This summer, I decided to ditch the typical tourist traps and uncover some of the UK’s best-kept secrets. These hidden gems made my trips unforgettable, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you.
1. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
I always thought Cheddar Gorge was just about cheese, but it’s so much more. Walking through the UK’s largest gorge was like stepping into another world. I even stumbled upon a tiny fudge shop in the village where they make the creamiest fudge I’ve ever tasted—definitely worth a visit after exploring the caves.
2. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay is something else. The steep, winding streets were a workout, but it was worth it when I reached the bay. I spent hours fossicking through rock pools and even found a couple of fossils to take home. Plus, there’s a cosy little pub right on the waterfront where I enjoyed the freshest fish and chips.
3. St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
Walking across the causeway to St. Michael’s Mount felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The medieval castle at the top was incredible, but what really got me was the boat trip back at high tide. There’s something magical about seeing the island from the water, especially with the sun setting behind it.
4. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
The Dark Hedges were straight out of Game of Thrones. I couldn’t resist walking through the eerie avenue of twisted trees, snapping photos the whole way. Later, I popped into a nearby pub where the locals told me about the legends surrounding the area—talk about adding to the atmosphere!
5. Lundy Island, Devon
Lundy Island was the perfect escape. With only a handful of people around, I felt like I had the whole island to myself. I spent the day birdwatching and even caught sight of some puffins. Afterwards, I grabbed a drink at the Marisco Tavern, the island’s only pub, which has been serving sailors and adventurers for over 150 years.
6. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
I’d seen photos of Eilean Donan Castle, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. The castle sits where three lochs meet, and the surrounding landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. After exploring the castle, I took a boat trip around the loch, which gave me a whole new perspective on the area.
7. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham Beach is one of those places that makes you wonder why more people don’t know about it. The vast stretch of golden sand felt endless, and I loved the feeling of isolation. I ended the day with a visit to a nearby pub where I enjoyed a pint of local ale with a stunning view of the sunset over the dunes.
8. Portmeirion, Wales
Portmeirion was like stepping into an Italian village right here in the UK. I wandered through the colourful streets, soaking in the Mediterranean vibes. I couldn’t resist stopping by the famous ice cream shop for a scoop (or two) before taking a boat trip along the coast to see the village from the water.
9. Plockton, Scotland
Plockton was a total surprise—who knew you could find palm trees in Scotland? I took a boat trip out on Loch Carron and was lucky enough to spot some seals basking on the rocks. Back in the village, I found a little pub where I enjoyed a hearty meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties while chatting with the locals.
10. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
The Lost Gardens of Heligan really lived up to their name. I spent hours wandering through hidden pathways, discovering exotic plants and secret corners. The gardens are so peaceful, and there’s even a little tearoom where I treated myself to a slice of homemade cake after all that exploring.
11. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Whitby Abbey was the highlight of my trip to North Yorkshire. The clifftop ruins are steeped in history, and it’s easy to see how they inspired Dracula. After soaking in the atmosphere, I headed down to the harbour and found a small shop selling the best fudge I’ve ever tasted—it was the perfect end to a spooky day.
12. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace was a day of pure grandeur. The gardens were gorgeous, and I learned so much about Winston Churchill’s life. After a tour of the palace, I found a charming little café on the grounds where I enjoyed a traditional cream tea while overlooking the lake.
13. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway was every bit as impressive as I’d hoped. The hexagonal rocks really do look like they were made by giants. I took a guided tour and learned about the legends and geology of the area, then relaxed in a nearby pub with a pint of Guinness, reflecting on the incredible scenery.
14. Durdle Door, Dorset
Durdle Door was the perfect place for a day trip. The natural limestone arch is a sight to behold, and I couldn’t resist taking a dip in the clear blue waters. After drying off, I wandered over to a quaint little café where I warmed up with a cup of tea and a slice of Dorset apple cake.
15. Rye, East Sussex
Rye was like stepping back in time. The cobbled streets and medieval buildings made me feel like I was in another era. I explored the town’s many antique shops, then settled into a cosy pub where I enjoyed a pint and some live local music..
Why Stick to the Usual?
This summer, I’ve learned that the best memories come from the unexpected. These secret spots have given me stories to tell and experiences I’ll never forget. So, if you’re looking for something new, get out there and discover your own hidden gems!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / StevenDocwra.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.