13 Hidden Travel Gems That Locals Say Are The UK's Best Kept Secret
Secret paths, tunnels, and gardens galore for you to explore.
We're still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, so before travelling please know before you go and check the latest government advice and local guidance relevant to your destination. When you're there, please be mindful of locals, keep to social distancing rules, and respect the surroundings around you.
The UK has some incredible, iconic, and famous attractions to explore. However, it also boasts some secret hidden gems that only locals know about, making them the perfect places to escape your everyday. Here are 13 lesser-known places everyone must visit...
1. Lancashire: The Tolkien Trail
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Fantasy-fiction fans can't afford to miss this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of author, J.R.R. Tolkien. The author spent a lot of time writing his fantasy masterpiece at Stonyhurst College and is believed to have taken some place names from the surrounding area: for example, Shire Lane. The walking trail explores this inspiring landscape, and starts and finishes at the Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green.
Fan Dan Dickinson says: "This five-mile walk takes you through some unbelievable scenery. I can't believe it's not more widely known."
2. Yorkshire: Staithes
Charming, historic, and picturesque fishing village Staithes is just along the coast from the better-known Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby. Its steep, winding streets were once home to the famous British explorer, Captain Cook, who worked as an apprentice in a haberdashery on the seafront from 1745 to 1746.
Suz Gibson says: "It was once the busiest fishing village in the area, but now has a calm and tranquil air. You still get a deep sense of history as you stroll downhill towards the Cod and Lobster pub for a cold pint with a sea view."
3. Edinburgh: Colinton Tunnel
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Edinburgh is a city with more amazing sights than you can shake a stick at. But if you really want to get away from the beaten track and see something that locals are truly proud of, take a trip to the pretty suburb of Colinton, where residents have transformed an old railway tunnel into an otherworldly, dazzling mural.
Edinburgh resident Victoria Smith says: "You really need to see this enchanting tunnel that celebrates the industrial, social, artistic, and literary history of the area. It's also incredibly photogenic and colourful!"
4. Newcastle Upon Tyne: Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is an enchanting, historic park nestled in the suburbs of Newcastle. It has many incredible nature trails but the real gem of this park is its famous waterfall. The bridge close by offers not only the best views of the waterfall, making it the perfect place for a photo opp, but also a view of the ruins of a fourteenth-century water mill too!
Former local resident Ben Armson says: "Jesmond Dene is the perfect woodland escape literally minutes away from the city centre. It’s incredibly peaceful and a great place to go for a walk without having to drive out to the countryside. The waterfall is always the real highlight for me.”
5. Glasgow: The Hidden Lane
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The Hidden Lane in Glasgow is like accidentally stepping into a little world of art, wonder, and magic. This bright, little community nestled in the trendy area of Finnieston boasts a colourful collection of over 100 shops and boutiques, creative studios, galleries, and other small businesses. It's essentially a hub of creativity and inspiration, making it the perfect place to visit when everything feels a little grey.
Glasgow local Sarah Buchanan says: "This vibrant area is perfect if you want to see a different part of Glasgow and support creative local businesses. There's a fantastic little tea room there that has amazing cakes for when you're done having a shop and a little nose!"
6. London: Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
This beautiful slice of Japan is a true oasis amid the hustle and bustle of central London. The garden opened in Holland Park in 1991; it was a gift from Kyoto and a gesture of friendship between Japan and Great Britain. It's filled with stone lanterns, tiered waterfalls, and even peacocks to snap a selfie with.
Londoner Peter Hoffer says: "My favourite part of the park is the peaceful Kyoto Garden, which is like a tiny pocket of Japan inside an English setting. When I first moved to London, my apartment was only minutes away. I would often spend time here to get away from the cramped space of my flat."
7. Wiltshire: West Kennet Long Barrow
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Sticking with the "ancient and magical" theme, West Kennet Long Barrow, also known as South Long Barrow, literally takes you back in time. The chambered long barrow was first built in 3650 BC near the village of Avebury and its better known big brother Stonehenge. You can go inside and experience a haunting glimpse into Britain's Early Neolithic Period. The site is part of the Great West Way, an idyllic touring route from London to Bristol that runs through quaint villages and outstanding areas of natural beauty. So if you want to explore more there's plenty nearby!
