Do you love exploring secret places far away from the tourist crowds? The TOP 40 of the best hidden gems in the UK have been revealed with help of travel bloggers and our personal experiences of exploring England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland for many years.
But what really qualifies as a true hidden gem and how can a given place get on this list? A hidden gem is an area or object of exceptional beauty and value which doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. It frequently results from the location’s accessibility issues, the choice of other local attractions, and the lack of promotion on travel blogs or social media.
📍 PIN IT
We aim to show you the best hidden gems in the UK that we probably wouldn’t have known about if we hadn’t had the chance to live nearby for many years. I hope this post will give you the motivation you need to visit less known regions of the UK.
This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. As an Amazon Associate, I get a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Plan your trip like a PRO with these helpful websites:
🛫 Fly with Aegean Airlines (Greece), search best flights on Kiwi
✈️ Secure airport parking on Airport Parking with Us, Airport Parking Manchester, Airport Parking Luton
🚕 Find transfers and airport services on GetTransfer
🚗 Rent a car from Rentalcars, Discover Cars
🚆 Buy train tickets on Rail Europe, Omio, Trainline
🚌 Book cheap bus tickets on Busbud
⛴️ Travel by Ferry with DFDS
🛏️ Find the best hotels' offers on Agoda, Booking, Hostelword
📖 Read Hotel's Reviews on Tripadvisor
🏞️ Travel with G Adventures in small groups worldwide
🤳 Visit the most popular attractions with Get Your Guide and Viator
🌎 Choose SafetyWing - the best travel insurance for Nomads
🗽 Save up to 50% on attractions with GoCity
🛒 Buy Travel Gear before your trip
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The best hidden gems in the UK – Secret Caves
1
↓
💎 Crystal Grotto in Painshill Park, Surrey
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Painshill Park Car Park: Anvil Ln, Cobham KT11
While there are several secret caves in the UK, especially in Lake District and Peak District, there is one of the best hidden gems in Southern England. Thousands of glistening crystals formed in the shape of stalactites shimmer, turning the rugged grotto on the outside into a magical place inside.
The cave is full of quartz crystals, famous for their cleansing properties. Who knows, maybe a visit to the Crystal Grotto will bring all emotional and spiritual levels back into harmony.
Especially since this is not the only type of crystal in the Grotto. Fluorite, which is also present in the cave walls, reduces stress levels and increases our self-confidence. It also helps with skin and respiratory problems. So, enjoy the amazing interior and get some fresh air in this dazzling cave.
When is the best time to visit Crystal Grotto? – One of the best hidden gems in the UK
This crystal masterpiece is most delightful at midday when the light shines through the openings of the cave. In turn, the water and the ceiling filled with Calcite and other minerals sparkle with shades of silver and gold.
However, Painshill Park doesn’t have only the Crystal Grotto. It is also one of the most beautiful 18th-century English parks. You will see there also many other unusual attractions. For example, a Turkish tent or a Gothic temple with the most beautiful view of Surrey.
📖 Read My Guide to the Best Hidden Gems in Surrey
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
2
↓
🏔️ Robin Hood’s Cave, Peak District
⭐ The Backpacking Family TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Location of Robin Hood’s cave: GPS coordinates 53.34877, -1.63454
Robin Hood’s cave is one of our favourite hidden gems in the UK. In fact, this lovely little cave is hidden in the cliff face at Stanage Edge (in the Peak District). Robin Hood’s cave is small and cozy with a sand floor. Moreover, it is very sheltered and has a great view of the Hope Valley. Hikers and climbers from Sheffield often sleep in this secret cave overnight.
📖 Before you read on:
🧗 The only way to get inside Robin Hood’s cave is to do a little climbing.
Don’t attempt this unless you have sufficient training, experience, and climbing skills.
To get to Robin Hood’s cave, park at the Upper Burbage Bridge Car Park and walk along the path towards the Stanage Edge trig point. Then keep following the path along the top of Stanage Edge a further 800m.
However, finding the exact spot is pretty challenging. Robin Hood’s cave is located 800m northwest of the Stanage edge trig point. There is another smaller cave and ledge right next to it. This smaller cave is located just before you get to Robin Hood’s cave if you are walking from the trig point. This can easily be confused with the real Robin Hood’s cave. In fact, the genuine Robin Hood’s cave is deeper and more sheltered.
Most visitors access Robin Hood’s cave from the top. They climb down a small crevice that leads to a ledge. Once you are on this ledge, you walk into the cave entrance. If you want to see Robin Hood’s cave without entering it, the best option is to walk along the bottom of Stanage edge. From here you can look up at the cave.
🏨 The best place to stay near Robin Hood's Cave is The Fox House by Innkeeper's Collection with beautiful views of ancient woodlands in the Peak District.
👍 Recommended by Pete from the Backpacking Family
The best hidden gems in the UK – Animals
3
↓
🐴 Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, Shropshire
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Carding Mill Valley Car Park: Church Stretton SY6 6JG
If you are looking for hidden gems in the UK, a trip to the least populated county in England is a must. Shropshire, which borders Wales on the west side and Cheshire on the north, is often overlooked when visiting Great Britain.
However, the Shropshire hills have plenty to offer nature lovers. Head to the Long Mynd, Bur Way viewpoint, where wild horses roam along the way in search of food.
Bathed in the rays of the sunset, snow-white wild horses, like from mythological stories, emerge from the moors and meadows in the Shropshire hills. This amazing place will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
Begin your walk at the Carding Mill Valley Car Park. Then follow the different paths up and down the hills ahead of you. With a little luck and effort, you’ll see wild horses right on the road at the top of the hills.
🏨 One of the best hidden gems in the UK is The Castle Hotel, only 30 minutes drive from Shropshire Hills. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
4
↓
🦙 Tŷ Mawr Country Park, North Wales
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Tŷ Mawr Country Park Parking: Cae-Gwilym Ln, Cefn-mawr, Wrexham LL14 3PE
Llamas instead of sheep in North Wales? In Tŷ Mawr Country Park, you can meet this friendly animal that may even smile for in front of your camera next to Traphont Cefn Mawr Viaduct.
However, their main role is not to be a tourist attraction. In fact, those llamas are responsible for defending the sheep from foxes. Nevertheless, it is unusual and exciting to see an animal that originates from North America in North Wales.
Besides the animals such as llamas, you will see Grade II listed railway viaduct across the River Dee. Traphont Cefn Mawr with a length of 460 m and reaching 44.8 m was designed by Henry Robertson. Built in 1848 is one of the viaducts that are really worth seeing in Great Britain.
In turn, a short walk along the river towards the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is 30 minutes away, will take you to the engineering masterpiece of Thomas Telford, about which you will find more later in the article. Tŷ Country Park is without a doubt a beautiful place for history and architecture lovers. As well as those who admire beautiful Welsh scenery.
🏨 One of the best hidden gems in the UK is Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa with spa facilities, only 15 minutes drive from the Tŷ Mawr Country Park. Moreover, Castell Dinas Brân is just a stone's throw away from the hotel. Check out hotel's reviews on Tripadvisor.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
5
↓
🐖 Spitalfields City Farm, London
⭐ Veggies Abroad TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Spitalfields City Farm: Buxton St,
Pigs, donkeys, chickens, and ducks in the middle of London? You might be thinking that’s some kind of joke! There can’t possibly be a farm right smack dab in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities, but there is!
Spitalfields City Farm is just a short walk from the bustling and eclectic Brick Lane Road. If you weren’t really looking for it, you wouldn’t even know it was there! The farm started in the late 70s in response to a changing neighborhood forcing many backyard farms out of the city. Over the years, various animals have come to call Spitalfields home, some due to abuse and others rescued from factory farming.
