Four safest places from nuclear war in UK as Russia's 23 town 'strike list' leaked

After the ex-deputy prime minister of Russia revealed the list of 23 towns allegedly included in the nation's hit list, Brits have been left wondering where the safest spots are in case of a full-blown attack.

The UK has long been threatened by Russian officials with the possibility of a third world war hanging in the balance, so you'd be forgiven for feeling a tad bit worried following the release of the specific list.

Simulations have depicted how being bombed could look like, in what has been a reminder to many of the Cold War, which took place in the mid to late-20th century.

As the UK continues to support Ukraine during Putin's invasion, it's no surprise that Russian officials have not been best pleased, so it might be worth making note of the nation's safest areas - just in case.

Putin allegedly has a list of UK targets if he were to push the red button (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Former deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin, who was previously in charge of Russia's defence industry for seven years, was responsible for making the dreaded list of British targets, public.

Rogozin went as far as publishing the map which highlights potential targets in the UK if WW3 were to take place, with Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyov adding that Britain could simply 'not exist' overnight.

Full list of alleged targets

• Glasgow – BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Thales
• Belfast – Harland & Wolff, Spirit Aerosystems, Thales
• Fivemiletown – Cooneen Defence
• Barrow-in-Furness – BAE Systems
• Bolton – MBDA
• Telford – RBSL
• Aberporth – QinetiQ, Tekever
• Merthyr Tydfil – General Dynamics
• Glascoed – BAE Systems
• Bristol – Airbus, BAE Systems, GKN Aerospace, Leonardo, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce
• HMNB Devonport – Babcock
• Yeovil – Leonardo
• Aldermaston – AWE
• London – Helsing, Palantir
• Stevenage – Airbus, MBDA
• Ampthill – Lockheed Martin
• Derby – Rolls-Royce
• Sheffield – Sheffield Forgemasters
• Warton & Samlesbury – BAE Systems
• Newton Aycliffe – Octric Semiconductors
• Tyne & Wear – BAE Systems, Leonardo
• Edinburgh – Leonardo
• Rosyth – Babcock, QinetiQ

Rogozin revealed the 23 UK targets Russia have on their list (Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)

So if an attack were to be carried out on the UK, where should you go?

Apparently, there are four areas which should be at the top of your list in such a situation - it goes without saying that a nuclear attack would devastate any city or area targeted, as we've seen what happened to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the past.

As you can imagine, the safe areas are a good distance from any of the listed potential targets, while also being largely rural areas as nature can provide a natural barrier to any fallout or blast waves.

Scottish Highlands

Heading for the mountains up north may be one of the safest bets out there, especially since it's far from the country's major cities and targeted bases in case of a nuclear attack.

Consisting of miles of greenery, mountain ranges and valleys, you'd be safer than most from any effects caused by a nuclear blast and its access to water sources as well as its fertile ground makes it a habitable location.

Snowdonia National Park

If we move west, we'll end up in the Welsh national park, with the valleys and peaks of this area again providing protection from any nuclear blast waves, while being far enough from any of Russia's targets.

Snowdonia may feature freshwater streams, forests and fertile land again, but it isn't as isolated compared to the highlands.

The north of Scotland can look like a different country altogether at times (Getty Stock Image)

The Outer Hebrides

In case you aren't sure about what this is, the Outer Hebrides consists of isles off the north-west coast of Scotland, making it one of the more remote locations in the UK.

It's believed that its exposure to any nuclear fallout would be reduced due to wind patterns, putting it the furthest away from any of Russia's listed target zones.

There's a low population density here, while islands also feature fresh water, farmland, and conditions allow for fishing.

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Located in the southwest of England, there aren't many people who reside here, with moorlands, caves and hillsides having the capability to protect you from any radiation.

This area doesn't boast the fertile land of the previous three areas, though its environment could allow you to hunt or grow food.

Located a good way from any big targets, it's one of the areas to consider.