Perfect For… Finding Yourself: Mullion Cove, Cornwall(01 of10)
Open Image ModalRomanticised by poets and painters of the 18th Century, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula has long been a favourite for those longing to get away from it all, but it's popular, and it can be hard to find yourself in a crowd.A short drive away however, is the secluded Mullion Cove, set amidst a dramatic serpentine scenery lined with towering cliffs of shiny black rocks, the water a kaleidoscope of green and purple minerals. When you find that perfect flat rocky ledge for you to lie down on, all the answers you've been looking for will come to you. (credit:Deejpilot via Getty Images)
Perfect For… Hunting For Fairies: Janet’s Foss, Yorkshire Dales(02 of10)
Open Image ModalGive the kids the call to put down the electronics and kick-start their imagination. When legend tells you the waterfall has a secret cave hidden behind it, wherein dwells the Queen of the Fairies, you just know the little ones are going to have to take a closer peak. Lots of cute caves in the walk leading up to Malham Cove to play hide and seek in, or duck in for shelter in bad weather, although the scenery actually gets prettier after a rainstorm. (credit:UniversalImagesGroup via Getty Images)
Perfect For… A Brilliant Third Date: Foyers Fall & Fairy Pools, Highland(03 of10)
Open Image ModalJump in a car and head to the Highland to be among the ‘bustling torrents’ of the foaming Foyer Falls surrounded by the ‘ragged wood’ that got the poet Robert Burns so hot under the collar. After taking in the165 feet of cascading loveliness splashing into the Loch Ness, take the scenic drive to the lesser known but equally pretty Fairy Pools, with its baby blue waters and a backdrop that makes Instagram redundant. By the time you’re done whispering soft nothings against the babble of the cascade, you’re unlikely to want to make the long drive home. Oh, they do have some lovely cottages by the Cullins Hills, they do. (credit:Sean Gallup via Getty Images)
Perfect For… Post-Pub Ramble: Hayburn Wyke, Scarborough(04 of10)
Open Image ModalWalk off a fine lunch at Hayburn Wyke Inn by strolling down a wooded ravine to a soundtrack provided by the coos of willow warblers and pied flycatchers, past the twin waterfalls and onto the Wyke (the Norse word for "sea inlet"). The coast on this cove is a protected landscape – multi-coloured pebbles and rocks glittering beneath your feet, giant seaweed-coated boulders that invite you to hop from one to the other. Don’t be surprised to see a roe deer hop get in on the action or a porpoise swimming by. (credit:Derwisz/Flickr)
Perfect For… Letting It All Hang: Scabbacombe Sands, Devon(05 of10)
Open Image ModalNudist beaches tend to err on the side of creepy, but in this semi-official naturist stretch, the many secluded coves of silver sands overlooked by wild cliff tops might just be what it takes for you to dive into the salivating waves in the buff. No one will gawp at you because, well, there's no one there. You have to park your car a good half an hour’s walk away and there’s nothing in the way of facilities nearby so make sure you pack well, but this is perfect for those who really want to go off the beaten track… it’s quite an odd thing Google Maps telling you it’s never heard of Scabbacombe Sands. (credit:Reading Tom/Flickr)
Perfect For… Day Out With Mum: Linhope Spout, Northumberland(06 of10)
Open Image ModalTreat the old dear to a scenic drive to take in the delights of the fabulous Northumberland National Park. You’re guaranteed to bond during the gentle stroll across the bridges and zig-zag paths of the Breamish Valley into the Cheviot Hills to reach the waterfall of Linhope Spout, a 60ft chute of water which lands into a deep plunge pool. Extra brownie points if she adores birds. (credit:edbadle/Flickr)
Perfect For… Taking A Leap Of Faith: Abereiddi Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire(07 of10)
Open Image ModalNeed to get over someone? Wishing you had the courage to stand up to a colleague? Or maybe you just need an adrenaline boost to put the fire back in your belly. Drive on down to this submerged cove beneath dizzying high cliffs, stroll up to the disused quarry’s old engine house… and jump. With three platform set on mine tower ruins high above the bright blue abyss below, this is a rite of passage for local swimmers, but they’ll be more than pleased to cheer you on all the way down. (credit:Rapster/Flickr)
Perfect For... Camping By The Beach: Dancing Ledge, Dorset(08 of10)
Open Image ModalWhen you’ve spent the day exploring the rugged limestone sea caves, inlets and rock pools of this quarry on the Jurassic Coast, the feeling of being at one with nature can get pretty strong. Prolong it by pitching up a tent and watch the sun go down (or rise) in this old smuggler’s den. You’ll find all the facilities you need at the campsite at Tom’s Field just up the road, but this is really for when you feel ready for a rough and ragged adventure. (credit:Matt Cardy via Getty Images)
Perfect For... Picnics: Galleny Force, Cumbria(09 of10)
Open Image ModalFeaturing cute little waterfalls that the locals refer to as Fairy Glen, Galleny Force is made up of two secluded pools that are huge but shallow enough to paddle and splash in. If you want to go deep, there are pools you can dive and snorkel in. Rocks, grassy knolls and fern trees make it perfect setting for idyllic picnics. The roads leading up to can be a bit on the rough side, so park by the school and stroll up the river. (credit:Alan Cleaver/Flickr)
Perfect For… Rekindling Passion: Lower Ddwli Falls, Brecon Beacons(10 of10)
Open Image ModalTake you and the boy out of the rut and drive out into the Waterfall Woods (or Coed-y-Rhaiadr if you want to impress the locals). True to its name, you’ll find falls galore – take your pick from Lady Falls, Einion Gam falls, Little Canyon, Horseshoe Falls, and our favourite, Lower Ddwli Falls, which comes with a deep forest plunge pool under wide-arched cascade. There’s a campsite nearby for when things get heated up, but who knows? You might not have to wait till you get there… (credit:antony spencer via Getty Images)