Visitors are welcome to come for free, Tuesday – Sunday, from 10 am – 4:30 pm. They can visit the animals and the gardens. The farm also offers educational opportunities and workshops. You can learn more about the animals and how to grow your own food. The easiest way to reach the farm is via public transit. One of the closest tube stops is Shoreditch High Street.
After your visit, be sure to Shoreditch and check out all of the independent shops and stop at BOXPARK Shoreditch. This unique spot is made out of shipping containers and is home to some of London’s great vegan food options, along with pop-up shops and more.
🏨 Boundary London is a stylish hotel, only 12 minutes walk to Spitalfields City Farm. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
👍 Recommended by Rebecca from Veggies Abroad
The best hidden gems in the UK – Peninsulas
6
↓
🌄 Little Orme, North Wales – One of the Best Hidden Gems in the UK with Panoramic Views
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Trail starting point to Little Orme: GPS coordinates 53.324096, -3.773030
🚗💨 How to get to Little Orme?
You won’t find any parking spots nearby, so one of the options is to park at the end of Penrhyn Beach E road from where you can start the hike. This is a fairly flat hiking area and it takes only 5 minutes to get to Angel Bay.
TIP: When leaving your car in a residential area, park wisely and avoid obstructing private driveways.
141-meter-high cliff situated between Llandudno Bay and Penrhyn Bay is a special place due to the amazing flora and fauna of this area. You can admire seabirds such as Razorbill or Guillemot. As well as seals that come to the little Angel Bay.
📸 It is impossible to go down the cliff into the bay, so we recommend a good Backpacking Camera with powerful zoom to be able to photograph these beautiful creatures.
The views from Little Orme are really beautiful. Moreover, it takes only a little effort to get to the top of one of the best hidden gems in the UK.
Little Orme headland is made of Carboniferous limestone, which is constantly eroding, revealing various fossils. Despite its amazing archaeological value, it is little known because of the nearby Great Orme. Due to the easier availability of tourists.
On a sunny and clear day, you can see one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world – Gwynt y Môr. It consists of 160 wind turbines 150 meters above sea level. However, quite often the headlands of North Wales are shrouded by fog. It can also create a magical atmosphere in this place.
Unlike Great Orme, you won’t find there a cafe or cable car, only wildlife, and a few tourists. In 1994, Little Orme became a Nature Reserve that offers relaxation in a beautiful and secluded spot in North Wales.
🏨 Llandudno Bay Hotel offers modern accommodation with beautiful sea views and is within a short distance from the Little Orme. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
7
↓
👽 Great Orme, North Wales – One of the best hidden gems in the UK for UFO fans
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Great Orme Summit Pay & Display Car Park: The Summit Complex, Great Ormes Head, Llandudno LL30 2QR
Great Orme is still one of the best hidden gems in the UK, even though is more famous than Little Orme. If you are curious about paranormal activities, it is an exciting location to visit.
🛸 According to UFO experts, this is one of the places in the UK where the likelihood of alien abduction is most likely.
Therefore, a visit to Great Orme offers not only beautiful views but also a thrill.
Despite the sunny weather, a mystical fog may appear at any time on the Great Orme, reducing visibility in the headland to almost zero. It is a surprising and amazing thing that you can experience in Great Orme.
There are several ways to explore the Great Orme. One of the most popular is the cable car ride, which runs from April to October. There is also the Great Orme Summit Pay & Display Car Park where you can park your car. However, a scenic drive around the peninsula along Marine Dr is a must do if you own a car.
At the end of Happy Valley Rd is the Marine Drive Toll. There you can start your scenic drive along the Great Orme Cliffs. If the opportunity arises, stop at one of the roadside parking lots. In fact, there are only a few places like that and viewpoints on this route. Unfortunately, it is not possible to turn the car back. Moreover, hiking the Great Orme on foot requires a good fitness level.
What can you see in Great Orme?
However, at the summit of the Great Orme, there are also some other interesting places that you can easily reach from the parking lot next to the Summit Complex Gift Shop. One of them is the Hill Of Names, where tourists place various inscriptions made of stones around a semicircular wall hidden in the green peninsula of the Great Orme.
It is worth mentioning that the rocks in this place are about 340-280 million years old. Therefore are older than the dinosaurs. In this area, you will also see a prehistoric mine. Moreover, successful construction of a famous monument such as the Telford suspension bridge is due among others to the extraction of stones from the Great Orme.
There are plenty of historical places on this Welsh peninsula that most tourists are unlikely to reach. One of them is Lletty’r Filiast – the remains of a stone tomb. It used to be a place of worship of the dead where human bones were found. The Great Orme also used natural caves for this type of ritual. With a little effort, you can go to the little known Elephant’s Cave.
🏨 The View Guest House is set by the steep cliffs of Great Orme. This adult only hotel offers incredible panoramic views and is just a few minute's walk from North Shore Beach.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
The best hidden gems in the UK – Natural Landmarks
8
↓
📿 Lud’s Church, Peak District
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Gradbach Car Park: Gradbach, Buxton SK17 0SU
An 18-meter-high deep gorge, formerly a secret place of worship, stretches over 100 meters in the woods near the Gradbach Scout Camp. Overgrown with moss and ferns, it is the perfect getaway on hot days. In fact, the temperature at Lud’s Church is very low. Moreover, only a small part of the sun’s rays penetrate through the gorge, creating a mystical atmosphere in this place.
This mysterious location attracts mainly photographers who want to capture the magic of this place. Getting to Lud’s Church isn’t very obvious to many tourists, so it’s often overlooked when exploring the Peak District.
To reach Lud’s Church, park in the small parking lot – Gradbach Car Park. We recommend getting there early in the morning due to the very small car park. Then, visit the Gradbach Mill B&B and follow the path toward the forest.
🏨 Stay in Gradbach Mill B&B which is the nearest hotel to Lud's Church and is set in a picturesque location. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
The walk to the chasm that was created by the landslide is easy. It should not take more than 30 minutes. Visiting the gorge will take you to a completely different world full of legends and amazing stories. Formerly the secret hideout of the Lollards, and now one of the best hidden gems in the UK.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
9
↓
😈 Devil’s Bridge, South Wales
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Rhossili Bay Car Park: Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PP
While some of you probably heard of one of the Best Beaches in Wales – Rhossili Bay Beach, not many reach nearby Worm’s Head. It is undoubtedly one of the best hidden gems in the UK.
The Gower Peninsula’s most western point can be accessed only 2.5 hours before and after low tide. Getting there requires hiking and planning a trip in advance. However, all the efforts will take you to the Devil’s Bridge. It is one of the most incredible rock formations in the UK.
Devil’s Bridge is a collapsed sea cave that is best seen walking down the rocks toward Rhossili Bay. Carved by the Bristol Channel, this South Wales headland is made of Carboniferous limestone that is over 300 million years ago.
During low tide, all kinds of colors are visible on the rocks. From the water emerges ink-dark rocks filled with mussels and jellyfish, changing into shades of brown, gold, and copper. While at the top of the Worm’s Head, beautiful green grass grows up through the hard rock.
The views from Worms Head End of Land – the final point are stunning. If you are lucky, you will see seals swimming on their back and basking in the waters of the Bristol Channel. However, make sure to come back before high tide as getting stuck on Worm’s Head is quite common. It takes a fairly good physical condition to complete this route in a limited time.
Three tidal islands at Worm’s Head
Worm’s Head consists of three rocky tidal islands. The largest of them, Inner Head, is mostly a demanding crossing of relatively flat but rocky terrain. Between the dramatic rocks are remains of water, creating small shallow pools and a landscape that never looks the same. After the tide, there is a rocky view over 200 meters wide. It gives the impression of an out of this world place.
