Finding hidden gems is an exciting part of travelling. These locations are lesser known and, more often than not, off-the-beaten paths and away from crowds of tourists. They could be a waterfall, a grotto, a secret beach, or a stunning coastal path – the options are endless.
Planning a UK holiday? These ten best hidden gems in the UK will guarantee fantastic memories. We’ll cover a range of spots, from the petrification phenomenon at Mother Shipton’s Well to the third largest whirlpool in the world, Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
Let’s dive straight in.
1. Fingal’s Cave
Location: Isle of Staffa, Scotland
Chances are you’ve heard of the Giant’s Causeway. According to legend, Fingal’s Cave is the remnants of the other end of the destroyed bridge. The Irish giant, Finn, had built a bridge across to Scotland. Unfortunately, he antagonised Fingal and had to flee back across the bridge, ripping it up as he ran.
Of course, science has another story. The cave is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns. Experts say they were formed by lava cooling and contracting around 60 million years ago. Whichever story you believe, it’s exciting to take a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa and swim or snorkel into Fingal’s Cave.
2. Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
Location: Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
If you love hiking, Cuilcagh Boardwalk is the hidden gem for you. Located just outside Enniskillen, the boardwalk winds through boglands and pasture – with desolate, barren land as far as the eye can see.
The route takes between 2-3 hours to complete. At 11km long, it should be suitable for anyone with an average fitness level. Allow a little longer for photo breaks though, especially at the section nicknamed ‘The Stairway to Heaven’. Here, you snap a classic shot climbing the wooden stairs with the boardwalk snaking away to the horizon.
3. Speke’s Mill Mouth
Location: Hartland Quay, England
There’s something magical about waterfalls in unexpected places. Recently, social media has been flooded with images of Mealt Falls, the Isle of Skye waterfall that cascades into the ocean over a sea cliff. But what if there is a lesser-known alternative?
Speke’s Mill Mouth is a sea cliff waterfall in North Devon. The falls plunge 48 metres from the cliff top to the beach below, and you can view it from the coastal path or the beach. Situated conveniently on the South West Coastal Path, it is a stunning hidden gem for tourists in the know to hike to.
4. The Shell Grotto
Location: Margate, England
Looking for man made hidden gems? The Shell Grotto is a fascinating place to visit. Nobody quite knows the purpose of the 70 feet of underground tunnels. But when they were rediscovered in 1835, people were amazed by the shell-studded walls.
The tunnels have 4.6 million shells studded into their chalk walls. The shells are arranged in a mosaic effect and are quite the sight to behold. The Shell Grotto should be up your street if you are interested in mysteries, art, and architecture.
5. Tyneham Ghost Village
Location: Tyneham, England
Tyneham Ghost Village is a rather tragic hidden gem in the UK. Tyneham was deserted in 1943 when the British military seized the village to use as a training ground. Residents were forced to leave their properties behind, sadly never to return.
Tyneham remains abandoned, and tourists now visit to experience the phenomenon. You can enter the old church and school, plus observe the now crumbling rows of houses. Tyneham is a slightly eerie way to immerse yourself in British history.
6. The Fisherman’s Path
Location: Snowdonia, Wales
The Fisherman’s Path is not for the faint-hearted; let’s start there. The tiny, rickety path consists of planks of wood nailed into a rock face and held in place with clamps. A few feet under the path, the Lledr Gorge river flows.
The route takes approximately an hour to complete and gives walkers incredible waterfall views at multiple points along the trail. Is it safe? We’ll leave it up to your judgement. However, it is becoming increasingly leaked as a fantastic hidden gem online.
7. Mother Shipton’s Cave
Location: Knaresborough, England
In the UK, there is a place where teddy bears are turned to stone. And while this concept might sound like something out of a fairy tale, Mother Shipton’s Cave really does exist. We’ll let you in on a secret; the waterfall in the cave holds all the power.
The waterfall turns objects to stone through calcification. Its waters have high amounts of calcium salts which end up deposited on the object and, typically over 3-5 years, turn it to stone. Many people tie teddy bears to the waterfall to calcify. However, you can buy a ‘ready petrified’ bear from the gift shop.
8. Gaping Gill
Location: North Yorkshire, England
Gaping Gill is one of the largest caverns in Britain. Visitors are gradually lowered down in a winch system, and it’s only as you are halfway down that you appreciate the scale of the main cavern chamber. It’s truly stunning. Even if you’ve gone caving before, it is unlikely that you’ve seen a chamber of Gaping Gill’s size and grandeur.
To experience this hidden gem though, you’ll need to be organised. The Bradford and Craven pothole clubs usually open Gaping Gill to the public twice a year, as the winch system is only assembled on these special occasions.
9. Gobbins Cliff Path
Location: Islandmagee, Northern Ireland
If Fisherman’s Path sounded fun but a little too risky, Gobbins Cliff Path might be for you. The metal walkway is firmly secured into the Antrim coastline, and walkers can enjoy a much more secure hike over water.
You’ll have views of the Irish Sea and many geological attractions along the 5-mile hike. To experience the Causeway Coast in style (and a slight adrenaline rush), we highly recommend walking Gobbins Cliff Path.
10. Corryvreckan Whirlpool
Location: Strait of Corryvreckan, Scotland
While we are on the subject of oceans, we can’t skip Corryvreckan Whirlpool. The whirlpool is the third largest worldwide and one of the most exciting UK hidden gems to see up close. You can catch a glimpse of Corryvreckan Whirlpool from land, but we suggest booking a boat tour.
Visiting Corryvreckan Whirlpool alone is nearly impossible and extremely dangerous. Make sure to book a boat tour with a reputable guide – they’ll know the safety regulations and be confident in how close you can safely get to the whirlpool.
The UK is full of adventure and hidden attractions. We hope you get the chance to experience at least one of these best hidden gems in the UK. Maybe you’ll combine a few with a UK road trip?
Have you got any other suggestions of hidden gems to visit in the UK? Drop them in the comments below.
