UK Hidden Gems: 56 Secret Places, Quirky Finds and Hidden Beaches
Everybody knows Stonehenge and the Tower of London. Brilliant, yes, but you'll be sharing them with half the planet. This guide is about the other stuff: the places you stumble on down a single-track lane and can't quite believe nobody told you about.
Think a cinema hiding in a pine wood, a grotto lined with millions of shells, a chapel wedged into a sea cliff and a Highland beach so white it looks photoshopped. Some need a boat, a tide table or a decent pair of boots. A few are right off a main road and still get missed. All of them are the sort of place you'll be banging on about for weeks.
We've split the list into little-known places, quirky finds, scenic spots and secret beaches (mostly in England), then given Scotland and Wales their own sections, because frankly they've got too many to squeeze in anywhere else. Pick one, pack a flask and go and find it.
Little-known places
Quiet abbeys, cliff-hugging villages and caves you can row through. These are the English corners that slip under most people's radar.
Lundy Island Three miles of granite sitting out in the Bristol Channel, Lundy has no cars, one pub and a whole lot of sky. Puffins return to the cliffs in spring, seals loaf about below, and the Landmark Trust runs the island's quirky holiday lets. Day trips sail in season from Bideford or Ilfracombe, so check the boat before you plan anything.
Lindisfarne Priory and Holy Island Twice a day the North Sea swallows the causeway and Holy Island turns back into an island. Time it right and you get the red sandstone priory ruins, a little castle on its rock and a village selling the famous mead. Read the tide tables properly: cars get stranded here every year. See Lindisfarne Priory and Holy Island →
Finchale Priory Tucked in a loop of the River Wear just outside Durham, Finchale is a peaceful set of 13th-century priory ruins that grew up around the hermit St Godric. Riverside paths, picnic grass and hardly any crowds make it a lovely half-day, and you can easily pair it with the cathedral back in the city. Explore Durham →
Rievaulx Abbey Down a narrow valley near Helmsley, Rievaulx's huge Cistercian arches rise out of the trees like something from a painting. It was one of the great monasteries of the North before Henry VIII shut it down. For the full effect, walk up to the grassy Rievaulx Terrace above and look down on the whole thing. See Rievaulx Abbey →
Staithes Squeezed into a cleft in the cliffs between Whitby and Saltburn, Staithes is a tangle of fishermen's cottages, steep alleys and a tiny harbour. A young James Cook worked here before going to sea, and artists have painted it for well over a century. Park at the top and walk down; your car will thank you.
Robin Hood's Bay Smuggling stories, cobbled lanes dropping straight to the sea and rock pools full of crabs: Robin Hood's Bay has bags of charm. At low tide the scars are brilliant for fossil spotting. Walk or cycle the old railway path known as the Cinder Track to Whitby if you fancy a proper day of it.
Uffington White Horse This sleek chalk horse on the Oxfordshire downs is thought to be around 3,000 years old, putting it among the most ancient hill figures in Britain. It's best seen from a distance, but up close you get Dragon Hill, the Iron Age hillfort and huge views. Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic long barrow, is a short walk along the Ridgeway.
Thor's Cave That gaping hole you can see high on the crag above the Manifold Valley? You can climb right up into it. Thor's Cave frames the Staffordshire hills like a giant window, and it's only a short, steep pull from the Manifold Way. The rock inside gets slippery, so wear shoes with grip.
Gaping Gill Fell Beck plunges down a shaft on the side of Ingleborough into one of Britain's biggest known cave chambers. Normally that's strictly for experienced cavers, but local caving clubs run winch meets on certain bank holidays, lowering members of the public down in a chair. Even just peering into the hole from the fell is unforgettable.
Castleton's Blue John caves Castleton sits on a honeycomb of caverns, and a couple of them are the only known source of Blue John, a swirly purple-and-yellow mineral. Guided tours take you down among the old workings and glittering chambers. The village gift shops sell Blue John jewellery, and Mam Tor is right on the doorstep for a leg-stretch afterwards. See The Blue John Cavern →
Speedwell Cavern Here's a cave tour with a difference: you go by boat. Speedwell is an old lead mine at the foot of Winnats Pass, and visitors are guided along a flooded tunnel to a cavern with a seemingly bottomless pool. Bring a layer, as it's chilly underground even in August, and combine it with the other Castleton caves.
Quirky finds
Strange, wonderful and occasionally baffling. These are the places that make you say 'hang on, what?'