However, this is just the beginning of the attractions. In the middle part known as Middle Head is Devil’s Bridge. And not far from it, a small rock arch is hidden on a beautiful headland of South Wales. Reaching the Outer Head – the westernmost part of Worm’s Head may not be possible in a limited time. Moreover, playing with Mother Nature is not always a good idea.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
The best hidden gems in the UK – Man Made Landmarks
10
↓
🏞️ Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, North Wales
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Pontcysyllte Aquaduct Blue Badge Holders Car Park: New Rd, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT
Would you dare to cross a very narrow, but impressively tall 126 ft (38 m) aqueduct? Or maybe you’d rather admire it from below? Both ways of exploring famous civil engineers’ work, Thomas Telford and William Jessop will take your breath away.
Interesting facts about the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
This civil engineering masterpiece took 10 years to build. It is also the longest aqueduct in the UK and the world’s tallest canal aqueduct. Therefore, there is no surprise it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, what is most interesting is that it is the first of its type area in the UK on the UNESCO list that spans two nations – England and Wales.
This 11-mile (18km) long World Heritage Site was a response to the need to transport minerals that Wales has in abundance such as slate, limestone, coal, or ironstone. Built between 1795 and 1805, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was one of the greatest achievements of mankind. It streches from Gledrid Bridge near Chirk to Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen.
Even though it is UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the best hidden gems in the UK. The aqueduct can be totally empty during sunrise. Moreover, admiring one of the best engineering wonders surrounded by Welsh scenery without any other tourists is the dream of every traveler.
What can you expect during your visit to one of the best hidden gems in the UK – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?
During the day, some visitors will dare to walk along the aqueduct, holding tight to the railing and passing other tourists on a very narrow stretch of a path. On the other side, there is a canal with water straight from the River Dee that is below. This is an amazing solution for feeding canal systems and a beautiful place to visit.
Some people call it “Stream in the sky”. In fact, I have to admit it takes a lot of courage to stand so many meters above the River Dee. It wasn’t until my second visit that I felt much more comfortable on the aqueduct. Maybe because we were completely alone there in the morning. Therefore, if you have fear of heights, I wouldn’t recommend visiting it at its peak time. Passing other tourists on a narrow aqueduct is a bit scary.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
11
↓
🗿 Dream Sculpture, St Helens, Merseyside
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Dream Car Park: 90 Jubits Ln, Sutton Manor, Saint Helens WA9 4RU
Between the two major cities, Manchester and Liverpool, Sutton Manor Woodland hides a massive 20 m high (66 ft) white sculpture. This expensive piece of art is worth a few million pounds and is made of the best quality pre-cast concrete.
The design of the famous Spanish artist Jaume Plens, whose sculptures you can admire in Canada, Japan, and many other corners of the world, is one of the best hidden gems in the UK and the old grounds of the Sutton Manor Colliery. In St Helens, you will find many other sculptures reminiscent of former mines. However, none of them are quite as impressive in size.
This heavy sculpture with a weight of 373 tonnes stands on foundation piles that are 38 meters deep. You can only appreciate the size of this structure by ascending the hill on which it is set by following the path. After all, its foundations are almost twice as long as its height, and even go deeper than M62. It is one of Merseyside’s busiest roads nearby the Dream Sculpture.
The inspiring story of Dream Sculpture
For many years, Sutton Manor Colliery produced more than 600,000 tonnes of coal annually. Despite the mine’s closure in 1991, its reserves are still hidden underground. Thanks to the former miners who nominated this place for the “Big Art Project” filmed by Channel 4, the area with its Dreams sculpture has become a celebration of cultural heritage.
The fact that just seven other locations in the UK were selected for this project, represents the true passion of this community that could dream about this impressive memorial. However, more than 35 million drivers that use the M62 annually frequently miss this location.
Fortunately, the Dreams sculpture has been recognized with numerous awards and is well worth seeing on a short hike or bike ride. You can admire it since its opening, on May 31, 2009, eight months after the start of construction works in 2008.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
12
↓
🛕 Mussenden Temple, Northern Ireland
⭐ Wild About BC TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Downhill Demesne – Entrance and Parking: Mussenden Road, Castlerock, Coleraine BT51 4RP
🚗💨 How to get to Mussenden Temple?
From the town of Coleraine, simply drive less than 20 minutes west along the A2 and you will see signs for Mussenden Temple on the right-hand side about 1 kilometre before Downhill Beach. From the car park, it is a 5-minute walk to the ruins of Downhill Demesne and a further couple of minutes to reach the temple. You can also spend around 30 minutes walking a loop through the grounds of the temple.
The Giant’s Causeway is the most popular tourist destination on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, and while it is spectacular, if you drive less than 40-minutes further along the coast you will reach Mussenden Temple, one of the best kept secrets in the country.
Mussenden Temple is perched on a cliff, 120 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and you’ll get amazing views over Downhill Beach to the East and Castlerock Beach and Portstewart Strand to the West. The gradual erosion of the cliff puts the building right on the edge creating a dramatic setting far away from the tourist’s crowds.
While locals know this place well, it doesn’t attract nearly as many tourists as the likes of the Giant’s Causeway. You can enjoy the beautiful views over the coastline and spend some time walking through the lush green grounds and old ruins of Downhill Demesne – a mansion from the 18th century. If you enjoy escaping the crowds and want to take in some stunning scenery this is the place for you.
The seaside town of Portrush is a great place to stay and the Adelphi Portrush is a fantastic hotel in the town centre. You can walk to all of the great restaurants and bars within a few minutes from this location.
🏨 The Adelphi Portrush is a lovely hotel in the heart of the seaside town of Portrush, which is a terrific location to stay. From here, it takes only a short walk to reach all the best pubs and restaurants. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
While you should definitely take the time to visit the Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, and Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, a tiny circular building inspired by the Temple of Vesta in the Forum Romanum in Rome is one of the beaten path places to visit in Northern Ireland.
👍 Recommended by Luke from the Wild About BC
The best hidden Crash site in the UK
13
↓
🛫 B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site – One of the Best Hidden Gems in the UK
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Bus stop A – Snake pass Summit: Sheffield SK13 7PQ
As you walk along the Devil’s Dike between the Peak District moors, you will see rare bird species such as the Gold Plover as well as the historic B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site. The walk that you can start at Snake Pass Summit offers a beautiful and sweeping view. Moreover, on a clear day, you can see the skyline of Manchester, a city almost an hour away from the hills.
However, this large open area is also exposed to strong winds, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing when going to the B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site.
Near the memorial site of the plane crash from November 3, 1938, in which 13 crew members died. In addition, there is also a beautiful viewpoint – Higher Shelf Stones.
The wreckage of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron USAF, which crashed while descending through the clouds, is scattered over a large part of the area in the Peak District.
Visitors create crosses from stones and also leave heather flowers in memory of the plane crew.
Various parts of the plane and green hills create ideal photographic conditions for those who dream of taking unusual photos. There are not many airplane crash sites in the world that are so easily accessible to tourists. Moreover, those that are more famous such as the plane wreckage in Iceland attract many visitors, while in the Peak District you can be completely alone.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
The best hidden gems in the UK – Parks, and Graveyards
14
↓
🐟 Northala Fields, London
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Northala Fields Kids Playground Car Park: Northolt UB5 6AH
While everyone is visiting famous London parks such as Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, or Greenwich Park, there is a unique spot in the western part of the city, Northala Fields. This award-winning park, a winner among others of Green Flag in 2009 is an excellent example of well managed outdoor recreation area in the UK.
Perfectly shaped four hills stand proud by A40 Western Avenue in London. Surrounded by Northolt Fishing Ponds and a large area for children to run around offers a great family day out outside the city center.
When the original Wembley Stadium was shut down in 2000, materials from the demolition were used to create this beautiful outdoor space where Londoners can relax and admire the views from the top of the hills.
