Welcome to my guide to the best UK hidden gems.

I’m from the UK. I’ve lived here most of my life, and have explored almost every corner of the country (bizarrely, except for Northern Ireland, which is very high up on my list of places to visit!).

And, if you’ve read any other posts on this blog, you’ll know that I’m passionate about helping people discover the best off-the-beaten-track destinations.

So, I thought it was well overdue that I write about my favourite UK Hidden Gems and other off-the-beaten-path destinations in Britain.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway in the countryside, exciting outdoor activities, or a cultured city break, there’s something here for you.

Chilham: A Timeless English Village

Chilham is a small medieval village situated on the banks of the Great Stour River in Kent.

Despite its size, the village is known for its impressive 12th-century Castle, ancient church, picturesque central square, and quaint half-timbered houses.

Chilham is located only 6 miles from Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Britain. It was an important stop on pilgrimage routes for hundreds of years, which helps to explain why there are so many historical buildings here.

The village feels like a window into a bygone era. Wander through its winding streets, soak up the peaceful atmosphere, then head to the superb White Horse Inn for a pint or two.

Location: Canterbury CT4 8BY

Rye: A Medieval Gem

Rye is an attractive and historical town in East Sussex. It’s very atmospheric, with its medieval cobblestone streets and well-preserved Tudor architecture.

The town is nestled on top of a hill and is surrounded by defensive walls. From the ramparts, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the town’s jumbled rooftops.

Ypres Tower is one of Rye’s oldest buildings, built in the 14th century to protect the town from invaders. Other interesting sights include Camber Castle and St Mary’s Church, which dates back to 1020 AD.

Don’t miss the picturesque and timeless Mermaid Street. It’s lined with centuries-old houses that lean in close to one another and looks like something out of a storybook.

You can also visit Lamb House. This 18th-century red-brick house used to be the home of the American writer Henry James. It’s filled with period furniture and artwork and has an attractive walled garden.

The area surrounding Rye has some great walking and cycling trails through the gently rolling hills. It’s also only a few miles from the beautiful beach and dunes at Camber Sands.

Location: Rye TN31 7EU

Eynsford Castle: Vital Norman Fortress

Eynsford Castle is an impressive Norman motte-and-bailey castle in the town of Eynsford, Kent.

Due to its strategic location, Eynsford Castle played an important role in British history. It was built in 1088, during the reign of William II (son of William the Conqueror), and was a strategic fortress used by the Normans.

However, the origins of this as a defensive site are even older.

The castle is situated on a ridge that was originally fortified by the Romans (nearly 2,000 years ago) and later by the Saxons.

Throughout the 12th century, local politics saw Eynsford Castle change hands between powerful families multiple times.

Today, you can explore the ruins of the castle, picture yourself sitting in the grand hall, and climb up the motte for spectacular views over the Darent Valley.

Location: Eynsford DA4 0AA

Opening times: 10 am–6 pm, Mon–Sun

Hidden Gems in South West England

I was born in Devon and love going back to the West Country whenever I can. Here are some of my favourite hidden gems in South West England.

Short on time? This is a highly-reviewed 5-day tour of Devon & Cornwall

Dartmoor: Wild & Mystical

Dartmoor is a national park in Devon that covers over 365 square miles of moorland.

The area has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with evidence of early settlers in the form of prehistoric sites and burial mounds.

I used to visit Dartmoor quite often when I was growing up. It’s a mysterious place steeped in legends and folklore.

Locals tell stories of supernatural goings on, ghostly hounds, witchcraft, headless horsemen, pixies, and an enormous black dog that’s said to prowl the moors at night.

It’s also known for having inspired the works of legendary authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.

A distinctive feature of Dartmoor is its “tors”. These are giant mounds made of granite that stick up above the surrounding ground. They’re great spots for rock climbing, offering something for all abilities.

Some of the best and most scenic tors to climb include Great Links Tor, Steeperton Tor, Great Staple Tor, Haytor Rocks, and Hound Tor. From the top of these tors, you get some incredible views.

The park is crisscrossed by an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, and cycle trails. These are a great way to explore the beautiful wilderness.

From wild camping under starlit skies to exploring ancient ruins, Dartmoor has something that will capture your imagination. It’s an amazing place to visit and one of my favourite areas in southwest England.

