Hidden Gems in the UK: What’s Worth Visiting Beyond London?

[shahrukhkhan]

Hi everyone,

Most first-time travelers to the UK spend all their time in London, but I’ve heard there’s so much more to explore across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. From charming villages to rugged coastlines and historic towns, the UK seems packed with hidden gems.

For those who’ve traveled around the UK:

• Which places left a lasting impression on you outside of the capital?
• Any recommendations for scenic countryside drives, unique local festivals, or underrated towns worth visiting?
• Did you find any lesser-known cultural spots, castles, or walking trails that stood out?

I’m planning a trip soon and would love to hear your suggestions so I can see a side of the UK that goes beyond the typical tourist checklist.

 

[Meoncoast]

I would say follow the coast.
Wales.
Northumberland.
then you have inland
North Yorkshire Moors
Yorkshire Dales.

 

[KevH]

Assuming you mean places to visit in a Cali, then the list suggested by @Meoncoast would tick most people boxes, with the addition of the Scottish isles and coastal areas, in my opinion.

 

[Hawthorn37]

There are masses of places to visit, and lovely Cali friendly routes that avoid motorways. I recommend that you look at the “Take The Slow Road” books written by Martin Dorey for inspiration. Three books cover the British Isles and Ireland - Scotland, England and Wales, Ireland (north and south). They provide routes, scenic spots, good stop offs and campsites.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

Peak District
Lake District
Cornwall
Oxford
Cambridge
The Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham.

There’s loads

 

[SamSara]

Just as an aside, I suggest you remove your full address from the location section of your profile, especially if you start to tell us when you are going on holiday.

 

[KevH]

Just as an aside, I suggest you remove your full address from the location section of your profile, especially if you start to tell us when you are going on holiday.

Well said. I tried to send a pm but couldn’t get past a blip in the forum software.

 

[WelshGas]

Well said. I tried to send a pm but couldn’t get past a blip in the forum software.

There is No Blip. Both Forum members have to be paid up VIP members to exchange PM's.

 

[colintfcolintf]

I could never drive past this to go to the big smoke Cornish beach this bank holiday weekend just gone.

 

[sticky1]

I could never drive past this to go to the big smoke Cornish beach this bank holiday weekend just gone.

View attachment 139936

You can tell it’s bank holiday…. it’s mobbed

 

[colintfcolintf]

You can tell it’s bank holiday…. it’s mobbed

Was taken at about noon

 

[sticky1]

Was taken at about noon

It’s amazing how quiet it looks for a bank holiday weekend, the beaches near us, in Wales, were absolutely rammed and when did it become de rigueur to take a jet ski to the beach, in my day it was a bucket and spade!

 

[colintfcolintf]

It’s amazing how quiet it looks for a bank holiday weekend, the beaches near us, in Wales, were absolutely rammed and when did it become de rigueur to take a jet ski to the beach, in my day it was a bucket and spade!

A lot of Cornwall was rammed, but thankfully there are still some places that slip under the tourists radar

 

[Georgeo]

Since the address given is a travel agent they should know.

 

[Dyddi]

For tranquillity - Lincolnshire Wolds or central Wales; for history Bath & Bristol with, for timelessness - the Cotswolds; for grandeur - Loch Lomond to Durness; for vast beaches - Northumberland. Industrial heritage, posh houses & gardens, good pubs and oddities are to be found all over the place. Nearer to home - the South Bank has a lot to offer. Avoid the A14 and the M6.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

EASY ANSWER: EVERYWHERE!

but don't take our word for it get off your arse, get in your beach and go and look!

 

[Arees1969]

It’s amazing how quiet it looks for a bank holiday weekend, the beaches near us, in Wales, were absolutely rammed and when did it become de rigueur to take a jet ski to the beach, in my day it was a bucket and spade!

 

[Arees1969]

Llangenith in Gower is fantastic, with a great campsite called Hillend

 

[Kerry Loveluck]

Hi,
i was absolutely blown away when visiting Hebride.

But our go to favourite is Ty Canol campsite Newport Pembrokeshire.

 

[stoobthealien]

The further North you go, the quieter it will be and just as if not more beautiful than some of the "hotspots" in the South

 

[neilp........]

We are on Benbecula at the moment though were on Eriskay this morning....can't beat the Hebrides for beaches.......sorry Cornwall is OK but not a patch on Scottish west coast.
Maybe weather a bit better though.!!!!

 

[BristolCali]

Hi everyone,

Most first-time travelers to the UK spend all their time in London, but I’ve heard there’s so much more to explore across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. From charming villages to rugged coastlines and historic towns, the UK seems packed with hidden gems.

For those who’ve traveled around the UK:

• Which places left a lasting impression on you outside of the capital?
• Any recommendations for scenic countryside drives, unique local festivals, or underrated towns worth visiting?
• Did you find any lesser-known cultural spots, castles, or walking trails that stood out?

I’m planning a trip soon and would love to hear your suggestions so I can see a side of the UK that goes beyond the typical tourist checklist.

Some great suggestions already. Presuming your spending some time in London, the Jurassic coast in Dorset (Eype site is great) and The Gower in South Wales (Llangennith site is great) are both not too far. Norfolk is also wonderful, we stay near Wells and a great site at Stiffkey salt marsh.

 

[Christine Kirk]

I could never drive past this to go to the big smoke Cornish beach this bank holiday weekend just gone.

View attachment 139936

 

[BeeBee]

Cities : York / Edinburgh
Towns : St Andrews
Scenery : Glencoe / Torridon /
Beaches : Gairloch / Hebrides /

Definitely come up to Scotland

 

[Hawthorn37]

I believe that the original poster @shahrukhkhan hasn’t replied. Maybe the threads useful to others though ?