Formed out of construction rubbish, Northala Fields serves as an animal habitat and a great playground for kids. It is definitely one of the most important park projects in the UK and a true hidden gem.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
15
↓
💀 Brookwood Cemetery, Surrey
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Brookwood Station multi-storey Car Park: Brookwood, Woking GU24 0ER
How a cemetery can be one of the best hidden gems in the UK? It can only be a secret place if it is the largest necropolis in western Europe, close to London (but doesn’t get tourists’ attention!), with lovely gardens, notable people buried there, and several listed buildings in the park.
It’s a great place to walk among the locals as it’s so quiet and peaceful there. The huge area of 220 acres has many stories to tell. There you will discover mausoleums, Czechoslovak, Swedish, Latvian and Polish cemeteries, as well as the graves of the Turkish Air Force.
Notable graves at Brookwood Cemetery – The best hidden gems in the UK
Look for the grave of Zaha Hadid, the first woman to be awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2004. Moreover, she received the title “Dame” from Elizabeth II in 2012 for her great contributions to architecture. Zaha Hadid was also awarded the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2015. Since Zaha Hadid was from Iraq, you will find her grave in the New Muslim High Ground.
Other notable graves at Brookwood Cemetery include the grave of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, who came from a family of millionaires and was an extremely stylish woman. In fact, her wedding dress made of silk satin and tulle with glass beads, designed by Norman Hartnell, impresses visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
German composer Johanna Kinkel or Canadian railway engineer Sir Percy Girouard are just a few of the famous people buried in Brookwood. There you will learn the history of the whole world while walking along the charming alleys of the most beautiful cemetery in England.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
The best hidden Churches in the UK
16
↓
🥀 St Just in Roseland Church, Cornwall
⭐ Conversant Traveller TOP PICK ⭐
📍 St Just Church Main Car Park: St Just in Roseland, Truro TR2 5HZ
Not only is the St. Just in Roseland church often overlooked by visitors to Cornwall, but the whole Roseland Heritage Coast is one of the best hidden gems in the UK. It’s the perfect place for curious explorers wanting to escape the crowds and see something unusual. You’ll learn a bit of local history too.
Tropical Garden on the grounds of the Church
Tucked away down a leafy lane on the Roseland Peninsula, just a 5-minute drive from St. Mawes, the 13th-century church of St. Just sits on a tranquil tidal creek. The outlook is stunning, and footpaths are running along the coast if you fancy a walk. Yet the main draw isn’t the church itself – it’s the tropical garden that surrounds the Grade I listed building.
You’ll feel like you’re visiting an exotic country as you stroll through groves of bamboo and palm trees. A pop of English colour comes in the form of bluebells and snowdrops in spring – they line the woodland paths, leading you deeper into the peninsula.
In amongst the foliage are the gravestones. Nature has been allowed to run a little wild, creating an almost mystical scene watched over by the dead. Some of the stones have been nestled in the greenery for centuries, each with their own tale to tell. There’s a holy well here too, which is still used for christenings.
There is a car park on site with an honesty box, or you can choose the 6-mile circular walk from St. Mawes if you prefer.
🏨 St. Mawes makes the perfect base for exploring the area, with The Idle Rocks hotel hotel a popular choice for accommodation. It has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
There’s a castle and pretty harbour to check out here, as well as boat trips around the coast. Further along the peninsula, Mevagissey fishing village and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are more Cornish must-sees.
👍 Recommended by Heather of Conversant Traveller
17
↓
⛪ St. Margaret’s Church (The Marble Church), North Wales
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 St. Margaret’s Church: The Village, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl LL18 5UR
Although it stands proud at a height of 202 ft (65m) next to the North Wales Expressway, tourists rushing to Snowdonia National Park usually skip it. It may attract more tourists’ attention when they find out it is “Pearl of the Vale” and “Marble Church” which is a Grade II listed building.
Inside the church – one of the best hidden gems in the UK, you can admire fourteen different types of marble. As soon as you enter the nave you will see marble from Anglesey Island – a geologist’s paradise. Moreover, the pillars inside the church are decorated with Belgian Red marble. Other beautiful materials in St. Margaret’s Church are Languedoc marble from France and Purbeck marble from Dorset.
Lady Margaret Willoughby de Broke built this church for her husband Henry Peyto-Verney, 16th Baron Willoughby de Broke. For many years its characteristic feature was its very bright white colour. The building turns gray over time, but it is still very distinct and well worth a visit.
It is definitely an architectural hidden gem in the UK, but also a historic burial site. There are graves from the First and Second World War on the church’s grounds, as well as the bodies of victims of the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
18
↓
🌲 St Mary’s Plas Power Church (Bersham Church), North Wales
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 St Mary’s Plas Power Church: 2 Bersham Bank, Bersham, Rhostyllen, Wrexham LL14 4LL
One of the best hidden gems in the UK, set on the outskirts of Wrexham, a private church suddenly pops out from nowhere while driving on one of the less busy roads. It is so charming that you will have to stop by. A majestic bell tower will emerge in the small Plas Power Woods. And the red leaves of the tree on the church grounds add incredible charm to this place.
Just keep in mind, it might be closed most of the time, but during Christmas, Easter, or Harvest Festival everyone is welcome to attend the services. Then, you will be able to see unique decorations that emphasize its rural and secluded location.
St Mary’s Plas Power Church, dating the 19th century, is perhaps the last private chapel in Wales to hold services. You can also get married in this idyllic location hidden in North Wales!
Located just 10 minute’s walk from the Plaspower Waterfall, it is a great place for professional photo sessions. On the other hand, the building’s lighting system emphasizes the architectural qualities of the church’s interior. Thanks to charity donations, the bells, and the roof were renovated in 2008, and the effects of the work are visible to the naked eye and delight all visitors.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
The best hidden Castles in the UK
19
↓
🏰 Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
⭐ Guide Your Travel TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Dunnottar Public Car Park: C&L Catering, Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven AB39 2TL
🚗💨 How to get to Dunnottar Castle?
It’s best to reach Dunnottar Castle by car although you can also catch the train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven and then walk to the castle which is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery.
Dunnottar Castle is one of the best hidden gems in the UK and a great place to visit on your next trip to Scotland. Located just south of the city of Aberdeen and close to Stonehaven which is home to the UK’s best fish and chips, this castle is a must-visit. It sits on top of steep cliffs with a height of 160 feet (48m), overlooking the wild coastline and the North Sea.
The short hike to the castle includes steps and some intense hiking but the views are more than worth it. You can see historic artefacts, and beautiful rooms of the castle and listen to stories of Dunnottar castle and its historic significance.
The first evidence of a place of worship built where the castle stands today dates back all the way to the 5th century. You can still visit the remains of a chapel from the 13th century. Dunnottar Castle was famously responsible for keeping the Scottish crown jewels safe during the 17th-century war with England.
This spot is suitable for all types of tourists including families or budget travelers. While there may be some other visitors with you there, this is not an overcrowded attraction and will be well worth a visit.
🏨 The Belvedere Hotel in Stonehaven is a great place to stay in the area although you can also pick a hotel in Aberdeen and then go on a day trip from there.
Make sure to visit Dunnottar Castle on a sunny day as it may be closed during heavy rain or storms. Double-check the opening hours before you go.
👍 Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
20
↓
Gwrych Castle, North Wales
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Gwrych Castle: Tan-Y-Gopa Rd, Abergele LL22 8ET
Gwrych Castle also known as “Hedge Castle” is set in lush greenery and offers stunning views of the Irish Sea. This 19th century fortress, despite being made famous on ITV, and more specifically in the TV show, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! is not as popular as nearby Conwy Castle.
The most amazing thing is that 12-year-old boy Mark Baker founded the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust to save a decaying castle in the hills of North Wales. Renovation of the castle takes years, but its most beautiful charm can be seen today. This overgrown vegetation, and graying building with only a few tourists is one of the best hidden gems in the UK.