The Shell Grotto Nobody knows who built it, when, or why. Found by accident in 1835, Margate's Shell Grotto is a winding underground passage and chamber covered in millions of shells set into mosaics. Theories range from pagan temple to rich man's folly. It's small, so allow under an hour and then hit the seafront. Explore Margate →
Kinema in the Woods Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire hides a cracking surprise: a 1920s picture house set among the pines, famous for its rear projection system. On some screenings an organ rises up for an interval tune. It's pure nostalgia, a proper night out for film fans, and handy if you're exploring Lincoln or the Wolds.
The Forbidden Corner Part garden, part maze, part fever dream, the Forbidden Corner near Middleham is crammed with tunnels, trick doors, giant faces and statues that squirt water when you least expect it. Kids go feral for it, and grown-ups secretly love it just as much. Tickets are usually booked ahead, so sort that before you set off.
Puzzlewood Moss-covered rocks, twisted roots and narrow paths that loop back on themselves: Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean looks like a film set because it often is one, with Star Wars and Doctor Who both shooting here. Little ones love the maze-like trail. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy and explore the wider forest too.
Minack Theatre Imagine watching a play while the Atlantic crashes below the stage. Rowena Cade built the Minack largely by hand on the cliffs at Porthcurno from the 1930s onwards, and it's still staging shows today. Visit by day to wander the terraces and gardens, then book an evening performance and bring a cushion.
Dungeness Flat, eerie and strangely beautiful, Dungeness is a vast shingle headland of tarred fishing huts, two lighthouses and a nuclear power station on the horizon. Derek Jarman's Prospect Cottage and its garden draw art fans from everywhere. Ride the miniature Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in, and finish with fish and chips.
Scenic spots
Grab your camera. These English viewpoints, waterfalls and coves look like somebody turned the saturation up.
Malham Cove A colossal curved wall of limestone rising behind Malham village, with a strange cracked pavement of rock on top. Harry Potter fans might recognise it from the Deathly Hallows. Climb the steps for the view, then carry on to Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss to make a brilliant circular walk.
The Roaches Rearing above Leek, the Roaches are a jagged gritstone ridge covered in wind-carved boulders and climbers clinging to them. The ridge walk is short but spectacular, with views over Tittesworth reservoir and across Cheshire. Don't miss Lud's Church nearby, a mossy chasm tied to the legend of Sir Gawain.
High Force Waterfall When the Tees is in full flow, High Force roars over a band of hard dolerite rock in Upper Teesdale and you'll hear it before you see it. Woodland paths lead to the viewpoint on the south bank. Walk downstream along the Pennine Way to gentler Low Force for a quieter, prettier contrast.
St Nectan's Glen Follow a wooded stream near Tintagel and you'll reach a waterfall that punches through a hole in the rock into a mossy basin. Visitors leave ribbons and stacked stones, and plenty swear the glen feels magical. Pack wellies or water shoes if you fancy paddling in the plunge pool.
Golitha Falls On the edge of Bodmin Moor, the River Fowey tumbles through a string of rapids and little cascades under ancient oaks. Golitha is more about the whole wooded gorge than one big drop, so it's lovely in any season. The path from Draynes Bridge is gentle enough for younger walkers.
Symonds Yat Rock From this rocky perch high above the Wye, you watch the river loop lazily around a wooded bend. In spring and summer, peregrine falcons nest on the nearby cliffs and volunteers often set up telescopes. Afterwards, drop down to the village for a riverside pint and a go on the hand-pulled ferry. See Symonds Yat Rock →
St Michael's Mount A castle on a rocky island off Marazion, linked to the mainland by a cobbled causeway that only appears at low tide. Walk over, then catch a little boat back if the sea comes in. The gardens on the slopes are surprisingly lush, and the views across Mount's Bay are glorious.
Tintagel Haven and Merlin's Cave Below Tintagel's cliff-top ruins lies a small rocky beach where the sea has bored a cave right through the headland. Legend links it to Merlin, and at low tide you can wander in and hear the waves echo. Check tide times first, and make a day of it with the castle above.
Secret beaches
Turquoise water, empty sand and not a deckchair in sight. From Cornwall to the far north of Scotland, these beaches are worth the walk in.
Kynance Cove Glowing turquoise water, white sand and dark serpentine rocks streaked green and red make Kynance on the Lizard look almost Mediterranean. At low tide, little islands and caves open up to explore. It's no longer much of a secret in August, so come early or out of season and grab a crab sandwich at the café.
Bamburgh Beach Miles of pale Northumbrian sand, dunes for the kids to tumble down and Bamburgh Castle looming on its rock above. Few beaches have a backdrop quite like it. On a clear day you can spot the Farne Islands and Holy Island on the horizon. Bring a windbreak: it's the North Sea, after all.
Cuckmere Haven Where the River Cuckmere snakes to the sea through flat meadows, you get one of the classic views of England: the white Seven Sisters cliffs lined up along the coast. The shingle beach is wild and peaceful. Walk up onto Seaford Head for the postcard shot of the coastguard cottages.
Achmelvich Beach A short hop from Lochinver in Sutherland, Achmelvich is a curve of white shell sand and impossibly clear blue water backed by rocky knolls. On a sunny day it could pass for the Caribbean, though the sea temperature will remind you otherwise. Explore the coves along the coast to find your own private bit.
Glenbrittle At the end of a long, winding road on Skye, Glenbrittle's dark sandy beach sits right beneath the jagged Cuillin ridge. It's moody, dramatic and gloriously remote, with a campsite nearby for those who want to stay. Pair it with the Fairy Pools, which are on the same road.
Llanddwyn Island Reached through Newborough Forest and along a long sweep of sand on Anglesey, Llanddwyn is a tidal island with a little lighthouse, a ruined church and views of Snowdonia. It's linked to St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Keep an eye out for red squirrels in the forest on the way.
Hidden gems in Scotland
Scotland does hidden gems on another scale entirely. Some take a ferry, some take a long drive, and every single one is worth it.
Loup of Fintry Just outside the village of Fintry in the Stirlingshire hills, the Endrick Water drops over a stepped series of falls in a quiet glen. It's beautifully low-key, with no visitor centre and no crowds. Combine it with a walk in the Campsie Fells or a drive through to Loch Lomond.
Loch Coruisk Ringed by the Black Cuillin, Loch Coruisk is one of the wildest spots in Britain, and the easiest way in is by boat from Elgol. Trips usually pass seals on the way and give you time ashore to explore. Bring waterproofs whatever the forecast says, because Skye weather loves a twist.
Fairy Pools A chain of crystal-clear pools and little waterfalls tumbling off the Cuillin into Glen Brittle. The water is a startling blue-green, and hardy souls do swim in it. The car park fills quickly in summer, so get there early, and wear proper footwear for the stepping stones.
Smoo Cave Near Durness on the far north coast, Smoo Cave has a huge sea-cut entrance and an inner chamber where a waterfall crashes in from above. It's a must-stop on the North Coast 500. When conditions allow, small tours take visitors further in, and the nearby beaches are stunning.
Staffa and Fingal's Cave Staffa is an uninhabited island built from hexagonal basalt columns, and Fingal's Cave inspired Mendelssohn's famous overture. Boat trips run from Mull and Iona in season. Between spring and summer, puffins nest on the clifftops and can be remarkably unbothered by visitors sitting quietly nearby.
Plockton Palm trees in the Highlands? Plockton has them, thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. This pretty village curls around a sheltered bay on Loch Carron, with whitewashed cottages and boats bobbing about. Seal-spotting cruises leave from the shore, and the Isle of Skye is a short drive away.
Dunnottar Castle Perched on a sheer-sided rock jutting into the North Sea, Dunnottar is one of the most dramatic ruins anywhere. During the 17th century, the Honours of Scotland were hidden here from Cromwell's army. Walk the cliff path from Stonehaven harbour and grab a fish supper when you get back. Explore Stonehaven →
Loch an Eilein In Rothiemurchus forest near Aviemore, this calm loch hides a ruined castle on a tiny island. An easy path loops the whole shoreline through ancient Caledonian pines. It's ideal for families, buggies and anyone after a gentle walk with red squirrels, crested tits and a proper Highland feel.
The Whaligoe Steps South of Wick, a flight of over 300 stone steps zigzags down a sheer cliff to a tiny natural harbour. Fishermen once landed herring here and women carried the catch back up. The climb down is easy; coming back up is a proper workout. Watch your footing in the wet.
Bow Fiddle Rock Off Portknockie on the Moray coast stands a sea arch shaped just like the tip of a fiddle bow. Seabirds pack its ledges, and sunrise and sunset light it up beautifully. Follow the coastal path to the neighbouring villages of Cullen, home of Cullen skink, for a warming bowl afterwards.
Blackness Castle Built in the 15th century and nicknamed the ship that never sailed, Blackness Castle juts into the Firth of Forth like a stone battleship. Outlander fans will recognise it. Climb the towers for views of the Forth bridges, then head to nearby Linlithgow Palace to finish the day. See Blackness Castle →
The Italian Chapel On the tiny Orkney island of Lamb Holm, Italian prisoners of war turned two Nissen huts into a beautiful chapel using scrap, paint and real devotion. The painted interior is genuinely moving. You drive there over the Churchill Barriers, which those same prisoners helped to build during the war.
