The UK is full of amazing places rich in culture and natural beauty, yet perhaps the most incredible part that most people overlook lies not within the city limits, but on the outskirts along the rolling hills, valleys, and rivers. To help you find these hidden gems, below we’ve listed five of the coolest rural getaway destinations to be found in the United Kingdom:
1. Lodsworth, England
This is a tiny village with a population of about 600, situated in West Sussex along the River Lod. The village is located within the stunning Sussex Downs, which is conserved as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While there’s not much to do other than see the sights and visit the local brewery, the town has some nice cottages and historical architecture amidst some of the best scenery England has to offer.
2. Helmsley, England
The highlight of this small civil parish in North Yorkshire is that it is located in the North York Moors National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom. The town also is rich in architecture, culture, and history, with the remains of the Helmsley Castle being one of the spots to see. The Rievaulx Abbey is also an amazing historical site that every visitor should stop by before heading to see the nearby scenery.
3. Banchory, Scotland
Located about 18 miles outside of Aberdeen, the town of Banchory is a fast-growing tourist destination with a population of about 8,000. Known as “The Gateway to the Royal Deeside,” the area is surrounded by impressive forests and vast agricultural land. Visitors will probably find Crathes Castle and Drum Castle to be the most interesting features of the town, aside from its scenic natural beauty.
4. Aberdovy, Wales
Aberdovy (Aberdyfi) is a tucked away little fishing and boating spot along the West Coast of Wales, situated right on the River Dfyi, from which it takes its centuries-old name and sea-faring culture. The area is known for water sports, fishing, and nice beaches, as well as low-priced cottages and real estate. The town is located in Snowdonia, perhaps one of the most majestic National Parks in all of Whales.
5. Hemel Hempstead, England
This vibrant town in Hertfordshire is located about 25 miles outside of London, providing small-town charm with easy access to England’s capital city. There’s no shortage of family-oriented activities here, from fun in the sun at the Aqua Splash waterpark, to indoor skiing at the Snow Centre, there’s always something to do regardless of the season. Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy the gardens and trails of the 32-hectare Gadebridge Park, while history buffs will find plenty of culture to explore at the museums in nearby St. Albans. Hospitality in the area is also top-notch, with IHG.com providing easy access to Hemel Hempstead’s hotel scene.
Ask Around to Find the Hidden Gems
Once you’ve arrived at one of the destinations listed above, one of the best ways to find hidden gems and places that you might not stumble upon online would be to ask some of the locals about their favourite spots. This will not only help you discover the area from a local’s perspective, it will also give you the opportunity to interact with people of various cultures.