While driving the A55, you can also see Lady Emily’s Tower. Unfortunately, it is not available to tourists due to the poor condition of the structure. However, these man-made and natural landmarks such as the Tan-yr-Ogof Caves nearby testify to the magic of this place.
So, book your ticket for the guided castle tour and follow in the footsteps of the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Between October and November, explore the Pumpkin Trail or take part in the Halloween competition for the scariest costume of Gwrych Castle.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
21
↓
🦆 Whittington Castle, Shropshire
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Castle Car Park: Whittington, Oswestry SY11 4DU
Whittington Castle is one of the best hidden gems in the UK on the border of two different nations – England and Wales. According to legend, the Holy Grail was stored inside the castle. In turn, the fortress itself was surrounded by beautiful gardens and water. To this day, you may still unwind by the ponds that surround the castle.
Situated in the heart of the small village of Whittington, but with a history dating back to prehistoric times, Whittington Castle is the former famous fortress of King Pengwern – Cynddylan.
When entering the fortress, you will see the coat of arms of Fulk FitzWarin – a powerful English lord. The entrance fee to the castle is self-service with a donation bucket.
What can you see on your visit to Whittington Castle?
The location of this stone castle is the site of a former Iron Age settlement that has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. It is one of the few surviving examples of English castles, where gardens served not only as relaxation but also provided culinary and medical herbs to Lady Eleanor and Lord Fulk Fitz Warin VI.
Nowadays you won’t see there magnificent gardens, but a truly beautiful nature with wildflowers, some growing into the thick stone walls of Whittington Castle. It is also an oasis of local animals, and above all, ducks with various colors of plumage.
Just a few steps from the castle there is St. John the Baptist Church and on the other side a memorial garden. I advise going to Whittington in the summer when the grounds of the castle have carpets of wildflowers and the enormous tree in front of the church blossoms white.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
22
↓
🏺 Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
⭐ XYUandBEYOND TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden: Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NG
🚗💨 How to get to Kenilworth Castle?
Kenilworth is a charming small town in Warwickshire around 2 hour drive from London. It is an easy distance from Stratford upon Avon and there are trains or buses from Stratford. If you are driving it will take just under half an hour to get there. You can park at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Car Park which is just a few minutes walk from the castle.
Kenilworth is a hidden gem in the English countryside and an outstanding historic location to visit. The town dates back to Roman times and in Glasshouse Wood there are the remains of a Roman villa along with medieval and post medieval glassworks.
Just outside the town and within easy walking distance you will find the ruins of Kenilworth Castle built in 1120 and written about by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Kenilworth. In 1563 Elizabeth I granted it to her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who converted the castle into a lavish palace fit to entertain his queen and where he hoped she would consent to marry him.
The beautifully recreated Elizabethan garden has been restored to its original location and is full of colour and walkways brushed by lavender.
📖 Read my guide to the hidden Mayfield Lavender Field, just outside of London!
A short walk from the Castle is a group of thatched cottages called ‘Little Virginia’ the name comes from Sir Walter Raleigh’s introduction of potatoes from America.
In town, there is a great variety of architecture you will see Tudor, Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian all side by side. You will also find a lovely variety of independent shops, cafes, and superb restaurants such as the Michelin-starred Cross Restaurant and pub.
🏨 It’s well worth a stay in Kenilworth at the Kenilworth Boutique Hotel which dates back to 1600, to explore the area, take some walks around the ancient hunting grounds of the Kings visit a Butterfly Farm and visit the Jacobean Mansion of Stoneleigh Park which inspired Jane Austen to write Mansfield Park.
👍 Recommended by Faith of XYUandBEYOND
The best hidden Historic Stones in the UK
23
↓
🍃 West Kennet Long Barrow, Wiltshire
⭐ Slow Travel TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Silbury Hill Car Park: Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1QT
🚗💨 How to get to West Kennet Long Barrow?
You can reach the site by car, parking in the nearby free car park for Silbury Hill. It is a short walk of about 15 minutes to the barrow. It is not paved so make sure you wear weather appropriate footwear as it can get boggy underfoot.
Most people have heard of Stonehenge, the most advanced and impressive neolithic henge monument in the world, and millions of visitors arrive each year to admire it. Sadly often leaving disappointed due to the huge crowds, high prices, and being unable to get close to it.
Few people are aware however that it is just a part of a larger prehistoric landscape that stretches across the county of Wiltshire. A county that is home to several stone monuments, mounds, burial chambers, barrows, and more. These can be just as impressive and are free of crowds of tourists, long queues, and full car parks.
West Kennet Longbarrow is a great example of such a place. Set in a farmer’s field in central Wiltshire, this ancient long barrow is even older than Stonehenge and was also built with sarsen stones. It is a chambered burial mound that visitors can walk in, climb over and explore, entirely for free.
Entrance to the chambered burial mound
You enter it by walking through a concealed entrance and under a stone trilithon and inside are small chambers. Some are filled with offerings from unseen visitors – candles, flowers, leaves as for many this is a place where they come to worship pagan deities. There are no tourists, gift shops, cafes, or facilities, just a 6000 year old barrow surrounded by fields and the natural world.
Nearby is the magnificent ancient Silbury Hill and the Sanctuary, and less than half a mile away is Avebury, the largest stone circle in the world. West Kennet provides the atmosphere that many seek from a visit to an ancient site like Stonehenge and that you simply cannot find in looking at a monument from behind a rope surrounded by thousands of people.
🏨 If you can, stay in Avebury or nearby Marlborough, a pretty market town just six miles away and you can take the time to explore the other ancient and free stone monuments in the vicinity.
👍 Recommended by Sarah from Slow Travel
24
↓
⏳ Nether Largie Standing Stones, Scotland
⭐ Watch Me See TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Nether Largie Standing Stones: Baluachraig PA31 8QG
🚗💨 How to get to the Nether Largie Standing Stones?
There is a small signposted car park and a boardwalk that leads onto the field with the stones. You could stop for 15 minutes or walk as far as Kilmartin village. To learn more about the history of the area, join one of the guided walks in the glen organised by Kilmartin Museum.
Who wouldn’t want to see the standing stones of Scotland? The only problem is that the best known stone circles are in remote locations on islands, like Lewis and Orkney – and these places require a lot of effort to visit.
📖 Read my guide to the Best Places to Watch Northern Lights, including Orkney!
Just 2.5 hours drive from Glasgow, the Nether Largie Standing Stones in Kilmartin Glen are a lot easier to reach. Today, the five enormous stone slabs are in the middle of a sheep field, but it is believed that they once served as a lunar observatory. At over 5,000 years old, they even predate the stones of Stonehenge.
The stones are just one of many prehistoric sites in Kilmartin Glen. Nearby lies a linear cemetery with several chambered cairns, some of which are surrounded by stone circles. Other interesting sites to visit include the impressive ruins of Carnasserie Castle, the Iron Age fort of Dunadd with fantastic views towards the sea, and the prehistoric rock art at Achnabreac, which features ancient cup and ring marks.
🚌 You can reach Kilmartin Glen by bus from Lochgilphead or Oban. 🏨 A great place to stay is Kings Reach Self Catering at the bottom of the glen.
Whether you’re a history buff, want to learn about Scotland’s ancient cultures, or just enjoy spending time in nature, Kilmartin Glen is a brilliant place to visit.
👍 Recommended by Kathi Kamleitner from Watch Me See
The best hidden Villages and Towns in the UK
25
↓
🎁 Bruton, Somerset
⭐ Bridges and Balloons TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Hauser & Wirth Somerset: Durslade Farm, Dropping Ln, Bruton BA10 0NL
Bruton is a gorgeous little village in Somerset and one of the best hidden gems in the UK. It’s unusual because it has an inordinate amount of cool and creative businesses for a village out in the sticks. This is in part because it’s the home of Hauser and Wirth, one of the UK’s best contemporary art galleries, so it attracts visitors from all over the country.
