fishing and water sports.

If you’re looking to travel abroad to satisfy your wanderlust, we’ve got you covered when it comes to innspiration. Our study also looked at the most eye-catching blue spaces across the globe.

Vietnam’s iconic Bian Gioc waterfall takes the crown as the must-see blue space globally. Located in Cao Bang province, visitors can either take the path to view this majestic waterfall or explore the base of the falls up close via boat. The turquoise water and sheer power of the waterfall will leave you speechless!

For those preferring a more peaceful style of waterscape, Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand offers a tranquil, expansive view for travellers. Stretching across 80 kilometres, the nation’s longest lake offers a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and skyscraping trees as well as being home to longfin eels and rainbow trout, adding to the allure of this stunning destination.

Moving to a slightly warmer climate, famous wedding destination Lake Como is world-renowned for its beauty and ranks third. Based in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, the lake is set against the Alps and offers awe-inspiring views, historic villas and lush gardens.

England and Guyana are the other two countries boasting water attractions in the top five: Cornwall’s Loe lake (4th) and Kaieteur Falls (5th). With a staggering drop of 226 meters, Kaieteur Falls commands attention as one of nature's most awe-inspiring wonders. Deep in the heart of the Guyanese rainforest, the waterfall plunges into a gorge, creating an astonishing spectacle of natural power and beauty.

Lake Tahoe is the only American blue space within the top 10, but five other American lakes, waterfalls and rivers feature in the top 25, with the Colorado River just making 20th position.

If we’ve inspired you to explore the best blue spaces in the UK, you can check out our short breaks guide for some top tips. Alternatively, if you’re looking to venture further afield, book one of our airport hotels to ensure you rest easy before travelling abroad.