The UK is full of incredible hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From mystical castles and secret gardens to quirky museums and coastal escapes, there are plenty of unique places to explore that many people don’t know about.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat, a historic adventure, or something completely unexpected, this list of the 10 best hidden gems to visit in the UK this week has something for everyone.
So, if you fancy a memorable day out between Monday 17th and 23rd March, get ready to uncover some of the country’s best-kept secrets!
1) Lullingstone Country Park, Kent
Lullingstone Country Park in Kent is a stunning natural retreat, perfect for a peaceful escape into the countryside.
Nestled in the Darent Valley, this vast park is filled with ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, and scenic walking trails that make it a great place for hiking, picnics, and wildlife spotting. One of its highlights is the Lullingstone Veteran Tree Trail, home to some of the oldest trees in England, including majestic oaks that are over 500 years old.
The park is also famous for its connection to Lullingstone Castle and its historic links to the Tudor period, making it a fascinating spot for history lovers. Families can enjoy the play areas, open fields, and educational nature activities, while birdwatchers will love spotting rare species along the riverbanks and wooded areas.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out in nature or a scenic walk with breathtaking views, Lullingstone Country Park is a hidden gem in Kent that offers something special in every season.
2) Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is a breathtaking natural escape, offering stunning landscapes, peaceful walking trails, and incredible stargazing opportunities.
As the largest forest park in the UK, it covers over 300 square miles of rolling hills, deep woodlands, and shimmering lochs, making it a dream destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including red deer, wild goats, and golden eagles, giving visitors a chance to experience Scotland’s untamed beauty up close.
One of its most famous features is the Galloway Dark Sky Park, one of the best places in Europe for stargazing, where on clear nights, you can see thousands of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way without any light pollution.
Whether you’re exploring the scenic walking trails, spotting rare wildlife, or simply taking in the fresh forest air, Galloway Forest Park is a hidden gem in Scotland that offers a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure.
3) Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often called "the prettiest village in England", and it’s easy to see why.
With its chocolate-box cottages, winding streets, and historic stone bridges, this hidden gem feels like stepping back in time. Nestled in the Cotswolds, the village is surrounded by rolling countryside, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway.
Castle Combe has barely changed in centuries, with no streetlights, modern buildings, or cluttered shopfronts—just beautiful old stone houses, a charming market square, and a 13th-century church with one of the oldest working clocks in England.
The village has also been used as a filming location for movies like War Horse and Stardust, adding to its magical feel. Whether you’re strolling along the River Bybrook, stopping for a traditional cream tea, or soaking up the storybook scenery, Castle Combe is a must-visit destination in Wiltshire that feels like a real-life fairytale.
4) Helford, Cornwall
Helford, a picturesque riverside village in Cornwall, is a true hidden gem offering peaceful scenery, charming thatched cottages, and stunning coastal walks.
Nestled along the Helford River, this historic fishing village is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and soak up Cornwall’s natural beauty. The area is famous for its sailing, kayaking, and wildlife, with calm waters making it ideal for a gentle boat trip or a paddle along the riverbanks.
One of its highlights is the Helford Passage, a scenic ferry crossing that connects to the famous Trebah Gardens and Glendurgan Gardens, two of Cornwall’s most beautiful subtropical gardens.
The village is also home to cosy pubs, scenic picnic spots, and hidden creeks, including the mysterious Frenchman’s Creek, which inspired the famous novel by Daphne du Maurier.
5) Richmond, North Yorkshire
Richmond, in North Yorkshire, is a historic market town full of charm, stunning scenery, and fascinating heritage. Sitting on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it’s surrounded by rolling hills, ancient woodland, and breathtaking countryside views.
At the heart of the town is the impressive Richmond Castle, a Norman fortress that has stood for over 900 years, offering visitors the chance to explore its towering walls and scenic gardens.
Richmond’s cobbled market square is one of the largest in England and is lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs, making it a great place to soak up the town’s welcoming atmosphere.
The River Swale runs through Richmond, with lovely riverside walks leading to hidden waterfalls, such as Easby Abbey, a stunning medieval ruin just outside the town. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply a peaceful day out, Richmond in North Yorkshire is a hidden gem that captures the beauty and heritage of England’s countryside.
