If you’re looking to make the most of the warm weather with a staycation, you might be overwhelmed by the many wonderful places to visit in the UK. Especially as, during the holiday season, popular destinations can be overcrowded with tourists.
Read on to discover eight hidden gems that offer spectacular views while beating the crowds this summer.
1. Bannau Brycheiniog, South Wales
The Bannau Brycheiniog mountain range boasts the highest ground in Britain south of Snowdonia and forms the centrepiece of the incredible 519-square-mile national park formerly known as the Brecon Beacons.
This beautiful park has been an escape for generations of miners and their families in the former coalmining valleys of south Wales, and the majority of the visitors still come from the surrounding villages.
The Bannau’s Waterfall Country in the limestone belt on the southern edge of the park contains some stunning views, including the poetically named Sgwd yr Eira (“spout of snow”), which forms a dancing curtain behind which you can walk without getting wet.
2. Heddon’s Mouth, Devon
Heddon’s Mouth is one of the most secluded beaches in the UK. Hidden from view by huge cliffs and woodland, the only way to reach the seafront is by an hour-long walk through Exmoor’s stunning forests.
Exmoor itself is the least visited of the UK’s national parks, even though there is plenty to explore.
Starting at the National Trust car park at Heddon Valley, you can enjoy a relaxing scenic walk through the valley to enjoy the incredible reward of Heddon’s Mouth.
3. Cassiobury Farm and Fisheries, Watford
This fantastic farm and fishery is Watford’s best-kept secret. Even though the farm is filled with exotic animals including zebras, flamingos, and wolves, many people miss the path in the middle of Cassiobury Park which leads to this incredible zoo.
Cassiobury Farm and Fisheries is only open six days a year, with the last three of 2024 taking place on 11 August, 26 August, and 27 October for their Halloween Trick or Treat event.
4. Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight
Instead of heading to the popular – and busy – Ventnor beach, try visiting nearby Steephill Cove instead for a lovely beach away from the crowds.
This sheltered cove is one of the prettiest sandy beaches on the Isle of Wight. Explore the rock pools, build sandcastles, or enjoy the lovely local restaurants and cafes for ice cream or some delicious, fresh seafood.
5. Tyneham Ghost Town, Dorset
Tyneham was occupied from the Iron Age until it was evacuated in December 1943 during the second world war.
The 225 residents were displaced so the Ministry of Defence could repurpose the town into a firing range. The last people to move out left a haunting message asking people to treat the village with care as they planned to return one day, but they never did.
If you want to be transported back in time to the 40s, Tyneham is absolutely worth a visit. Since the town was abandoned, some of the outbuildings have been restored and there is a nice area for picnics.
6. The Cairngorms, Inverness
Britain’s largest national park is also the coldest, highest, and one of the least visited.
This majestic 1,748 square mile park receives less than 2 million day visitors a year, so if you want to escape the crowds, this is the perfect destination for you.
You can visit the Linn of Dee, which is said to have been one of Queen Victoria’s favourite picnic spots while she stayed at Balmoral. This spot is where the infant River Dee channels through a narrow gap in the rocks via a series of incredible waterfalls, which offer stunning views.
7. Haverigg Beach, Cumbria
Due to their proximity to the Lake District, Cumbria’s beaches are often overlooked and rarely busy.
If you’re looking for somewhere to visit with picturesque views of the Lake District that’s away from the crowds, Haverigg Beach is the place to visit. It boasts a huge stretch of sandy beach at the mouth of the Duddon Estuary and has a children’s play area and café nearby, so it is perfect for a family day out.
8. Margate Shell Grotto, Kent
Underneath a residential street in Margate hides a beautiful secret – underground tunnels filled with intricate patterns made up of 4.6 million shells.
Discovered in 1835, no one is sure why this passage was built or what its highly detailed mosaic of suns, stars, and geometric patterns means. Theories range from a prehistoric astronomical calendar to secret occult dealings, but its unknown nature only makes it a beautiful mystery.
Once you’ve explored the tunnel, there is also a museum, gift shop, and café attached, where younger children can meet Flossie the Shell Dinosaur.