But it’s also a place that many ex-city people have made their home. There are famous fashion designers and creatives living in and around Bruton and their style has helped shape the village. You’ll find interesting shops, cafes and restaurants along the circular road that makes up the village.
Highlights include Michelin-starred Osip restaurant, the beautiful Caro, a homeware and gift shop, and the Stripy Duck Café and Bookshop. Also don’t miss At the Chapel, an incredible restaurant, bar and bakery housed in a former chapel. The pizzas are unmissable. And you can also stay in a handful of guestrooms there.
While in Bruton, also consider visiting The Newt, a beautiful garden, restaurant and hotel. And the National Trust property, Stourhead is only 15 minutes away. I also recommend Frome, a lovely market town, home to the Frome Independent, one of the UK’s best markets, held on the first Sunday of every month.
If you’re visiting Bruton at Christmas, it makes for one of the best family Christmas breaks in the UK as it’s close to some amazing Christmas light show events – plus the town never looks cuter than it does during the festive period.
👍 Recommended by Victoria from Bridges and Balloons
26
↓
🚣♂️ Grantchester near Cambridge
⭐ Flip Flops Included TOP PICK ⭐
📍 The Orchard Tea Garden: 47 Mill Way, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9ND
Located a pleasant 40-minute walk along the river from Cambridge, Grantchester village makes for a charming break from the sometimes hectic historic city centre.
If you don’t feel like walking all the way, an alternative and unique way to reach Grantchester is by punt. Hire your own punt, start at the Mill Pond and make the journey part of your experience.
Punting costs from £20 per boat, per hour, for self-hire or from £12 per person for a shared guided tour. Although it looks a little tricky, punts are actually hard to capsize due to their shape. On the other hand, falling in trying to reclaim a lost punt pole is a much more regular occurrence.
Grantchester is home to the Orchard Tea Garden, a beautiful outside space with distinct green deckchairs and delicious afternoon tea. Founded in the late 19th century and graced by countless famous visitors over the years, including war poet Rupert Brooke and Stephen Hawking, you can while away the hours here whilst indulging in some intellectual ‘me time’. Or just enjoy the cakes.
The village is so picturesque that it’s also the filming location for the UK TV series of the same name. ‘Grantchester’ can be spotted recording at various times throughout the year. Therefore, don’t miss a stroll through the gorgeous Grantchester Meadows. Pink Floyd liked it here so much that they named a song after it.
🏨 Stay at the Graduate hotel, at the start of the walking route from Cambridge to Grantchester. Breakfast or evening drinks on the riverside lawn is a special treat.
👍 Recommended by Katie from Flip Flops Included
27
↓
👻 Tyneham, Dorset
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Tyneham Car Park: Wareham BH20 5DE
Located on the most popular route from
Taking over this chalky area with close access to the wonderful Worbarrow Beach (with fewer tourists than Durdle Door) was due to a militar reasons. The area was used as a training ground for soldiers, and some of their facilities can be still found in Tyneham.
Though many of the nearby structures were damaged, walking inside Tyneham Village School gives the impression that the kids are only taking a break. Open school notebooks on the desks and hangers with the names of the children reflect the true history of this place.
St Mary’s Church is also in good condition. You can admire a beautiful stained glass window designed by Martin Travers. Both structures, the school, and the church are Grade II listed buildings.
When visiting the ghost village, hike along the picturesque coast. Pondfield cove is a wonderful bay just 15 minutes’minutes walk from Tyneham. The views from a small cliff span across the chalky coastline of Dorset, and the site itself offers the perfect escape from the crowds that flock to nearby Durdle Door.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
28
↓
🍂 Old Amersham, near London
⭐ A Princess Travelling with Twins TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Memorial Gardens: The Broadway, Amersham HP7 0HJ
🚗💨 How to get to Old Amersham?
The Metropolitan line takes only 45 minutes from Baker Street to Amersham. Once you get off, however, you have to be careful, you have to head to the left and take the quiet path that crosses the woods and fields, and with a pleasant 15-minute walk you will arrive at your destination!
The UK is full of some of the best hidden gems for which it is worth venturing away from the large cities, into nature to savor a lifestyle that is sometimes forgotten. One of the most surprising is also one of the most accessible from the capital: Old Amersham.
Old Amersham is the old part of the town of Amersham with 13th-century parish church of St. Mary’s, located a few kilometers from
Old Amersham embodies the essence of the traditional English village. In its enchanting nature, you can get lost in hours of pleasant walks. With a succession of independent stores, it offers an excellent alternative to the usual international chains.
Keeping the tradition of the ancient covered market alive alongside well-kept gardens and historic pubs reassures visitors that there will always be a free place to sit and chat whether the weather is good or bad.
Every tourist should include a visit to Old Amersham on the perfect
🏨 If you want to choose it as a base for a weekend getaway from busyLondon , you can stop at King's Arms hotel or at the Crown hotel where the film 4 Weddings and a Funeral was filmed… to feel like a movie star!
👍 Recommended by Clotilde from A Princess Travelling with Twins
29
↓
☕ Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
⭐My Little World of Travelling TOP PICK⭐
📍 York Place Long Stay Car Park: 37 York Pl, Knaresborough HG5 0AD
🚗💨 How to get to Knaresborough?
The biggest nearest town is Leeds. It is only 35 minutes from Knaresborough by car. However, if you don’t drive, you can also take the train to Knaresborough from Leeds train station.
TIP: If you drive to Knaresborough, parking near the Eastgate surgery is a good idea because it isn’t far from the town centre and Knaresborough Castle.
Knaresborough, located in North Yorkshire, is one of the most beautiful towns and a true hidden gem in the UK due to many incredible landmarks in such a tiny area.
Travellers who enjoy quiet and less crowded places will enjoy visiting Knaresborough. However, despite its small size, this charming town has different activities for all ages – from learning about history and legends to walking on scenic trails.
Some of the best things to do in Knaresborough include seeing Knaresborough Castle, which overlooks the River Nidd, walking on the riverside, enjoying a hot drink in one of the many quaint cafes such as The Black Mulberry or visiting Mother Shipton’s Cave which is one of the oldest attractions in England operating since 1630.
In addition to these activities, if you visit Knaresborough in the summer, you can hire a rowing boat to enjoy the town from a totally different perspective.
You can easily see the main attractions in Knaresborough in one day. However, it is a good idea to stay longer than a day to visit nearby towns like Harrogate or the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
One of the best places to stay in Knaresborough is Dower House Hotel & Spa.
👍 Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling
30
↓
🌊 Bangor, Northern Ireland
⭐ Sunny Bangor TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Parking: 61 Queen’s Parade, Holywood BT18 9JF
🏨 The popular hotel in Bangor Seafront is the Salty Dog. Otherwise, there is also a Premier Inn opposite the main Bangor arrival stations.
👍 Recommended by Alan from the Sunny Bangor
31
↓
🏘️ Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire
⭐ York with kids TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Robin Hood’s Bay Bank Top Car Park: Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4QN
Robin Hoods Bay on the Jurassic coastline in North Yorkshire is one of the best hidden gems in the UK and Yorkshire. It is often overlooked in favour of its more famous seaside neighbour Whitby, which is known for its maritime history and the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey. However, the smaller, quieter Robin Hoods Bay is just six miles further along the coast and it is a one-hour drive from the City of York.
Visiting this car free fishing village perched on a hillside feels like stepping back in time. Visitors can spend hours exploring the tiny narrow cobbled lanes which are lined with centuries old, cute fisherman’s cottages. Take a scenic coastal walk along the National Cleveland Way to Whitby and its lighthouse, or in the other direction, to Ravenscar. Learn about the history and geology of Robin Hoods Bay at the small museum in the lifeguard’s station.