6) Shoreham Airport, West Sussex
Shoreham Airport, also known as Brighton City Airport, in West Sussex, is a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts, history lovers, and those looking for a unique day out.
As the oldest licensed airport in the UK, dating back to 1910, it has a fascinating past and a beautifully preserved Art Deco terminal building, which is a must-see for visitors. The airport is still active today, with light aircraft, helicopters, and vintage planes taking off and landing, offering a great spot for plane-watching.
Visitors can also book scenic flights along the Sussex coastline, giving breathtaking views over the South Downs and the English Channel. Inside the terminal, there’s a cosy café with large windows overlooking the runway, making it the perfect place to enjoy a coffee while watching the planes.
With its historic charm, friendly atmosphere, and stunning location, Shoreham Airport is a fantastic place to explore whether you're a history buff, an aviation fan, or just looking for something different to do in West Sussex.
7) Outer Trial Bank, Lincolnshire
Outer Trial Bank, located off the coast of Lincolnshire in The Wash, is one of the UK’s strangest hidden gems.
This mysterious man-made island, shaped like a perfect circle, was originally built in the 1970s as part of an experiment to create a freshwater reservoir in the sea. However, the project was abandoned, leaving behind a striking artificial island that now sits isolated in the water.
Today, Outer Trial Bank is a haven for seabirds and marine wildlife, making it a fascinating spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers. While it’s not accessible to the public, it can be seen from the Lincolnshire coastline or by boat, creating an eerie yet fascinating sight in the middle of the water.
Over the years, the island has sparked interest from scientists, historians, and even conspiracy theorists, adding to its mystique and intrigue. Whether you’re interested in forgotten engineering projects, unusual landscapes, or unique wildlife, Outer Trial Bank is one of Lincolnshire’s most fascinating hidden places.
8) Lundy Island, Devon
Lundy Island, off the coast of Devon, is a hidden gem packed with rugged landscapes, fascinating history, and incredible wildlife.
Sitting where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel, this remote island is only three miles long, but it offers breathtaking coastal views, unspoiled nature, and a peaceful escape from modern life. Lundy is famous for its rare bird species, including puffins that nest along the cliffs, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.
The island is also home to seals, wild ponies, and even dolphins, which can sometimes be spotted in the surrounding waters. For those interested in history, Lundy has ancient ruins, a lighthouse, and even the remains of a medieval castle, telling stories of pirates, smugglers, and Viking invasions.
Whether you want to hike along scenic coastal paths, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply soak up the tranquillity, Lundy Island is a one-of-a-kind destination in Devon that feels like a world of its own.
9) Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses in Staffordshire is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating mix of history, nature, and breathtaking views.
Perched on a sandstone ridge, Kinver Edge provides stunning panoramic views across the Staffordshire and Worcestershire countryside, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring. The most unique feature of this area is the Rock Houses, a collection of incredible homes carved directly into the sandstone cliffs.
These cave-like dwellings were once lived in for centuries, with the last residents moving out in the 1960s. Now preserved by the National Trust, visitors can step inside these restored homes, complete with fireplaces, furniture, and traditional décor, to see what life was like in these unusual cliffside homes.
Surrounding the Rock Houses, there are woodland trails, picnic spots, and even ancient hillfort remains, making Kinver Edge a fantastic destination for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families alike.
10) Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Kynance Cove in Cornwall is one of the most breathtaking coastal spots in the UK, famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and white sandy beaches.
Nestled on the Lizard Peninsula, this hidden gem looks like something from a postcard, with rugged rock formations rising from the sea and crystal-clear waves crashing against the shore. At low tide, visitors can explore hidden caves, rock pools, and secret coves, making it a magical place for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers.
The coastal walking trails above Kynance Cove offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for anyone wanting to soak up the beauty of Cornwall’s coastline. There’s also a charming café nearby, where you can relax with a Cornish cream tea while taking in the spectacular scenery.
Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or simply admiring the view, Kynance Cove is a must-visit destination that captures the wild, unspoiled beauty of Cornwall.
There you have it! These are 10 of the best hidden gems to visit this week, which are perfect for a brief city adventure! Whether you plan to do a trip for the whole week, or are visiting for a long weekend, you should definitely add some of these places to your bucket list!
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