Wiltshire resident Russell Hayes says: "Most people who visit flock straight to Stonehenge, but this incredible hidden gem is well worth a visit too. I had never heard of it until I went and it's the most magical place ever!"
8. Coleraine to Derry Railway on the Antrim Coast
A great way to see Antrim's spectacular and dramatic coastline is to take a railway journey from Coleraine to Derry. You'll pass sandy beaches and travel through tunnels as the line weaves its way along the clifftops before ending up at the famous walled city of Derry, the second-largest city in Northern Ireland.
Local resident Karen Yates says: "It's lovely scenery all around and makes you proud to be from Northern Ireland. Beware though, you'll want to jump off the train every minute to go and see things even closer. It's a majestic journey."
9. Surrey: Ashtead Common
This 200-hectare expanse of ancient woodland, open countryside, and pretty lakes is a National Nature Reserve. Some of the oak trees are between 300 and 400 years old, with Autumn being one of the best times to visit if you want to experience the leaves changing, bathing everything in warm, golden light. There is also a beautiful Roman villa on the common, as well as other ancient monuments.
Local Amy Champion-Maclean says: "I love Ashtead Common. When I moved to the UK 14 years ago, I'd stroll around it and soak up the scenery. It feels quintessentially English. Very peaceful and pretty."
10. London: Brixton Village Arcade and Market Row
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Located in Brixton, South London, the Brixton Arcade and Market Row is the place to visit if you're craving flavours from all over the world. A collection of market stalls, independent cafes, and restaurants, this colourful haven is a popular dining and shopping spot with locals. Whether it be stall-hopping, having a drink at a quaint bar, or having a sit-down meal at a trendy restaurant, there is something for everyone and nothing but good vibes!
Local resident Tristan Fisher says: "I love how bright and atmospheric this place always is. All of the restaurants and shops in the arcade have food and products from all around the world, and it always makes me feel like I'm travelling when I come here... The reality is, I live down the road!"
11. Peak District: Howden, Derwent, and Ladybower reservoirs
This series of three equally stunning reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley are arguably at their best in autumn but are well worth a visit at all times of the year. With amazing walking and cycling routes that wrap around the reservoirs, you could easily the spend the entire day exploring and admiring sites along the way, like the twin-towered Derwent Dam, completed in 1916 and used by the RAF's 617 squadron to test their "bouncing bombs" in 1943.
Steve Brown, who lives nearby, says: "This place never ceases to amaze me. It's so dramatic. And it's peaceful too. You can sit and watch birds of prey swooping around the dam."
12. Mid Wales: Glyndŵr's Way
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The magnificent Glyndŵr's Way is a 135-mile walk that runs through some of the most spectacular wild scenery Wales has to offer. Those who choose to go on this epic walking adventure will be rewarded with wooded valleys, stunning reservoirs, magical lakes, and endless rolling hills. And with charming Welsh hamlets and B&Bs dotted along the way, you can break up your route easily with peaceful rest stops and overnight stays.
Jason and Teresa, owners of Ty Capel B&B, say: “We enjoy having the Glyndŵr's Way running past our door and being one of the less-travelled national trails. It gives you a chance to take in the stunning scenery, while sometimes not seeing another person. It really is a wonderfully relaxing place to be."
13. West Sussex: Petworth town and park
Petworth is a stunning market town steeped in history and famous for its plethora of antique shops. It's the perfect place for shopping and culture. But the Petworth Park and Gardens is a treasure so close by that it would be a shame to not visit both. And for the entrance fee of £10 per adult, you'll get access to the house and the aptly named "Pleasure Gardens". With rolling hills and beautiful views of the Sussex Downs, the park is great for escaping crowds and taking refreshing walks. Keep an eye out for the fallow deer that roam there.
Former local resident Bethan Moore says: "Petworth is a beautiful little town and the antique shops make for a fun activity, even if you're just peeking through and taking a casual stroll. The park, however, is pure bliss if you're looking to get away from it all, and there's something inherently magical about seeing the fallow deer at any age."