Walk along the sandy beach looking for fossils such as belemnites and Devil’s Toenails. However, due to rock falls, it is best to stay away from the cliffs’ base.
The village and expansive beach are popular with couples, families, and dog walkers as it is a windswept, romantic location. There are lots of things to do here but visitors will need good mobility.
To visit Robin Hoods Bay, you must park your car in the car park at the top of the hill and walk down to the village and the beach. The walk back up is very steep in places.
🏨 The accommodation with the best views in the village is at the 19th century Bay House Hotel which is set directly overlooking the sea.
👍 Recommended by Sinead from York with kids
32
↓
⚒️ Castle Acre, Norfolk
⭐ Beyond My Door TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Bailey Gate: Bailey St, Castle Acre, King’s Lynn PE32 2AF
Considered one of the friendliest places in the United Kingdom, Castle Acre is a beautiful little hamlet in the English county of Norfolk. For such a small and generally unknown site to non-locals, it includes an impressive history and well preserved ruins.
The seemingly sleepy little village boasts a lovely assortment of historical sites and architecture and a rare example of a planned Norman Settlement. From its charming village, castle, and churches, it feels out more attune to a postcard than a real place. The site is great for tourists who enjoy history as well as impressive ruins to explore.
Places to visit in Castle Acre
The most famous of the sites is the Castle Acre Priory, The Cluniac monastery founded in the 11th century by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. Actually, much of the sites in the village can be traced to this family and time period. It is one of the best preserved ruins of its type and impressive to see in person.
The village itself is rather compact with several small inns and restaurants clustered in between the main ruins and tourist sites. On the western end of town lies the Castle Acre Priory, the monastic site from 1089. Whereas, on the east lies the other main attractions such as the Castle and Bailey Gate (the surviving stone gatehouse built to protect the town).
Castle Acre Priory
The priory is open daily during the late spring to early fall, and on weekends outside of that time. The site is generally open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm with tickets running £8.10 for adults and £4.80 for children. There are small carports located close to the priory and castle, as well as options to park along the streets within the village. The areas of the castle and priory are hilly and uneven so accessibility to some areas may be difficult for some guests. Entrance to the Castle is free.
Castle Acre is located about 5 miles north of Swaffham and 29 miles (45 minutes drive) west of Norwich, the closest major city. There are options for staying in Castle Acre and several small cafes and pubs in the town, however, you can easily see the sites in a few hours. It makes a great day trip from either Norwich or Cambridge (51 miles/1 hour drive). Castle Acre is accessible via bus, however, due to connections it may take several hours from Norwich or Cambridge to reach.
👍 Recommended by Anwar from Beyond My Door
The best hidden Beaches in the UK
33
↓
🏖️ Sennen Cove, Cornwall
⭐ Travel Across the Border Line TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Sennen Cove Beach Car Park: Sennen Cove, Penzance TR19 7DG
The village of Sennen Cove is a pretty little beach and village located in West Cornwall, around 3km from Land’s End and close to Penzance. It is the most westerly village in England. Hundreds of tourists come to visit Land’s End every day but many of them miss out on nearby Sennen Cove.
There are lots of fun and interesting things to do in Sennen Cove such as:
🚶♀️ Walking the South West Coast Path to Land’s End
🚢 Searching for the RMS Mulheim shipwreck
🏄♀️ Learning to surf at the surf school
🏖️ Spending a day at the beach
🛍️ Exploring the local shops such as Old Boathouse Stores
🎨 Visiting the Roundhouse Capstan Gallery – Cornish Arts and Crafts Gallery inside the Grade II listed building
In fact, Sennen is a great beach for beginners to learn to surf and you might even be lucky enough to spot a friendly seal while surfing the waves in Cornwall! If you are planning to spend the day surfing in Sennen then you can check out Sennen’s live webcams to see the surf conditions ahead of time.
Sennen Cove is quite remote, but that’s just part of its charm. The tiny village and beach are set by dramatic 200ft (61m) cliffs and striking scenery. The closest major town is Penzance, which is a 20min drive away or a 1hr bus ride. Sennen has two car parks, one at the beach and the other at the harbour end of the village. Be sure to park in the harbour car park if you plan to walk to Land’s End as this is where the trail starts.
🏨 There are several places to stay in Sennen but my recommendation would be to rent one of the adorable holiday cottages overlooking the harbour or stay in 17th-century building with modern interior - The Old Success Inn.
👍 Recommended by JJ from Travel Across the Border Line
34
↓
⛱️ Trevone Beach, Cornwall
⭐ Packed Again TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Trevone Bay Car Park: Trevone Bay nr, Padstow
Cornwall, famous for its cliffs, beaches, coastal walks, and pretty little fishing villages, attracts over 1.5 million tourists from all over the world year in, and year out.
The choice of where to visit Cornwall is endless. But we can narrow it right down and introduce a hidden gem of Cornwall, Trevone Beach.
Trevone Beach is not only a great beach if you love to surf. The numerous paddling and rock pools that emerge during low tide, make it a fun location to look for small sea creatures among the families with kids.
Once you are in the area of North Cornwall, you will easily find Trevone beach by following the road signs. Whilst you can park right at the beach, keep in mind that it can get busy during the holiday and peak season.
If you are planning on staying a few days in the area, you are in luck, as there are plenty of holiday agencies including Air BNB which offer stunning accommodations around Trevone beach.
Places to visit near Trevone Beach
A change from the beach is a visit to the Old MacDonalds farm. A great family park with lots of activities.
Or discover a bit of history at nearby Prideaux Place. The interior of this charming Elizabethan mansion is open for guided tours, and visitors may view the majestic creatures in the adjacent deer park.
Moreover, Padstow, the popular fishing village lies only a stone’s throw from this idyllic English beach in north Cornwall.
Trevone beach is suitable for families and people that like the smaller quieter beaches of Cornwall. Please note this is not a dog-friendly beach, in fact, dogs are NOT allowed on the beach.
🐶 Read My Guide to Pet Friendly Holiday in the UK.
👍 Recommended by Corina from Packed Again
The best hidden Bodies of Water in the UK
35
↓
💚 An Lochan Uaine, Scotland
⭐ Away With Maya TOP PICK ⭐
📍 An Lochan Uaine: GPS coordinates 57.17518°N 3.65436°W
🚗💨 How to get to An Lochan Uaine?
The easiest place to start the walk to An Lochan Uaine is the end of the road at Glenmore Lodge. There is space for parking in the laybys on either side of the road here – please park courteously, as it is a busy spot.
The walk to the loch is signposted at the beginning and follows a wide track. It should take about 30 minutes to reach An Lochan Uaine. If there is no space for parking here, park at Glenmore Forest Park visitor center car park. This will add about 15 minutes each way (30 minutes in total) onto the walk to An Lochan Uaine. The nearest big town is Aviemore – it’s about a 20-minute drive to get to the layby parking.
An Lochan Uaine (sometimes called the Fairy Loch or the Green Loch) is a beautiful lake hidden away in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. It’s not far from Loch Morlich, which is one of the most popular places to visit in the area – but it’s a short walk away from the road, so it feels much quieter.
The water in the loch is very clear and with a greenish hue. One side of the loch backs onto the scree slopes of the surrounding hills, but you can walk around the rest of the loch. Hikers and outdoor adventurers will love this hidden gem for its location and the unreal water colour. Visit An Lochan Uaine during the morning or late afternoon/evening and you might just have it all to yourself. It’s a stunning place to see in the Cairngorms!
🏨 If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, Glenmore Lodge is the closest option. However, accommodation tends to be saved for their multi-day outdoor courses. Other nearby options in Glenmore include the Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel, or – if you’re happy being outdoors – the Glenmore Campsite.
