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You’ve heard the phrase “Wuthering Heights Winter” and even though winter has nearly passed now and spring is coming, I feel a collective need to yearn emanating from us all. Perhaps it’s that after a long, dreary, unromantic winter – of which the UK is renowned for – we’re all longing for some colour to come back into our lives. And there’s no better way to remember that you’re human than by yearning… preferably in a wild place while wearing a big dress. Hiking boots optional, but recommended.
I’m going to be honest with you – I’m firmly of the camp that was not best impressed with Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights production. I went in with no expectations (I haven’t read the book) and still left disappointed. All I wanted was a good old evocative love-story and yet I left feeling equal parts bored, amused (no spoilers, but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to laugh at the end) and confused as to how two great actors were so spectacularly let down by the finished film.
I studied digital film production at university and I can appreciate a beautifully shot, well-costumed cinematic offering with the best of them. But I need more. The reason I became a filmmaker was to tell stories, and that’s what this film was missing: a story worth caring about. It felt… bland. I wanted yearning and all I was left with was ‘Chains of Love’ by Charli XCX on repeat and a habit for buying beautiful dresses on Vinted (unfortunately for my bank account and any adult responsibilities that do not involve me running through the wilderness in slow motion).
One of the things I was hoping for more of in the film was epic scenery. Yes, we got some, but it was mostly as bleak, barren and shrouded in mist as we’ve all become used to during these winter days. Again, I wanted more. Luckily, the UK provides us with plenty of wild places in which to roam and yearn, and perhaps to fancy ourselves as the object of such longing.
So I’ve decided to live out my own cinematic fantasies and help you live out your own ones too. Plus, stick around until the end for some proper movies recommendations to get you in the proper mood.
Perfect places to yearn in the South West of England
- Avebury Plains and Fyfield Down
A highly sacred place to explore, full of mystery and sure to evoke a sense of grounded peace and presence. Avebury can get busy, but is certainly an evocative place to start. You can head north and west to Windmill Hill, or east to Fyfield Down, where acres of Sarsen stones are scattered among the grasses. The Devil’s Den can be found among this landscape and makes for a compelling place to run to when you’re in need of solace. Preferably in a big, billowing dress.
- Vale of Pewsey / Alton Barnes White Horse
A newer discovery and love for me, despite being pretty much on my doorstep. This stunning landscape is part of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. It also has a white chalk horse carved on the hill, which is a necessity in this part of world. No self-respecting hill will be seen without one. There’s a Neolithic long barrow close by, and to the west, West Woods has fabulous bluebells in the spring.
- Stonehenge Plains
Incredibly barren and windswept, these plains don’t have much in the way of stunning scenery and are sliced through the middle by a major road. They are, however, an incredibly sacred landscape – so much so that our ancestors here chose the spot to put up some big stones. Today we call this collection of megalith’s Stonehenge, and the landscape is writ large with the stories of our past. It’s basically one big blank canvas and the ancestors had quite the time drawing upon it.
- Mendip Hills
It’s hard to believe this landscape is in the UK, with Cheddar Gorge’s dramatic rocky cliffs giving way to epic vistas across the plains below. Black Down makes for a great place to stride with purpose and poise and the gorge itself feels as though it belongs in another world. Make sure to keep an eye out for the free-roaming, feral goats for a true fantasy feeling. To the north you’ve got dense forest (complete with mountain biking trails) and a smaller gorge by Burrington.
Back to Black Down though, make sure to look out for the man-made earthen mounds that completely mystified me when I first saw them. They’re WWII bombing decoys designed to mimic Bristol’s railway yards, made to fool enemy bombers. There’s plenty of ancient and more modern history in the area, so if you’re after something to take your mind off your troubles, opt for here.
- Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
If you know me, you’ll know this is where part of my heart lies. I’m always yearning for the mountains (I guess I’m part dwarven– LOTR reference for the clueless clowns among you) and it is always the first place I’ll run to when given half the chance. Make sure you prep properly if you’re headed here. The mountains do not jest, and just because you saw it on TikTok and heard they’re small mountains, does not mean Mother Nature should be treated with any less than the utmost respect and reverence she deserves.
- Dorset Coast / South West Coast Path
Ah a coast path. Je do not adore. I can see the appeal and appreciate the landscape but I take my poison in the form of a mountain incline. That being said, there’s nothing like the lure of a fresh sea breeze and fish and chips to persuade one to the coast. And probably an ice cream or two to keep our strength up.
The Jurassic Coast is so named due to the large amount of fossils found here and as such it’s a great place to lose track of the time (and year) as you explore. The great beauty spots like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door can be very busy so if it’s solitude you’re after, opt for a less well-known stretch of the coastal path, or head further inland.
- Dartmoor
Honestly, vibes. Enough said really, but this landscape feels truly otherworldly. Whether you’re exploring along the tangled trees of a riverside, to the ancient temperate rainforest of Wistman’s Wood or on a wild foray across the moors to a tor, Dartmoor never fails to disappoint. I’ve spent a lot of time on and around Dartmoor (my Dad grew up close by and we still have family ties there) but it’s never enough. I doubt it ever will be.
- Kynance Cove
Situated close to the far-footed end of deepest, darkest Cornwall, Kynance has an other-worldly quality: it feels like magic being so close to the end of the world(ish), or like you’re on another planet all together. There’s a prehistoric settlement nearby and plenty of rugged coastline for windswept wanderings. I’ve got some great little tales I can tell from there, but I’ll leave those for another time. Now, cue ‘Chains of Love’ by Charli XCX.
Elsewhere in the UK:
- Lake District – Love.
- Peak District – Haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet.
- Yorkshire Moors – Ditto above.
- Snowdonia National Park – Love, and yet I’ve also sadly neglected her thus far.
- Scottish Highlands – Gimme.
Non-specific places:
- A river or body of water in the mist – either early morning at dawn, or in the twilight hours
- Anywhere there is a white horse carved on a hill – extra points for sunrise or sunset
- A moor – Dartmoor, the Yorkshire moors, the witchier and more gothic it is the better
- Somewhere in the rain – less vibey in real life than in the movies, so make sure there’s a pub with a roaring log fire nearby
- The beach – running barefoot across the sands? Come ON, what could be more romantic and wistful than that?
- A mountaintop – Running away to the hills to yearn? Iconic. Sign me TF up.
Movies to yearn to
I’m a huge fan of character-led films and these absolutely hit the spot for me (possible pun intended…)
- The Notebook – perfect if you want a good cry. Tissues compulsory.
- Pride and Prejudice – both the film and the 1995 BBC version.
- Dracula: A Love Story – if you haven’t yet discovered Caleb Landry Jones, jump on that bandwagon IMMEDIATELY. The way he yearns with his full body and acts with his eyes is mwah *chef’s kiss*.
- Byzantium – An odd choice perhaps, and not the vibe I was expecting, but Caleb Landry Jones and Saoirse Ronan are impeccable in it. A love it or hate it film, but if you can look past it’ flaws it’s worth a watch purely for the relationship between these two characters.
- Call Me By Your Name – A film about young love and long, languid summers abroad.
- Carol – Cate Blanchett & Rooney Mara. Yes please.
Ones on my list:
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire – looks stunning, has big dresses and a lesbian love story. Sign me UP.
- Tristan and Isolde – A similar story to Romeo and Juliet, but a more ancient incarnation of the themes.
- Brooklyn – More Saoirse Ronan, clearly I’m going through a phase.
- Ammonite – Saoirse Ronan again, with added Kate Winslet for *vibes*. Also have you seen the poster? Truly a work of art.
- Lady Macbeth – Florence Pugh is masterful in everything I’ve seen her in.
- Wuthering Heights – 2011 version, I’ve heard it’s the best adaptation yet.
- Tulip Fever – I bloody love Alicia Vikander, and Christoph Waltz always impresses in his films.
What places or films have I missed? Share your recommendations below …
Until next time walking woman,
Jenni 👣