If you’re looking for some amazing places in the UK that you might not have heard of, have a look at this list. Let us know in the comments at the end, how many have you heard of and which ones you’re thinking of visiting.
Amazing Places In The Uk: England
Burgh Island
A small, tidal island near Bigbury-on-sea in South Devon, you can access this island at low tide on foot but at high tide with a sea tractor. The sea tractor was designed in 1969 in exchange for a case of champagne and can be hired out for £2 per person.
With its own mermaid pool, the island is private however you can use the beach, access the hotel and eat in the pub. If you want to stay on the island, 2 nights B&B will set you back £1400. Day trips it is then!
If you’re looking for one of the prettiest places in England, this might be it?
Stay near Burgh Island with this insanely gorgeous apartment with a balcony, overlooking the sea.
Scotney Castle Kent
This castle is hardly categorised as undiscovered places in the UK however we think it’s largely overlooked due its location.
The defining feature of Scotney Castle are the ruins of a medieval, moated, manor house on an island in a small lake. The lake is surrounded by picturesque English gardens full of colourful flowers and woodland.
You can look around the manor house, find the secret priest’s hole but for us, the charm lies in the gardens.
Stay nearby in this pretty, self-catering house, Mill Cottage.
Holy Island & Lindisfarne Priory
Lindisfarne Priory sits on Holy Island another tidal island but this time in Northumberland. The Medieval monastery ruins with ornately sculpted stonework will not impress kids though, nor will the island with its expanse of coastline or traditional horses!
Nope. In fact, the only memory our kids have from this gorgeous island is the causeway leading to it which is fully covered with water, twice a day. Driving on & off the island can only happen at low tide which you’ll need to plan carefully and also keep an eye out for low mist too. It can lead to a magical but eery experience with water gently lapping at your car tyres.
Have a look at this cottage actually on Holy Island.
Padley Gorge, Peak District
If you’re on the search for fairies, then look no further. One of the most magical places to visit in the UK would have to be Padley Gorge in the Peak District.
A wooded ravine full of sheltered trees, fallen leaves, green moss, tumbling waterfalls and streams, it’s a perfect spot for picnics, rambles and even swimming.
Book your stay in the nearby Maynard Hotel
Seaham Beach Glass, Seaham Hall Beach
Once upon a time, a glass factory sat on the shores of Seaham Beach which is, unsurprisingly, one of the very best places in the UK to find sea-glass.
Seaham was home to many glass-making factories during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Seaham even boasted the largest glass bottle works in Britain, The Londonderry Bottleworks, operating from the 1850s to 1921.
The bottle works produced up to 20,000 hand-blown bottles every day which were distributed across the globe however they would also dump large amounts of waste glass straight into the North Sea and that’s where Seaham’s sea glass story began.
Along with every new tide, you’re certain to find smooth & colourful little gems along the shore that have been shaped by the North Sea.
The Hay Barn is a beautifully renovated barn in Northumberland. Check out the photos here.
The Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
Do you fancy visiting a secret garden near Twickenham? Well, maybe not a secret but definitely a must-see in London.
If you’re looking for beautiful places near London to visit, the Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830s. It is best known for its evergreen azaleas that line the ponds and streams.
The gardens are open all year but are at their best in late April and early May.
Stay in this riverside apartment in the heart of Twickenham.
St Dunstan In The East Garden
In the heart of London, halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London, you’ll find this quiet, largely destroyed church with a public garden.
The church was originally named for St Dunstan, a tenth-century monk who survived black magic, leprosy and the Devil to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Badly damaged during the Great Fire of London and heavily bombed during WWII, the ruins have remained as a public garden.
Trees grow through windows, vines creep over walls yet more modernly added palm trees make for a tropical addition. Gorgeous any time of year.
Have a look at this tranquil cottage in the heart of Wimbledon Village with stunning common views
White Scar Caves
The White Scar Caves can be found on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and feature rocky pools, waterfalls and other mystical features such as the witch’s fingers, the judge’s head and the devil’s tongue.
White Scar is the longest cave in England, reaching a total of one mile. The guided tour lasts 80 minutes, detailing the formation of the cave over 200,000 years ago and its beautiful stalactites.
If you’re looking for amazing places to visit in England, the longest cave would surely be a great place to start.
Have a look at this newly renovated, stone-built terrace cottage nearby.
The Singing Ringing Tree
Have you ever heard of a singing tree?
Tucked away into the picturesque Lancashire countryside is the Singing Ringing Tree; a musical man-made structure. Constructed from galvanised steel pipes the tree is a wind-powered instrument that carries music across the Forest of Burney.
So unique, it was given the National Award for architectural excellence in 2007 by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Book your stay at this charming hotel, Fence Gate Lodge, nearby.
Dalegarth Bridge Holmrook, Cumbria
Dalegarth Bridge is on the River Esk and is one of Cumbria’s top river jumps.
