UK's Best Bucket List Breaks

Planning your next UK break? Gillian Thornton picks some of her favourite natural and cultural highlights across the country

- GILLIAN THORNTON

Great Little Trains Of Wales

From the Brecon Beacons in the south-east to Caernarfon in the north-west, the 12 Great Little Trains of Wales promise passengers a tranquil trip with an irresistible heritage flavour. Take your seat for a journey that will transport you back to the age of steam as well as through glorious landscapes from sea level to mountain top. The Ffestiniog Railway, for instance, runs from Harbour Station at Porthmadog, to Blaenau Festiniog where you can connect with the Welsh Highland Railway for 40 unbroken miles of adventure. Or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the roof of Wales. This rack railway has linked Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon since 1896. www.greatlittletrainsof wales.co.uk

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands 

You don't have to believe in legendary Scottish monster Nessie, to enjoy the spectacular scenery and heritage attractions around Loch Ness. The lake stretches for 23 miles along a geological fault line south-west from Inverness on Scotland's east coast and nestles among the dramatic peaks of the Great Glen, linking via the Caledonian Canal to Loch Lochy, Fort William and eventually the west coast. Saint Columba was the first to see Nessie, way back in 565AD and many people claim to have seen it across the centuries. The first photograph was taken in 1933 but Nessie still remains an enigma. Even confirmed sceptics scan the water from the ruins of Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen Way walking trail. You just never know! www.visitinvernesslochness.com

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim