BROUGHTON Sanctuary rewilding project near Skipton, has been named by National Geographic as one of the 30 most exciting places in the world to visit next year.

National Geographic's Cool List 2024 sees Broughton Sanctuary, which is being returned to nature, through tree-planting and changes to farming, included in a list which also features Pompeii in Italy; The UEFA European Championship in Germany; and Texas, in the United States.

Broughton Sanctuary is one of just five 'hot spots' in the UK to make the list which National Geographic says 'will be making the headlines in the year to come'.

Located within 3,000 acres of historic Broughton Estate, the sanctuary is one of the UK’s leading nature recovery projects with more than 350,000 trees planted in the last three years.

National Geographic Traveller commends Broughton Sanctuary for its rewilding initiatives, saying: “Intensive sheep grazing is being reduced, peat bogs and waterways are being restored and tens of thousands of newly planted saplings will boost tree cover from six per cent to over 20 per cent.

"All this is intended to help boost the area’s biodiversity, which already includes otters, hares and kestrels. The project is a natural move for Broughton, which already offers experiences such as foraging tours, woodland dining and even moon bathing on its grounds.”

Custodian of Broughton Sanctuary, Roger Tempest, said: "We are incredibly proud to be recognised by National Geographic Traveller in their 2024 Cool List. We have already reached over 30 per cent tree cover which has had a positive impact on biodiversity.

"Our work is dedicated to encouraging the reconnection of our ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ nature, both through the rewilding work and also through the wellbeing programmes and retreats at the Avalon Wellbeing Centre. We are on a mission to heal ourselves and our world".

Guests can stay in one of 19 recently refurbished homes, or within Broughton Hall itself. There is also a walled garden bistro - Utopia, and wellbeing centre.