Location: H3CH+QP Yelverton, Devon

Tintagel: Legends of King Arthur

On the dramatic north coast of Cornwall, Tintagel Castle has a spectacular setting. The ruined fortress is perched high up on top of vertical cliffs, with stunning views out to the Atlantic Ocean.

The castle itself dates back to the 13th century, but archaeologists believe that its foundations were built much earlier – as early as the 5th century AD.

According to legend, Tintagel was the birthplace of King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot. Make your way to the bottom of the cliffs at low tide and you’ll find Merlin’s Cave, named after the famous wizard.

Whether or not the legends are true, the whole place is incredibly atmospheric and captivating.

The ruins themselves are fairly – well – ruined, due to centuries of battering by North Atlantic storms. But if you use your imagination, you can picture what an impressive place this would’ve been.

If you fancy a longer walk, Tintagel lies on the South West Coast Path, a long-distance footpath that takes in some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in England.

I’ve hiked a few sections of this epic trail, including the section around Tintagel, and it’s really breathtaking. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and otters.

Location: Castle Rd, Tintagel PL34 0HE

Opening times: 10 am–6 pm, Mon–Sun

Check out this 2-day tour of King Arthur’s Cornwall

St. Nectan’s Glen: A Magical Waterfall

A couple of miles inland from Tintagel lies the gorgeous St. Nectan’s Glen. Here you’ll find a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush ancient woodland.

It’s a really tranquil, special place and an amazing spot for connecting with nature. Explore the winding paths through the woods and you’ll discover hidden alcoves, sparkling streams, and a wonderful sense of calm.

The site was also supposedly once a sacred place of worship for Druid priests dating back to the Iron Ages.

Today, it has spiritual significance for many people who come to take part in rituals or simply to meditate on the beauty of nature. There’s even a hermitage and meditation room

Location: Trethevy, Tintagel PL34 0BE

Opening times: 9 am–6:30 pm, Mon–Sun

Montacute House: Tudor Elegance in Somerset

Montacute House is an enormous Elizabethan mansion located in Somerset. It’s been around since 1598 and is a beautiful example of architecture from the era.

The house features grand staircases, a collection of beautiful paintings and tapestries, and period furniture that all give a great insight into what life was like at the turn of the 16th century.

The estate also features beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland which are perfect for a stroll or picnic, as well as a cafe. For those who want to delve deeper into Tudor history, guided tours are available of the house and grounds.

Montacute House was also used in several films such as Sense & Sensibility and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Location: Montacute TA15 6XP

Opening times: 10 am–5 pm, Mon–Sun

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens: Exotic Oasis

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is an amazing 20-acre botanical garden in Dorset.

The gardens have been open since 1765, making them one of the oldest public gardens in Britain. They are home to more than 5,000 rare and unusual plant species, including beautiful displays of Camellias and Magnolias.

Paths wind through the lush greenery, and there are several ponds, lakes, and secluded spots to relax and take in the views.

It’s also only a 10-minute walk from Chesil Beach, on the Jurassic Coast. 18 miles long, it’s the longest beach in Britain and is well worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Location: Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA

Opening times: 10 am–5 pm, Mon–Sun

Dunster: A Castle-Crowned Village

Dunster is a pretty village on the edge of Exmoor National Park.

This timeless place is full of cobbled streets, old buildings with thatched roofs, and olde-worlde charm. It also has a very picturesque location, sandwiched between the moors and the sea.

The 12th-century Dunster Castle stands tall and proud above the village, a reminder of its wealthy past as a trading port. At St George’s Church, there are remains of a 900-year-old monastery.

Today, Dunster is home to several quaint old-fashioned shops, pubs, restaurants, and tea rooms.

There are some lovely walks in the area too that take you through woodlands, meadows, and along the coast of the Bristol Channel.

You can also visit the various beaches nearby, including Porlock, Bossington, Minehead, and Blue Anchor Beach.

Location: Minehead TA24 6NY

Hidden Gems in London

Hidden Gems in the Midlands

Often overlooked, the Midlands has a wealth of historical sights and offbeat experiences.

Ludlow: Gastronomic Delights and Medieval Charm

Ludlow is one of the best destinations for foodies in England. It’s a historic market town in Shropshire and is a real gastronomic capital, famous for its excellent food and drink.

