.png)
Hidden Gem is a word thrown around in the travel world far too often. I can't tell you how many 'hidden gems' I've visited, only to find out everyone else has discovered it too. Social media has been great at bringing to light some beautiful places in the UK, however, it's also been responsible for huge swathes of people swarming places that can't really handle it.
The great thing is you don't have to avoid places like the Lake District or the Cotswolds entirely. You can still experience the beauty of these places by choosing where and when to visit carefully.
Here's my round up of 5 ACTUAL hidden gems that mean you can avoid the crowds and still appreciate the beauty of some of the most wonderful places in the country.
Winchcombe
The Cotswolds are a popular place with UK travellers and tourists alike for good reason. Stow-on-the-world, Bourton Upon Water, and Bibury and often on the 'to visit' list, but can be busy and hard to find parking in.
Winchcombe is often overlooked and has everything you expect to see from a Cotswold village. Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, it was once an important medieval religious centre. The town is known for landmarks like St. Peter's Church and the nearby Sudeley Castle, where Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, is buried. Winchcombe’s honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings and narrow streets exude quintessential English charm and its shops and tearooms make for a great day out. With its rich heritage, proximity to the Cotswold Way, and vibrant local culture, Winchcombe offers a delightful blend of the past and present.
Much Wenlock, Shropshire
Shropshire offers some wonderful places to visit like Ironbridge and Ludlow. Both places are full of history but often full of tourists too.
If you're after a small, charming town with lovely walks and views of the Shropshire hills, Much Wenlock is an easily missed place that is a centre for wonderful pubs and gorgeous cottages. This charming market town features medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, with highlights including the ruins of Wenlock Priory and the ancient Guildhall. Much Wenlock was the birthplace of Dr. William Penny Brookes, who founded the Wenlock Olympian Games in 1850, an inspiration for the modern Olympics.
Moss Force Waterfall, Lake District
The Lake District is hugely popular and for good reason. I adore the lakes, countryside, and fabulous towns. But anyone who has visited there during any school holiday will know how crowded it can become. It's not always easy to book a visit around the holidays so why not try visiting Moss Force waterfall to escape the crowds? Located within the Newlands Valley near Buttermere. It cascades dramatically down the slopes of Robinson Fell, offering visitors a picturesque view, especially after rainfall when the flow is strongest. The waterfall is easily accessible from the Newlands Pass.
Klondyke mine, Conwy
There are plenty of ruins to explore in Wales but one overlooked one is Klondyke Mine, located in Conwy, North Wales. The abadoned mill ruins named for the Klondike gold rush in Canada. These ruins are nestled in the rugged terrain of the Gwydir Forest and are a perfect stop on the way to Llyn Crafnant lake which also has a fabulous shoreside cafe.
Ryvoan Pass, Cairngorms
Glenmoe Pass is well known to visitors to the Cairngorms and is popular with walkers and water sports fans. Away from this you can find, Ryvoan Pass, a scenic mountain pass to An Lochan Uaine, also known as the Green Lochan, a small, emerald-coloured loch nestled within the surrounding pine forest. The walk is around two hours long though you might be tempted to take a dip too!
댓글