List of rock formations in the United Kingdom facts for kids

Natural rock formations are amazing parts of our landscape that have been shaped by nature over millions of years. They are often isolated, beautiful, or very impressive rock shapes that stick out from the ground. These cool shapes are usually made by weathering (like rain, wind, and ice breaking down rocks) and erosion (when broken rock pieces are carried away).

Awesome Rock Formations in the UK

The United Kingdom has many incredible natural rock formations. These include towering cliffs, unique rock stacks, and deep gorges. They show us the power of nature and how our planet changes over time.

England's Natural Wonders

England is home to many famous and interesting rock formations. Many of these are found along the coast or in hilly areas.

• Avon Gorge, Bristol: A deep river gorge carved by the River Avon.
• Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale, Yorkshire: Huge, strangely shaped rocks that look like sculptures.
• Cheddar Gorge and Cave, Somerset: England's largest gorge, with amazing caves.
• Cheesewring, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall: A stack of granite rocks, balanced on top of each other.
• Dovedale, Derbyshire: A beautiful valley known for its unique limestone rock formations.
• Durdle Door, Dorset: A famous natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast.
• Ebbor Gorge, Somerset: A limestone gorge with ancient woodlands.
• Hunstanton cliffs, Norfolk: Striking striped cliffs made of different colored rocks.
• Lathkill Dale, Derbyshire: A stunning limestone valley with clear water.
• Lydford Gorge, Devon: The deepest river gorge in the South West of England.
• The Needles, Isle of Wight: Three sharp stacks of chalk rock sticking out of the sea.
• Old Harry Rocks, Dorset: Three chalk formations, including a stack and a stump, near Durdle Door.
• Penninis, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly: Granite rock formations on the Isles of Scilly.
• Pulpit Rock, Isle of Portland, Dorset: A large, natural rock formation shaped like a pulpit.
• Tar Rocks, Isle of Portland, Dorset: Other interesting rock features on the Isle of Portland.

Scotland's Dramatic Landscapes

Scotland's rugged landscape is famous for its dramatic mountains and coastal features.

• Ailsa Craig, Firth of Clyde: A large, uninhabited island made from volcanic rock.
• Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh: An ancient volcano that overlooks Edinburgh.
• Bass Rock, Firth of Forth: A volcanic rock island, home to many seabirds.
• Beinn Eighe, Wester Ross: One of Scotland's oldest nature reserves, with impressive mountains.
• The Cobbler, Argyll and Bute: A mountain with a very distinctive, jagged peak.
• Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ullapool: A deep, narrow gorge with a waterfall.
• Dumbarton Rock: A volcanic plug, home to a historic castle.
• Duncansby Head, John o' Groats: Known for its dramatic sea stacks.
• Glen Nevis, Fort William: A beautiful glen with impressive rock faces.
• Gloup Ness, Cullivoe, Shetland Islands: A sea cave formed by erosion.
• Liathach, Wester Ross: A majestic mountain with a long, rocky ridge.
• Old Man of Hoy, Orkney Islands: A tall sea stack made of sandstone.
• Sgùrr nan Conbhairean, Kyle of Lochalsh: A mountain in the Scottish Highlands.
• Stac Biorach, St Kilda archipelago: A very tall, narrow sea stack.
• Stac Pollaidh, Wester Ross: A small but very distinctive mountain with a rocky summit.
• Three Sisters, Glen Coe: Three impressive ridges that are part of a larger mountain.

Wales's Geological Gems

Wales offers a mix of coastal and inland rock formations, often found in its national parks.

• Dinas Rock, Powys: A prominent rock outcrop in the Welsh valleys.
• Mew Slade: A natural rock feature, possibly a cave or a small gorge.
• Solva, St. David's Head, Dyfed: Coastal rock formations near a picturesque harbor.
• Flat Holm, Glamorgan: An island with interesting rock cliffs in the Bristol Channel.
• St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire: A rugged headland with a tiny chapel built into the cliff.
• St. Mary's Well Bay, Cardiff: Coastal features near Cardiff.
• Three Cliffs Bay Park, Swansea: Famous for its three limestone cliffs.
• South Stack, Holy Island, Anglesey: A small island with a lighthouse, connected by a bridge.
• Stackpole Head, Pembrokeshire: Dramatic limestone cliffs and sea arches.
• Dylife Gorge, near Machynlleth, Powys: A scenic gorge in mid-Wales.
• Worm's Head, Rhossili, Gower: A tidal island shaped like a dragon or sea serpent.

Northern Ireland's Unique Rocks

Northern Ireland is famous for its volcanic rock formations, especially along its stunning coastline.

• White Rocks Beach, Bushmills, County Antrim: White chalk cliffs with caves and arches.
• Giant's Causeway, County Antrim: An amazing area of interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity.
• Ballintoy, County Antrim: A small village with a beautiful harbor and unique rock formations.
• Waterloo Bay, Larne: A bay with interesting coastal geology.

See also

• Jurassic Coast
• List of rock formations