There are some superb restaurants in Ludlow, such as Forelles, Mortimers, and Old Downton Lodge, which have all won various awards.

The town hosts a lively outdoor market several times per week, including a monthly farmers’ market and a local produce market every other Thursday. These markets have been held in Ludlow’s central square for more than 700 years.

There are also traditional bakeries, fishmongers, butchers, cheesemongers, greengrocers, and delis dotted around the town.

Beyond food, Ludlow is also great for general shopping, with lots of high-quality independent shops and boutiques.

Ludlow is very picturesque too. Perched on top of a hill above the River Teme, the town has a large number of Tudor, half-timbered, and Georgian buildings.

It has narrow, cobbled streets, an impressive Norman castle, and fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. It’s easy to see why the English poet John Betjeman described Ludlow as “the loveliest town in England”.

My Dad lives near Ludlow and I always enjoy coming here whenever I’m in the area.

My favourite pub in the town is the Charlton Arms. It has a beautiful setting, next to a medieval bridge over the river, with a great view of the town. They do superb beer too and even have a few rooms where you can stay the night.

Location: Ludlow, Shropshire

This is an excellent-value self-guided audio tour of Ludlow

The Malvern Hills: A Perfect Walking Spot

The Malvern Hills are a range of extinct volcanoes running along the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

It’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), known for its picturesque landscapes, sweeping vistas, and diverse wildlife.

The best way to explore the Malvern Hills is on foot. There are many hiking trails crisscrossing the hills, including the fantastic 9-mile “End-to-End” route that runs the entire length of the chain and takes in each of its summits.

There are several other walks suitable for all levels of fitness and abilities, from short and easy strolls to more challenging mid-range hikes.

From the top of the Malvern Hills, you get 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Black Mountains in South Wales.

There’s an Iron Age hill fort at the British Camp. And the spa town of Great Malvern, located on the eastern slopes of the hills, is also quite picturesque.

I went walking in the Malvern Hills often when I was growing up. In earlier decades, JRR Tolkien and the composer Edward Elgar both enjoyed coming here too.

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Worcester: Civil War History

I went to school in Worcester and know the city like the back of my hand.

This small-ish city has been inhabited since at least the 5th century and was an important centre for trade throughout the Middle Ages due to its strategic position on the River Severn.

Worcester was also at the centre of the English Civil War between 1642–1651.

Both the first and last battle of the war was fought there. It was the site of Oliver Cromwell’s victory over King Charles II, a key point in the evolution of democracy.

During the war, Charles and his Royalist army had their headquarters at the Commandery (earning Worcester the nickname “The Faithful City”). Today, this beautiful old building houses a museum.

There are many other historical sites around Worcester that tell the story of this turbulent period in English history.

Impressive Worcester Cathedral is almost 1,000 years old and hosts the annual Three Choirs Festival, one of the oldest music festivals in Europe.

You can walk along the banks of the River Severn and take in some of the city’s most attractive spots. It’s a lovely place, especially when the sun’s shining.

Location: Worcester, Worcestershire

Church Stretton: Idyllic Shropshire Village

Church Stretton is an attractive little town in the Shropshire Hills. It’s sometimes known as “Little Switzerland” due to its wonderful scenery.

Rising above Church Stretton is the Long Mynd, a sprawling upland plateau composed of seven hills, with lush forests, grassy meadows, and undulating moorland.

This is one of the most accessible wilderness areas in England. In less than an hour of walking from the centre of Church Stretton, you can be surrounded by heather-covered moorlands, wooded valleys, and babbling streams.

Keep an eye out for colourful wildflowers, birds of prey, and wild horses as you explore the idyllic trails.

Church Stretton itself has a timeless allure, with traditional local shops, cafes, friendly old pubs, thatched houses, Tudor buildings, and cobbled streets.

The town also has several historical landmarks, such as St Laurence’s Church which dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England.

Location: Church Stretton, Shropshire

Hidden Gems in North West England

The North West of England boasts a rich blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. Here’s my pick of hidden gems in North West England.

Buttermere: A Lake District Gem

The Lake District is one of the most famous beauty spots in England. It’s one of my favourite areas of the country. However, it can get quite busy, especially during the summer and at weekends.

