The most beautiful places in Europe have been named – and this stunning British road makes the cut

Swiss valleys, rolling Tuscan hills and medieval German villages. When searching for breathtaking views, Europe is an absolute goldmine. 

Now travel editors at Travel + Leisure have named the 20 most beautiful places in Europe. Journalist Lydia Mansel interviewed two industry insiders: Jim Strong, a member of Travel + Leisure's Travel Advisory Board and president of Strong Travel Services, and Emma Major Schroeder, owner and luxury travel advisor at Major Traveler, to come up with the definitive list. Two British locations were ranked in the list of locations.

‘Wee Mad Road’ in Scotland ranked in ninth place. Found in the northwestern part of the Scottish Highlands, this endlessly curving road is as beautiful as it is remote. Part of Scotland’s North Coast 500, Strong warned that this scenic road trip is ‘not for the faint of heart’: the 14-mile stretch is a rugged and treacherous single-lane road filled with hair-pin turns.

However, braving the drive pays off, because along the route you’ll be rewarded with views of lochs, valleys and beaches. Strong added: ‘The western side of Scotland offers some of the most dramatic and strange sights while driving on small, one-lane roads.’

The other UK inclusion (in fourth place) was Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent. Once called the ‘most famous 20th century garden in England’, Sissinghurst’s garden was created by writer Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the 1930s. The 16th-century tower on the grounds has a fascinating history too, with a stint as a prison in the 1700s, to being a home to the women’s land army. 

‘The lawns and terraced colors of wildflowers of the area are a treat to the soul,’ Strong said. ‘A stroll around the grounds is tranquil in any weather, but spring and summer are the highlights.’

You can find Travel + Leisure’s full list here.

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