See the UK afresh with Swarovski Optik: 7 beauty spots in the UK we rediscovered during lockdown

2020 has been the year of the staycation, with many of us rediscovering the UK. Here are seven top UK beauty spots and how the new Swarovski Optik NL Pure binoculars will help you see them...

4 mins

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us travellers have been unable to journey as far as we do usually, switching planes to foreign countries for closer to home adventures. 

But if there has been one upside to this, it is that we have been forced to see the UK with fresh eyes, and fully appreciate the beauty surrounding us on a daily basis. 

That's why we have teamed up with Swarovksi Optik to show you how their binoculars can be used to take a closer look at nature. Wherever your travels take you and whether you are birdwatching or gazing out from a mountain top, the revolutionary NL Pure binoculars will get you closer to nature than ever. With the largest field view to date and with the best optics packed into the smallest possible size, here are a few places where you can take the NL Pure for some unprecedented nature experiences...

1. The Isle of Lewis and Harris, Scotland

A Caribbean-like beach on the isle of Lewis (Shutterstock)

A Caribbean-like beach on the isle of Lewis (Shutterstock)

Turquoise waters reflect the sun in a clean, blue sky. Chalk white sands stretch for miles. Emerald mounds are carpeted with wildflowers. Who said you needed to leave the UK to discover paradise?

So beautiful are the beaches of Lewis and Harris in Scotland that they were once used in a marketing campaign to advertise Thailand. For the best vantage point, stand up on the machairs (grassy banks). Keep your binoculars on the sea to spot whales and dolphins making a splash or focus on the skies for your chance to spot eagles and puffins.

Take the NL PURE with you for...

With views like these, you won’t be able to pull yourself away, which is why we recommend using the Swarovski Optik NL Pure. Its ergonomic grip will allow you to scan the glorious coastal landscape for long periods of time without getting uncomfortable.

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2. Murlough National Nature Reserve, Northern Ireland

Murlough National Nature Reserve (Shutterstock)

Murlough National Nature Reserve (Shutterstock)

This 6,000 year-old sand dune landscape offers up views of heathland, wildlife-rich grasses, a wild coast and piercing mountains.

But the best sights are in the minute details. Home to 600 species of butterflies and moths as well as myriad rare birds including little egrets, stonechats and dunlins, you’ll want to keep your binoculars close. Bigger creatures reside here too including ponies and rabbits grazing the heathland.

Take the NL PURE with you for...

As there is so much to see, we recommend the Swarovski Optik NL Pure, as its focussing system is really quick, so if something catches your eye, you can make sure you see it before it’s gone.

3. Pen y Fan, Wales

Pen y Fan, Wales (Shutterstock)

Pen y Fan, Wales (Shutterstock)

At 2,907ft high, Pen y Fan is the highest mountain in South Wales, so it should come as no surprise that the views from the top are simply spectacular. From this vantage point, you’ll have the whole of the Brecon Beacons National Park at your feet, undulating under the sky and veined by lakes and streams.

Take the NL PURE with you for...

The Swarovski Optik NL Pure is both small and lightweight, meaning it won’t be cumbersome during the climb and you’ll still be able to make the most of those panoramic views.

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4. Brownsea Island, England

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve (Shutterstock)

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve (Shutterstock)

Brownsea Island in Dorset is visited by over 20,000 birds every year, so chances are, you’ll get some pretty exciting sightings. The island’s biggest show offs are the bright blue peacocks, but look carefully and you will also spy hen harriers, peregrine falcons and merlins.

What better way to spot wading and sea birds than on the water itself? Don’t miss a chance to ride out into the harbour on one of the bird boats. From here, you are likely to see red breasted mergansers, northern divers, goldeneyes and ducks.

Take the NL PURE with you for...

Make sure you bring your Swarovski Optik NL Pure along with you. The ergonomics mean that you can easily carry the NL Pure in one hand, so even while you’re holding onto the edge of the boat, you can be sure you’ll be fully immersed in nature.

5. The Cairngorms, Scotland

Spot capercaillie in the Cairngorms (Shutterstock)

Spot capercaillie in the Cairngorms (Shutterstock)

Covering a vast area of ancient and aromatic pine forest, it’s little wonder so many species of birds reside in the Cairngorms National Park. Embark on a forest trek here, looking out for ptarmigans, siskins and grey-footed woodpeckers. Look really carefully and you may even spot the incredibly elusive capercaillie.

Turn your attention skyward to see golfer eagles and ospreys gliding across the sky.

Take the NL PURE with you for...

Whatever you happen to spot, the NL Pure has the largest field view to date, so your sightings in this forest environment will be truly phenomenal.

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6. Blakeney Point, Norfolk, England

Blakeney Point, Blekeney, Norfolk (Shutterstock)

Blakeney Point, Blekeney, Norfolk (Shutterstock)

A 6km shingle spit points towards the sea, creating a path that curves you around to the wild sand dunes, stretching out across the horizon. Look out for flycatchers and warblers along the way.

Walking past the Lifeboat House, you will end up on a beach, from where you can lap up sea views. But we recommend turning your attention to the dunes themselves. Hidden in the grassy patches of sand are common and grey seals. 

Take the NL PURE with you for...

If you have the NL Pure with you, you can make use of the forehead rest which will help you to stabilise the image so you can really focus on the beautiful seals.

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7. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland (Shutterstock)

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland (Shutterstock)

40,000 hexaganol slabs are slotted closely together, glistening from the splash from the Atlantic Ocean. Towers of basalt columns mark the causeway’s abrupt stop in the water and makes for a great viewpoint to see the crashing wild Atlantic below and the creatures clinging to the rockpools. No wonder people believed this volcanic landscape was created by a giant wanting to get across to Scotland.

Be sure to climb the Shepherd's Steps for a birds-eye-view of the causeway, and to see fulmars and oystercatchers soaring past. As if the sight wasn’t spectacular enough, sunset stripes the sky in blurs of orange, red and purple, making the magical legends surrounding the UNESCO-listed site even more believable. And with the NL Pure  in your hands, you can be sure you will still have the clearest view, even after the sun has completely faded and has been replaced with a dark night sky.

See more with SWAROVSKI OPTIK NL Pure

NL Pure - the revolutionary binoculars with the largest field of view to date and barely perceptible edges, without compromising on ergonomics and handling. In other words: Best optics, packed in the smallest possible size. The NL Pure thus provides unprecedented nature experiences.

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