One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the UK offers a holiday paradise for every type of vacation, ranging from iconic city breaks to London and Edinburgh to seaside jaunts to Blackpool and Brighton. Every year, millions of people from all over the world take a trip to Britain, but it’s worth pointing out there are several locations which don’t feature on the tourist trail as often as the more familiar ones. Here are five that could easily be described as hidden gems.
East Kent
There are a number of places in the south-eastern corner of England which are well worth a visit, the most familiar of which is the town of Dover. The famous white cliffs are truly spectacular, and the seaside resorts of Ramsgate and Folkestone are both within easy reach. If you are a fan of historic buildings, be sure to visit Canterbury, because the cathedral is one of the most spectacular religious buildings in the whole world.
Somerset Coast
If you mention the West Country to most Britons, and indeed most tourists, they will invariably think of the counties of Devon and Cornwall, but Somerset should also be on the must-visit list. The coastline is home to some beautiful beaches, many of which are exceptionally peaceful even in the summer months. If you like to be among the crowds, head to the resorts of Weston-Super-Mare and Minehead.
Gower Peninsula
Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower peninsular of South Wales. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are some wonderful holiday destinations in Wales, but those who know the Gower Peninsula rarely go anywhere else. It’s located in the south of the principality, close to Swansea, and it offers some of the finest seascape vistas anywhere in Britain. As well as a succession of impressive beaches, there are also some spectacular castles, including Pennard and Bovehill.
Glasgow
A famous city such as Glasgow could never truly be described as hidden, of course, but it’s certainly not on the usual tourist schedule for most people. City breaks are exceptionally popular in London and Edinburgh, but Scotland’s largest and busiest city is home to a number of fascinating museums and art galleries, as well as a whole host of historic buildings.
A view over Glasgow from Queen’s Park in the city’s south side. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads are exceptionally popular with visitors from the UK, but not too many overseas visitors make their way to this collection of attractive waterways and chocolate-box villages. There are plenty of exceptional accommodation options to be found in the area, but many people choose to hire a boat and stay on the water for a few days instead. Though busy in the summer, there is always enough room for everyone.
Author: David Showell lives in England and is a regular traveller. Follow him on Google+.