Underneath the humpback, stone-built bridge, you’ll discover a deep water gorge, perfect for swimming and jumping into.
Stay at this delightful cottage draped in purple flowers.
The Real Flower Petal Company Confetti Fields
The Wyke Manor Estate in Worcestershire is home to a famously colourful Confetti Flower Field.
For just a few days in midsummer, an ordinary farm field bursts into colour where you’ll be surprised to see acres of tall and elegant delphinium flowers in full bloom.
The Wood Norton is a historically listed Victorian house is located in the Vale of Evesham.
The Wreck of the SV. Carl at Booby’s Bay
There is a First World War German shipwreck in Booby’s Bay, Cornwall. Visible at low tides, the wreck of 1917 is near Padstow.
Coins have been found nearby so if you have little treasure seekers, this will keep them entertained.
Check out this town-centre hotel with glamourous views over Padstow’s beach.
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Amazing Places In The Uk: Wales
Devil’s Bridge
A fabulous day out would be taking the steam train to Devil’s Bridge, then walking back down via the waterfall of Rheidol Gorge.
These unique waterfalls have been attracting visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”.
Fancy staying in a pretty, white-washed, traditional semi-detached cottage nearby?
Marine Drive, Llandudno
For those of us having Alps driving withdrawals, this 4-mile marine drive should satisfy some basic cravings.
Built into the cliffs in the 19th century, it is regarded as a triumph of Victorian road building. The toll road costs £2.50 but you can also take the vintage coach ride from the Prince Edward Gardens on the promenade or walk the entire route.
There are plenty of places to stop and photograph along the way and the fee includes parking at the top. Take the side road detour to Saint Tudno’s Church (6th century) and then another detour to the lighthouse which was built in 1862 at 325 feet above water. At one point it was the highest lighthouse above water on the coast of Wales.
Stay in Puffin Cottage in the historic, picturesque town of Conwy.
Watch Puffins On The Island Of Skomer
Just off the Pembrokeshire coastline, you’ll find this bird paradise. You must pre-book your visit here.
As well as the largest puffin colony in southern Britain, you’ll also find half the world’s population of Manx shearwaters and large colonies of seals.
The island is open from the 1st April (or Good Friday, whichever is earlier) to 30th September and is closed Mondays with the exception of the Whitsun Bank Holiday at the end of May.
Stay in this bell tent nearby surrounded by woodlands, pond streams and country walks.
Zip World, Gwynedd
A former slate quarry is now a fantasy-like subterranean space where bottomless sheer walls are fitted with zip lines, rope bridges, climbing grips and even a massive bouncy net!
This activity centre is fun, awe-inspiring and exhausting all at the same time and includes the first four-person zip line in Europe as well as the longest zipline in the UK.
Book your stay in this old quarryman’s cottage built in 1850 facing the tranquil river of Barlwyd.
Mwnt Cove
Mwnt is a haven for wildlife and one of the best places in Ceredigion to spot dolphins.
A hidden cove full of golden sand and rolling waves, this sheltered beach near Cardigan Bay will take your breath away. There is parking nearby but you can also get here by walking stretches of Wales’ Coastal Path.
Fancy staying in this characterful seaside townhouse overlooking Aberythswyth’s coastline?
Llanddwyn Tidal Island
What could be more picturesque than a pale, narrow path leading off onto a distant mound featuring a lighthouse, surrounded by white sand?
If nature and solitude are your things, you’ll want to visit this small tidal island off the west coast of Anglesey. Framed by the Snowdon Range to the left and Newborough Reserve to the right, this enchanted island which is cut off at high tide, is said to be the home of Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers.
Surrounded by sand, forest trails, red squirrels and much more, will you visit this idyllic stretch of water?
Stay nearby in this cute renovation, Tawny Barn.
Portmeirion
If you have serious Italy withdrawals, you’d best head here. The village of Portmeirion looks just like an Italianate village but this uniquely, charming if not surreal village, sits at the feet of Snowdonia.
Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 it’s now owned by a charitable trust. It was built as an imitation of a rustic Italian village, to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it.
You can actually stay in the village, in this hotel.
St Govans Chapel, Pembrokeshire
Built into the side of a limestone cliff, this tiny chapel measures 20×12 feet and consists of two chambers.
The site was founded in the 6th century by hermit St Govan however the chapel was only built sometime between the 13th and 14th centuries and it has just a bench and a small altar in it.
Perched high on a cliff face above the Atlantic Sea, the only approach is from 52 worn stone steps. Another defining feature of this location is the rusty red soil which is said to have healing properties.
Fancy staying in a quirky yurt? Glamping is amazing fun.
Book Your Stay Locally Using This Interactive Map
Amazing Places In The Uk: Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was erected in 1755 by local fishermen. The bridge links the mainland to the craggy island of Carrick-a-rede, spanning 20-metres with the rocks 30-metres below.