To escape the crowds, head to my favourite lake: Buttermere. Located in the remote northwestern corner of the park, Buttermere feels a million miles away from the popular holiday spots of Windermere and Coniston.

Buttermere village is small but pleasant, with a couple of fantastic pubs and tea rooms to refuel after a long day of exploring.

The lake is surrounded by majestic peaks including Haystacks and Red Pike. It’s a perfect place for hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing and admiring the fabulous views.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could climb the 660-metre-tall Haystacks. The trail is fairly steep and challenging in places but rewards you with panoramic views of the Lake District and the peaks of southern Scotland.

For a more relaxed walk, there’s also a wonderful 4.5-mile circular walking trail that runs all the way around the edge of Lake Buttermere.

I’ve often seen golden eagles soaring above the mountains here. If you listen carefully, you can sometimes hear their calls echoing through the valley.

It’s a really spectacular place, I love it.

Location: Cockermouth CA13 9XA

Want to see more of the Lake District? Check out this super full-day tour

Port Sunlight: A Visionary Village

Port Sunlight is an interesting and unique Victorian village near Liverpool. It was designed in 1888 by Lord Leverhulme, a wealthy industrialist, for his factory workers at the nearby soap factory.

Leverhulme created the village to provide much-needed housing for his workers. He also designed it to foster a sense of community with churches, schools, parks, and other amenities all provided.

The history of Port Sunlight is significant as it marks one of the first examples of an industrial model village. This model village inspired many others around the world and has been studied by urban planners and historians ever since.

The village is known for its meticulously planned streets and landscaped gardens, which are full of attractive architecture and greenery.

It’s remained largely unchanged since it was built and paints an interesting picture of “utopian” life in Victorian Britain.

Location: Birkenhead, Wirral CH62 4XN

Sizergh Castle: A Stately Surprise

Sizergh Castle is located near the town of Kendal in Cumbria. It was built in 1239 and was home to the Strickland family from 1350 until 1950.

It’s a beautiful example of a medieval fortified manor house, surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens, 500-year-old stone walls, and acres of parkland.

You can explore the castle itself (with an optional guided tour), and take a leisurely stroll around its grounds.

Sizergh Castle is significant for many reasons, from its rich history as one of Britain’s oldest inhabited castles to its beautiful gardens which contain some rare plant species.

Location: Sizergh, Kendal LA8 8DZ

Opening times: 10 am–4 pm, Mon–Sun

Hidden Gems in North East England

From ruined castles and sweeping beaches to mysterious islands and ancient forests, North East England is full of hidden gems.

Check out some of these great places and discover a side of Britain that many people don’t get to see.

Dunstanburgh Castle: Atmospheric Coastal Fortress

Dunstanburgh Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle in the far northeast of England. It’s located near the small village of Craster, which is just a short drive from the popular town of Alnwick.

Perched dramatically on the windswept Northumberland Coast, Dunstanburgh Castle stands as a testament to medieval power and conflict.

It was built in 1313 to defend against Scottish raids and stands imposingly atop a rocky headland, backed by sand dunes and a sweeping beach. The castle has undergone significant damage over the centuries and is now a haunting yet impressive ruin.

You can wander around its weathered ruins, exploring its battlements and secret passageways. From the ramparts, you get fantastic panoramic views both along the coast and out to sea.

The views of the North Sea from here are stunning, with a seemingly never-ending horizon stretching out before you. It’s a very peaceful and atmospheric spot.

It’s quite common to spot grey seals here, and sometimes you can even see whales offshore.

I first visited Dunstanburgh Castle a couple of years ago and clearly remember being in awe. I think it’s one of the most striking places in England.

At the end of the day, as the fading sun paints the stones with a soft pink hue and the shadows grow longer, the castle is engulfed in an air of mystery. You can almost hear whispers in the wind.

If you close your eyes and listen carefully, it is easy to be transported back to a time of knights and sieges.

Location: Dunstanburgh Rd, Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TT

Opening times: 10 am–5 pm, Mon–Sun

If you’re a non-UK resident, this English Heritage pass gives you access to more than 100 sites (including Dunstanburgh Castle)

Runswick Bay: Picturesque Seaside Village

Runswick Bay is an attractive little village nestled on the North Yorkshire coast.