There are even more accommodation options in Aviemore. An Lochan Uaine is such a unique place to visit in Scotland, and definitely one of the best hidden gems in the UK.
👍 Recommended by Maja from Away With Maja
36
↓
⛱️ Gaddings Dam, Yorkshire
⭐ Big World Small Pockets TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Shepherds Rest Inn: Lumbutts Rd, Todmorden OL14 6JJ
Situated in the wild moors of Yorkshire in northeast England, Gaddings Dam is a hidden gem between the historic towns of Todmorden and Walsden in the beautiful Calder Valley.
Gaddings Dam is a great wild swimming spot, which even boasts a small sandy stretch to sunbathe on (known as Todmorden Beach). It is a real treat in this part of the country where the genuine coastline is over 60 miles away!
To get to this beautiful natural spot you’re best to park in Todmorden. From here, you’ll need to head to Shepherd’s Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road, which is about 20 minutes away from the town centre.
Once you reach the pub, you’ll then see a trail leading up a steep hill to the Dam which will take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on your level of fitness. It can be muddy, so hiking boots are advised.
The trail is well marked, but you can only access the Dam on foot, so it’s not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
There are no facilities at the Dam either, so bring all snacks, water, and travel gear with you (and remember to take your rubbish away).
💧 We recommend taking with you a reusable Water Bottle With a Straw to reduce the single use of plastic.
The water can be cold at the Dam and, even on sunny days, it can be a little windy here, so do bring a jumper plus swimwear and a towel of course!
🏨 If you want to spend the night nearby, then I highly recommend heading to the iconic town of Hebden Bridge, which is full of artists and creatives and has a great vibe. Moreover, a stay in Margie, a cosy narrowboat will be a unique experience.
👍 Recommended by Steph Parker from Big World Small Pockets
The best hidden Hills and Mountains in the UK
37
↓
⛰️ Parkhouse Hill, Peak District
⭐ UK Every Day TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Nearest village: Earl Sterndale, Buxton
The small but impressive hill of the Peak District National Park is not a typical England tourist attraction due to the lack of facilities such as a parking lot. There is a very narrow road leading to the hill, so the only option to get there is by hiking.
Park in the tiny village of Earl Sterndale, home to the restored St Michael & All Angels Church with the original Saxon font from 1828. The hike to the hill will take around 30 minutes. However, the public path to Parkhouse Hill passes across the private property area (GPS coordinates 53.200425, -1.875401) after about ten minutes of trekking.
This steep hill offers amazing views of the surrounding fields and the nearby peak of Chrome Hill. Both of them are known as Dragon’s Back ridge, and entry to them was forbidden for many years. In addition, in this place, you can also see unusual phenomena such as double sunset.
Parkhouse Hill is a remnant of the Carboniferous period, and the present beautiful landscape was formerly underwater. The reef knoll is a beautiful place to discover where you can spend time alone with nature. Thanks to excavations in the surrounding area, we also learn that it was one of the earliest inhabited places in the entire country dating back to the Paleolithic Age.
👍 Recommended by the Blog’s Authors of the UK Every Day
38
↓
🌲 Leith Hill – One of the Best Hidden Gems in Surrey , UK
⭐ G-Extreme Travel TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Starveall Corner Car Park, Leith Hill: RH5 6LU
🚗💨 How to get to Leith Hill?
It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive from London to Leith Hill, located in the National Trust Park. The closest city is Dorking, from there you should drive approximately 15 minutes to reach one of the first car parks. Either park your car at the Starveall or Windy Gap. From there make your way to Leith Hill!
Leith Hill is one of the best hidden gems in the UK, because it’s a beautiful place for a getaway for breathing refreshing natural air and is pretty hard to reach if you don’t own a car.
Indeed, Leith Hill is for sure a magnificent way to explore trails through woodland, heathland, and farmland, all with exceptional views!
All-in Leith Hill is a place that is suitable for any kind of person. Keep in mind that you can decide to discover this area on foot, biking, running, or even with your four-legged friend!
🐶 Read My Guide to Pet Friendly Holiday in the UK.
In fact, this place attracts all kinds of people who just want to visit it for the history, for having a picnic with the company, or just for locals to stroll around.
Not only do you explore nature to the fullest, but you could step inside the childhood home of one of England’s most influential composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The Tower on Leith Hill is another historical attraction you can visit built-in 1765 by Richard Hull. Located on the highest point in South East England at 1029ft (313m) ready to gift you a stunning view, of Surrey. On a clear day, you could easily see
📖 Read My Guide to the Best Hidden Gems in Surrey
If you want to stay longer around this place, Dorking is the closest town to Leith Hill. It has to offer Wotton House as one of the most beautiful accommodation of the area.
🏨 This hotel is set inside 13 acres of magnificent grounds with historical significance. Additionally, Wotton House has leisure facilities including an indoor pool and a café that serves local cuisine.
👍 Recommended by Giorgy aka the Goofball of G-Extreme Travel
39
↓
🏞️ Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
⭐ A backpackers world TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Mourne Mountains: Newry BT34 5XL
🚗💨 How to get to the Mourne Mountains?
The Mournes are easily accessible from Newcastle, County Down. You may choose to stay there or in nearby towns such as Dundrum which is only a 20-30 minutes drive from the mountains. Deers Meadow Car Park or Spelga Dam Car Park by Spelga Reservoir are only a few car park options to choose from.
When tourists come to Northern Ireland, they often skip the Mournes in favour of attractions like the Giant’s Causeway. The great thing about the Mournes is that there are 12 peaks, but they only range for 7 miles. Such a compact area offers a unique experience with many incredible mountain peaks to explore.
However, there are also many other amazing things to do in Mournes. You can visit Carginagh Sunflower Fields during summer or enjoy the Silent Valley in the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The hikes and walks in the Mourne Mountains are, nevertheless, their major attraction. If you are outdoorsy and active, there are loads of different trails you can take, differing in distance and required ability. Therefore, everyone will find something for themselves!
If you are an avid hiker, you can easily complete the entire mountain range in a single trek, leaving you plenty of time for other activities. But don’t worry if you are not an outdoors person! The Mournes also offer a luxurious experience with lots of places where you can go glamping or stay in luxury cottages.
🏨 Stay at Rooms@Mournes hotel with a self-check-in system. Come whenever you like to make the most of your first day without being restricted to a specific check-in time.
The Mournes are a beautiful mountain range that everyone will fall in love with. I would encourage anyone visiting Northern Ireland to go and see them for yourself, they truly are a hidden gem of the UK.
👍 Recommended by Josh from A backpackers world
40
↓
🎾 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum – One of the Best Hidden Gems in London , UK
⭐ Global Travel Escapades TOP PICK ⭐
📍 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: Church Rd,
🚗💨 How to get to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum?
The extensive museum is located on the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club where the grass-court Grand Slam is held, so it’s easy to find. You can simply take the tube from central London, and the museum will be a 5-minute walk away from the Southfields Tube Station.
While most people visit
At the museum, visitors can expect to learn about the incredible history of Wimbledon and tennis as a whole. For example, the museum goes into depth about the tournament’s long-standing traditions. The most well-known tradition is how thousands of tennis fans camp and queue for cheap Wimbledon tickets.
In addition to this, the museum contains different exhibits and interactive areas that guests can explore. Visitors can also take a 90-minute tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and see some iconic locations that are not often open to the public.
🏨 And if you're looking for somewhere to stay in the area, consider the Dog and Fox hotel. It's a 20-minute walk or a 3-minute drive away from the All England Lawn Tennis Museum.
All in all, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is a hidden gem few know about but that any tennis lover would enjoy coming to see. So, if you have a love for the game and are in the UK, be sure to add it to your itinerary!
👍 Recommended by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades
RELATED ARTICLES:
TRAVEL GEAR TO TAKE ON TRIP:
