Want to avoid the Staycation crowds this summer? Here are 15 Hidden Gems Across the UK

Britain is filled with remarkable places that rarely make it onto the typical tourist trail. More people are expected to staycation this summer, given fuel shortages and soaring airline costs. But while millions flock to Stonehenge and the Tower of London each year, some of the country's most magical destinations remain wonderfully unknown. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or looking for a longer trip to explore somewhere truly special, these hidden gems offer unforgettable experiences without the crowds.

Remote Coastal Wonders

Sandwood Bay, Scotland

Widely considered one of Britain's most beautiful beaches, Sandwood Bay in the far north-west of Scotland feels like the edge of the world. This mile-long stretch of pink-tinged sand is accessible only by a four-mile walk across moorland, which means you'll often have this spectacular spot entirely to yourself. The dramatic sea stack, Am Buachaille, stands guard at the southern end, whilst the beach is steeped in local legends of mermaids and ghost ships. The remoteness is part of the magic – there are no facilities, no roads, and no phone signal, just pristine wilderness where land meets sea.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Whilst Cornwall attracts millions of visitors, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula remains relatively undiscovered. This sheltered beach features extraordinary serpentine rock formations in shades of red, green and purple, alongside white sand and turquoise waters that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean. Visit at low tide to explore the caves and islands, including the aptly named Asparagus Island. The cove has captivated artists and writers for centuries, including Tennyson and Turner.

Extraordinary Man-Made Marvels

Dennis Severs' House, London

Hidden down a narrow Spitalfields street, Dennis Severs' House offers one of London's most unusual experiences. This 18th-century townhouse is neither a museum nor a gallery, but rather what its creator called a 'still-life drama'. Each of the ten rooms is frozen in time, as though the Huguenot silk-weaving family who lived there has just stepped out. Half-drunk cups of tea, rumpled beds, and flickering candles create an atmospheric journey through 200 years of history. Visitors must explore in complete silence, making it a truly immersive sensory experience. Candlelit evening visits on Mondays are particularly atmospheric.

Here's a flavour of the House.

The Forbidden Corner, North Yorkshire

Tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales, The Forbidden Corner is Britain's strangest garden. Created as a private folly, this labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and follies is now open to the public (though you must book in advance). Navigate through underground passages, encounter curious creatures, solve riddles, and discover secret doors. It's part Alice in Wonderland, part medieval mystery, and entirely unique. The garden covers four acres and takes around two hours to explore fully, with surprises around every corner.

Here's a brief tour!

Natural Beauty Off the Beaten Path

The Peak District's Secret Valleys

Whilst the Peak District attracts millions of visitors, many stick to well-known spots like Chatsworth and Mam Tor. Venture into lesser-known valleys like Lathkill Dale or Monk's Dale, and you'll find yourself in limestone gorges where wildflowers bloom, crystal-clear rivers flow, and you might walk for hours seeing only sheep. The village of Castleton sits beneath dramatic hills riddled with show caves, including the otherworldly Blue John Cavern where the rare Blue John stone is found nowhere else on earth.

Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

This ancient woodland in Gloucestershire feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Puzzlewood's twisted trees, moss-covered rocks, and mysterious passageways have inspired writers from Tolkien to J.K. Rowling. The site has been inhabited since Roman times, when iron ore was mined here, creating the unusual landscape of paths, bridges and gullies that visitors navigate today. It's been used as a filming location for Doctor Who and Star Wars, testament to its otherworldly atmosphere.

Hidden Historical Treasures

Portmeirion, Wales

This Italianate village on the Welsh coast is so unexpected it barely seems real. Portmeirion was built between 1925 and 1975 by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis as a demonstration that development could enhance natural beauty. Pastel-coloured buildings, a campanile, fountains and sub-tropical gardens create a Mediterranean atmosphere in North Wales. The village became famous as the setting for 1960s cult TV series The Prisoner, and today welcomes visitors who can stay overnight in the hotel or self-catering cottages.

Stokesay Castle, Shropshire

England's finest surviving fortified medieval manor house, Stokesay Castle remains remarkably unspoilt. Built in the late 13th century, it feels frozen in time, without the heavy Victorian restoration that affects many historic buildings. The timber-framed gatehouse, great hall with original wooden cruck beams, and peaceful moat create an authentic medieval atmosphere. It's far less visited than nearby Ludlow Castle, meaning you can often explore in peace.

St Nectan's Glen, Cornwall

Deep in a wooded valley near Tintagel, St Nectan's Glen has been a site of pilgrimage for 1,500 years. The centrepiece is a 60-foot waterfall that cascades through a natural basin in the rock known as the Kieve. The glen has a mystical atmosphere, and visitors often leave prayers, ribbons and offerings tied to the trees. Legend says St Nectan himself lived as a hermit here in the 6th century, and the site retains a powerful spiritual energy.

Unexpected Urban Discoveries

God's Own Junkyard, London

In a warehouse in Walthamstow, God's Own Junkyard houses one of the world's largest collections of vintage neon signs. Created by Chris Bracey, who made neon for films including Batman and Blade Runner, this kaleidoscopic maze of glowing artwork is completely mesmerising. Vintage fairground signs, custom art pieces and film props cover every surface, creating an Instagram-worthy wonderland. There's even a small café where you can sit amongst the neon glow.

The Shell Grotto, Margate

Discovered in 1835, the origin and purpose of The Shell Grotto remains a complete mystery. This underground passage is decorated with 4.6 million shells arranged in intricate mosaics, but nobody knows who created it or why. Theories range from ancient temples to elaborate follies, but carbon dating hasn't resolved the puzzle. The 70-foot serpentine passage and altar chamber are hauntingly beautiful and genuinely enigmatic.

Spectacular Natural Phenomena

The Singing Sands, Isle of Eigg

On the Small Isle of Eigg in the Inner Hebrides, Laig Bay is home to the singing sands – a rare phenomenon where the quartz sand produces musical sounds when walked upon in dry conditions. The beach sits beneath the dramatic Sgùrr of Eigg, a distinctive pitchstone ridge that dominates the island's skyline. Getting to Eigg requires a ferry journey, and the island has just over 100 residents, offering genuine escape from modern life.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Whilst Skye has become increasingly popular, the Fairy Pools at the base of the Black Cuillin mountains remain magical. These crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls are fed by mountain streams, and the brave can wild swim in the icy waters. The walk along Glen Brittle offers stunning mountain views, and the pools themselves – particularly in morning light – look genuinely enchanted.

The Giant's Causeway's Neighbour: The Dark Hedges

Whilst the Giant's Causeway tops most Northern Ireland itineraries, nearby The Dark Hedges – an avenue of intertwined beech trees planted in the 18th century – creates one of the most atmospheric tree tunnels in the world. The gnarled branches form a Gothic arch that became famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Visit at dawn or dusk for the most atmospheric light and fewer visitors.

Making the Most of Your Hidden Gem Adventures

Travel doesn't come cheap, but there are ways to manage the costs of exploring these captivating corners of Britain. With petrol prices averaging £1.55 per litre and accommodation costs soaring, strategic planning helps. Consider these money-saving approaches:

• Travel off-peak: Visit Tuesday to Thursday when possible, and avoid school holidays
• Pack provisions: Local shops near attractions often charge premium prices
• Check free parking options: Many hidden gems offer free or cheap parking compared to major attractions
• Combine destinations: Several of these gems are within reasonable distance of each other

The average UK householder spends between 60-70% of their income on essential monthly bills, and the average UK tenant, spends 35-41% of their take-home pay on rent, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Keeping living costs down is an ideal way to help maintain your thirst for weekend escapes and travel adventures, and modern, practical homeshare offers a great way to do that! Through platforms like hapipod.com, householders connect with compatible lodgers to gain extra income of up to £650/mth, as well as good company and useful help, while lodgers find affordable rooms at well below market rates saving them thousands of pounds a year on rent. This makes travel far more accessible for both, and of course, many homeshares result in friendships that can lead to further social and financial rewards of travelling together.

Conclusion

Britain's hidden gems prove that extraordinary experiences don't require international flights or tourist-trail prices. These off-the-beaten-track destinations offer equally rich history, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality—often with more opportunities for genuine connection with local communities. Whether you're drawn to coastal villages, countryside retreats, historic towns, or island escapes, there's a fascinating corner of Britain waiting to welcome you.

If you'd be interested in finding out more about homeshare, visit hapipod.com, the UK's only homeshare matching site, connecting householders with spare rooms with compatible, helpful lodgers. Discover how homesharing can make your UK adventures more affordable and enriching!