Isle of Iona and Iona Abbey St Columba landed on Iona in 563 and founded the monastery that helped spread Christianity across Scotland. Today it's a peaceful island of white beaches and green machair, reached by a short ferry from Fionnphort on Mull. Visitors can't bring cars, so walk or hire a bike. See Iona Abbey →
Corrieshalloch Gorge South of Ullapool, the ground suddenly splits into a deep, narrow gorge with the Falls of Measach thundering below. A Victorian suspension bridge lets you look straight down, and a viewing platform juts out further along. It's a quick stop off the road but leaves a big impression. See Corrieshalloch Gorge →
Grey Mare's Tail Between Moffat and Selkirk, a long white waterfall pours down the hillside in the Moffat Water valley. A short path gives a good view, while fitter walkers can climb beside it to remote Loch Skeen. Look out for feral goats and peregrines on the crags. See Grey Mare's Tail →
Skara Brae A storm in the 1850s uncovered a Stone Age village on the Bay of Skaill, complete with stone beds, dressers and hearths. It's older than the pyramids and astonishingly well preserved. Combine it with the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness for a jaw-dropping Neolithic day. See Skara Brae →
Hidden gems in Wales
Wales punches way above its weight for secret spots, from cliff chapels to copper-coloured hillsides.
Portmeirion Sir Clough Williams-Ellis built this colourful Italianate fantasy village on the Dwyryd estuary, and it still looks like nowhere else in Britain. Fans of The Prisoner come on pilgrimage. Wander the piazzas, gardens and woodland, then stay for dinner if you want the place almost to yourself after the day visitors leave.
Pistyll Rhaeadr Tucked at the end of a lane beyond Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, this waterfall drops in a long silver ribbon down a cliff, then shoots through a natural rock arch. It's one of the Seven Wonders of Wales in the old rhyme. There's a small tearoom at the bottom, and paths climb to the top.
St Govan's Chapel Squeezed into a gap in the Pembrokeshire cliffs near Bosherston, this tiny stone chapel is reached by a flight of steps that legend says you can never count the same twice. Give it a go. The coast nearby is used for military training, so check access before you set off.
Porth Wen Brickworks On the wild north coast of Anglesey stand the shells of a Victorian brickworks: beehive kilns, chimneys and crumbling sheds beside a lonely bay. It's a photographer's dream, best seen from the Anglesey Coastal Path. The site itself is on private land and unstable, so admire it from the path.
Tretower Court Near Crickhowell in the Usk valley, Tretower pairs a round Norman tower with a superbly preserved medieval manor house. Cared for by Cadw, it feels refreshingly uncrowded, and the recreated period garden is a treat. Combine it with a stroll around Crickhowell's independent shops.
Aberglaslyn Pass Just south of Beddgelert, the Afon Glaslyn crashes through a narrow, wooded gorge. A riverside path, with a few rocky scrambles, follows it down, and the steam trains of the Welsh Highland Railway chug through the pass too. Start in Beddgelert and visit Gelert's grave on the way.
Elan Valley West of Rhayader, a chain of Victorian dams and reservoirs built to supply Birmingham sits among wild hills. When the reservoirs are full, water cascades over the stone dams. Cycle or walk the old railway trail, and look up: red kites are everywhere here.
Tintern Abbey Roofless and soaring, Tintern Abbey stands on the banks of the Wye and has inspired the likes of Wordsworth and Turner. The Gothic windows frame the wooded hills perfectly. Walk up to the Devil's Pulpit on the English side for the best view down onto the ruins.
Parys Mountain Above Amlwch on Anglesey, centuries of copper mining have left a landscape of orange, purple and ochre that looks more like Mars than Wales. A waymarked trail leads around the old workings and the windmill on top. Stick to the path: there are steep drops and old shafts.
Planning your hidden gems trip
Half the fun of a hidden gem is the getting there, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Check tide tables for tidal islands, causeways and coves like Lindisfarne, St Michael's Mount and Merlin's Cave. Island boat trips to Lundy, Staffa and Loch Coruisk are weather dependent, so have a back-up plan and book ahead in summer.
Many of these places have small car parks, single-track roads or no facilities at all. Arrive early, bring snacks, water and layers, and wear proper footwear for wet rocks and steep paths. Phone signal can vanish in the Highlands and rural Wales, so download your maps before you go.
Most importantly, treat these spots kindly. Take your litter home, stick to paths and keep dogs on leads around wildlife and livestock. That way they stay special for the next lot of explorers.
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