100 metres above sea level the bridge is now solely a tourist attraction for those who aren’t afraid of plummeting to their deaths. Deep below you may be able to see basking sharks, porpoises, dolphins, puffins, razorbills and oystercatchers.
You just pre-book tickets to cross & pay for parking (link above).
Gaint’s Causeway
Everybody has seen photos from here but not fully realised that this natural phenomenon is in Northern Ireland.
The area comprises roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns; the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption some 50–60 million years ago. It’s a UNESCO protected site and the regularly shaped polygonal columns of basalt have formed in near-perfect horizontal sections looking like a pavement.
The rolling mist that frequently covers this area and the North Atlantic waves that lap at these rocks give it an air of mystery and eerieness.
Book your stay in this adorable cottage on the unique North Antrim Coast.
Whitepark Bay – Co. Antrim
Whitepark is a secluded but spectacular white-sand beach where an arc has formed between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast.
The beach is backed by ancient dunes and rich chalk grasslands. The site is also fossil-rich with archaeological evidence everywhere. Keep an eye out for the infamous cows that help to naturally conserve the area
Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim
Have you heard of the Eilean Donan Castle in the Highlands? Well, this castle in County Antrim is just as pretty and comes with even better reflections.
Situated just outside Belfast, this castle was besieged by the Scots, Irish, English and French and the castle played an important military role until the early 20th century.
Goodness knows how it has remained as a well-preserved medieval building but it has.
Treat yourself and stay at the 5* Culloden Spa Hotel.
Stay In Cute Cottages Like This Around The Uk With Sykes
Amazing Places In The Uk: Scotland
Durness Beach and Smoo Cave
Smoo Cave is a dramatically looming sea cave set into the limestone cliffs in Sutherland. At 50 foot high, it has the largest, sea cave entrance in Britain and was caused largely by erosion.
The cave can be explored by boat (at high tide) or by the path from the car park on the cliffs. Close by is Durness Beach, a picture-perfect white-sand cove with a number of small rocks to climb & scramble.
Have a look at the exquisite Balnakeil Beach Bothy; a stone cottage on the beach.
The Cobbler
The Cobbler (true name Ben Arthur) is an 884 metre (2,900 ft) mountain, located near the head of Loch Long in Argyll and Bute.
It is not a Munroe but a Corbett and this iconic mountain is famous for its unusually lumpy profile. With three individual summits, its outline forms a recognisable shape. In order to summit the central peak, you’ll need to scramble a bit.
Stay in a private room in the Rowardennan Youth Hostel.
Den of Finella
Described as the lost waterfall, the Den of Finella is like something out of a fairy tale. Located just north of St Cyrus, you may well cross this bridge and be totally unaware of the glorious waterfall beneath it.
However, there is a hidden catch to finding this waterfall and that is, you must be fit, active and used to scaling slopes. The falls drop around 65 feet under thick woodland where rare orchids flower.
The story behind this waterfall is tragic and it’s said that in 995 Finella was a huntress who murdered Kenneth II to avenge the killing of her son, leaping from this waterfall to evade her own capture.
Is Scotland even Scotland without a wooden cabin with a hot tub?
Mermaid Kirk, Arbroath Cliffs
On the largely ignored east coast of Scotland, you’ll find the Arbroath Cliffs. On the cliff tops and beaches are some fabulous walks, one of which takes you to the 12th-century ruins of St Murdochs Chapel, however, if you’re looking for something a little more daredevil, how do you fancy kayaking or swimming the Mermaid’s Kirk tunnel?
On the coast, you’ll find a natural arch (the Needles Eye) in the red, sandstone rocks. What is unusual about this arch is that it runs parallel to the cliffs and due to this is weaker than most arches and will at some point collapse.
Under the Needle’s Eye, there is a beautiful long cave tunnel that leads to Mermaid’s Kirk. Only accessible at low tide, this secluded beach links the sea to the cave tunnel. From here you’ll be able to see hundreds of starfish, dolphins and seals.
You can book a tour with Arbroath Cliff Tours.
Loch Vaa
If you’re looking for another amazing place to visit in the UK, head to Loch Vaa.
Located between Boat of Garten and Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, its cute wooden boathouse has made it a popular location for photographers, especially in the twilight hours.
There is lots to do in this area including hiking and cycling of course swimming.
Live the outdoor life and stay at Badaguish lodges, wigwams and camping.
Blockships, Scapa Flow, Scotland
The sheltered waters near South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands hold significant maritime history.
During WWII, Orkney acted as a base for training and repairs for many of the aircraft from aircraft carriers. Orkney was so important to the war effort that there were up to 40,000 men stationed there at the peak of the war despite there only being a local population of roughly 22,000.
The Barrier Blockships were purposely sunk along the seafloor at the entrances to Scapa Flow in both world wars to stop U-boats from penetrating the area.
The remains of some vessels can still be seen jutting above the water while crossing the Churchill Barriers which link the mainland of Orkney to Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay.
Book your stay on South Ronaldsay & stay in a traditional croft.
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