Once a working fishing village, today it’s a popular coastal retreat and holiday spot with locals from around the region. It offers a picturesque and timeless escape from the hustle of modern life.

The bay itself is beautiful, with a curving sandy beach backed by sheer limestone cliffs. And the village is full of colourful fishing cottages, pretty little gardens, and narrow winding lanes.

On the other side of the bay, the beach underneath the cliffs is an amazing place for fossil hunting.

Every time I’ve been there, I’ve lost track of the number of ammonites and other fossils I’ve seen. They’re littered around everywhere!

It’s also home to some of the best examples of Jurassic rock formations in Europe.

The walk up to Kettleness Point is a fairly easy climb but rewards you with spectacular views of the entire bay.

I also recommend the beautiful clifftop walk to the nearby town of Staithes, which takes about an hour each way. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.

There are several other nearby attractions too, including Whitby Abbey and Robin Hood’s Bay which make great day trips.

Location: Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 5HU

Rievaulx Abbey: Ruins of Spiritual Grandeur

Rievaulx Abbey is a beautiful ruin in the North York Moors National Park. It was founded by monks in 1132 but was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538.

Today, it’s a mesmerising and atmospheric place surrounded by gorgeous Yorkshire countryside.

As you wander through the remnants of the abbey’s cloisters, chapels, and chapter house, try to picture the many generations of monks who once called this place home.

As well as the abbey itself, you can also explore the ruins of terraced gardens, follies, temples, and ponds that have been remarkably well preserved over time.

Enjoy the peaceful grounds which are full of wildflowers and ancient trees.

Location: Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, Helmsley, York YO62 5LB

Opening times: 10 am–5 pm, Mon–Sun

North Pennines: England’s Last Wilderness

I think the North Pennines is one of England’s best-kept secrets.

It’s a large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretching from the Yorkshire Dales almost all the way north to the Scottish Borders.

The North Pennines is often known as “England’s last wilderness”. Here you’ll find an untouched landscape of sweeping heather moorland, rolling hills, dramatic peaks, hidden valleys, sparkling rivers, and deep gorges.

Dotted around the landscape are traces of old lead mines, ruined castles, prehistoric stone circles, and ancient stone-built villages that seem frozen in time.

There are hundreds of fantastic walks in the North Pennines, from strolls through enchanting forests to arduous multi-day hikes. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for mountain biking and wild swimming.

One of my favourite things about the North Pennines is the peace and quiet. Despite being home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, whenever I’ve spent time there, I’ve hardly ever seen any other people.

It’s an amazing place to get away from it all.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged terrain or the tranquil solitude of the moors, the North Pennines is a fantastic slice of untamed wilderness.

Location: North Pennines AONB

Check out this superb half-day tour of Hadrian’s Wall

Holy Island: Ethereal Beauty and Spiritual History

Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a small tidal island off the far northeast coast of England.

Steeped in history and legend, Holy Island was one of the first key places for early Christian missionary activity in Britain. It’s home to Lindisfarne Castle and Lindisfarne Priory which was founded by St Aidan in 635 AD.

As well as being an important place of pilgrimage, the island is also known for its mysterious, ethereal atmosphere, tranquility, and beautiful landscapes.

It’s hard to describe exactly how this place makes you feel when you’re there. I’m not a particularly spiritual person, but I definitely felt something special in the air here.

At low tide, it’s possible to walk across the sands from Beal to Holy Island. Once you arrive on the island, take some time to explore its ancient ruins and windswept sandy beaches.

You can also witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the tide sweeping in to isolate the island from the mainland.

Location: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Opening times: Safe crossing times vary depending on the tide. (See the website for the most up-to-date information before you visit.)

This highly-reviewed day tour from Edinburgh includes Holy Island & Alnwick Castle

Hidden Gems in Wales: Exploring Cymru’s Treasures

Wales is a unique and fascinating country packed full of incredible scenery, vibrant culture, and rich history. This corner of Britain is sure to capture your imagination.

Pistyll Rhaeadr: Wales’ Tallest Waterfall

Pistyll Rhaeadr is a dramatic waterfall in Powys, North Wales. It’s the tallest waterfall in Wales and cascades down 240 feet into a deep pool at its base, surrounded by lush green foliage.

There are walking trails around the falls allowing you to admire the views from various different angles.

Bodnant Garden: Floral Parad