St Ives, Cornwall. Holiday destinations UK hidden gems
St Ives, Cornwall. Holiday destinations UK hidden gems

Best Hidden Gems In The UK For Your Staycation

The best holiday destinations in the UK that are worth a staycation.

The UK does not get enough credit for its outstanding beauty.

Wherever you are on this floating island, you’re no more than a stone’s throw away from an underrated hidden gem. 

While many are jetting off half-way across the globe, we’re shining some well-deserved (sun)light on these UK hidden gems. From turquoise waters to luscious greenscapes, you don’t need to look much further than your doorstep for top holiday destinations. Who needs the added stress of looking after passports anyway? Not us.

Pack your brollies, bikinis and your best flip-flops, here are the best hidden gems and holiday destinations in the UK. If you need any more inspiration for the best road trips to take with your besties. We’ve got you covered.

If you’re planning on embarking on your travels solo, we’ve got the top solo holiday ideas and travel destinations in both the UK and Europe.

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UK hidden gems

Appreciate the beauty we have at home and explore the buried treasures that lie between the idyllic towns and rolling mountains of the UK. 

Hidden gems in London

London isn’t just black cabs and designer shops, and even if you consider yourself a Londoner, there’s definitely a hidden gem or two that you’ve missed. 

Saint Dunstan in the East

Set in the ruins of a Wren church, St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a unique green oasis that screams history from within the ruined walls. With roots in the 11th/12th century, the church was destroyed in WWII and wasn’t rebuilt — since then, it has become an architectural green haven, offering a quiet and peaceful spot away from the chaos that is London.

Location: St Dunstan’s Hill, London, EC3R 5DD

Nearest tube station: Monument or Tower Hill

Kyoto Garden

Kyoto gardens hidden gems in London

Kyoto Garden is one of London’s hidden little gems — 20 hectares of gorgeous oriental gardens located around Holland House. The garden was a gift from Kyoto, Japan to celebrate the friendship between the two countries, and has been open to the public since 1991. 

Location: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA

Nearest tube station: Holland Park

Little Venice

Little Venice hidden gems in London

Forget Italy, London has its very own little slice of Mediterranean life, in the form of Little Venice. A beautiful scene with waterside cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can watch the colourful canal boats go by. It’s a peaceful area, unique to the city.

Location: Blomfield Road, London, W9 2PF

Nearest tube station: Warwick Avenue

Neal’s Yard

Hidden gems in London Neal's Yard

Neal’s Yard is small but a gem nonetheless. Tucked away near Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is an idyllic nook covered in fairy lights, brightly painted windows, and a litter of cute shops and eateries. 

Location: London, WC2N 5DU

Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Lake District hidden gems

The Lake District is already a gem in itself, but don’t neglect the other hidden gems you can come across on your trip to the green paradise. 

Cathedral Cavern

Also known as Cathedral Quarry, Cathedral Cavern is where an industrial facility once was — in Langdale Valley. It consists of a network of caves, linked by tunnels, with the largest cave standing at 40 feet tall. 

Explore the caverns and enjoy the walks, but make sure you bring a torch, it can be pretty dark in some areas of the tunnels. 

Location: 3 Stang End, Little Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9NT

Scale Force Waterfall

Scale force waterfall lake district hidden gems

The highest waterfall in the Lake District, Scale Force waterfall is a sight to behold. It’s a lovely little walk to the base of the waterfall, and a bit more of a hike up to the top through a bit of boggy land, but it’s oh-so worth it. 

You’ll see for yourself what a magical place it is — you wouldn’t believe it was in the UK. 

Location: 0RU, Cockermouth

Lowther Castle & Gardens

Since the 19th century, Lowther Castle has stood proud, with its gardens envied by others. However, in 1957, the castle was demolished, leaving just the outer walls and façade. Nonetheless, the ruins are still an incredible sight, as are the luscious gardens.

Location: Lowther, Penrith CA10 2HH

Edinburgh hidden gems

The capital of Scotland is a coveted city, adored by many across the UK. But, aside from the staples like Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, there are a few hidden gems you need to take a peek at. 

According to our Student Beans ONEderlust index, Edinburgh is in the top 10 best cities in the UK for classic solo staycations, so don’t wait for your pals to free up, head up to these hidden gems yourself. 

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland is a contemporary sculpture garden just outside of Edinburgh’s city centre. Walk through 120 acres of land with meadow, woodland, and indoor gallery spaces. As well as permanent art, Jupiter Artland also has seasonal programmes with curated events and exhibitions. 

Location: The Steadings, Bonnington House, Wilkieston, Edinburgh EH27 8BY

Dean Village

Edinburgh hidden gems uk Dean's Village

Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s most amazing hidden gems. A beautiful fairytale-esque village set on the Water of Leith, Dean’s Village is perfect for a chill walk to marvel at the beautiful nature and architecture of the area. It’s close to the city centre, so make sure to stop by for some pictures of this little slice of Brothers Grimm. 

Location: Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY

Hidden gems Scotland

No, not what you find under someone’s kilt. 

The Northern part of the UK (more commonly known as Scotland), is a labyrinth of hidden gems and ideal staycation locations. In fact, our ONEderlust index revealed Scottish cities make up half of the top 10 best cities for relaxing solo staycations in the UK — based on air quality, and the number of spas, nature, and parks per square km in the city. So, if you need a relaxing staycation, Scotland is that b**ch. 

Fairy Pools

If you’re trekking up to Scotland, the Fairy Pools are an absolute must for your itinerary of hidden gems. At the foot of the Cuillin mountains in the Isle of Skye, the crystal-clear water of the pools and the breathtaking surrounding scenery is the ideal place to stop for a relaxing time, taking in the landscape. If you’re brave enough, you can plunge yourself into the chilly water for some wild swimming, too.

Location: Isle of Skye IV47 8TA

Fingal’s Cave

On an uninhabited island, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, lies a sea cave known as Fingal’s Cave. The hexagonal rock columns that make this cave so interesting were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. Take a dip in the clear water or listen to the incredible acoustics of the cave. 

Location: Isle of Staffa

Hidden gems North Wales

The entirety of Wales is gorgeous and full of hidden gems and cheap staycations. Mountains, valleys, coast — it has everything you could possibly want. North Wales, however, is home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the UK, so make sure you add it to your travel list. 

Saint Dyfnog’s Well

A historical landmark, Saint Dyfnog’s Well was recorded as a site with healing waters that were able to cure ailments in the 16th century. It’s a slice of history that transports you back in time when you visit. 

Location: 5J5F+M2, Denbigh LL16 4NL

Fairy Falls Waterfall

The Fairy Falls are based in the small village of Trefriw in North Wales. Once you get there, you’ll understand why the waterfall got its name — it’s truly a place where fairies could exist.

Location: Trefriw LL27 0UJ

Hidden gems North West England

The North West of England isn’t widely recognised for hidden gems, but that’s what makes it even better (no crowds!).

Formby Beach

Hidden gems North West England Formby Beach

Protected by the National Trust, Formby Beach is one of Liverpool’s hidden gems with its iconic sand dunes and woodland. Walk through the pine forest, relax on the golden sand, and marvel at the 2 shipwrecks embedded in the sand during low tide. 

Location: Victoria Rd, Formby, Liverpool L37 1LJ

Red Rocks Nature Reserve

Red Rocks nature reserve is 10 acres of sand dunes, reedbeds, and marsh housing a huge array of flora species and animals. A gorgeous place to stop, especially during sunset to make the most of the red hues. 

Location: Stanley Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 1HZ

If you’re already in Liverpool and you fancy a bit of sustainable shopping, here’s your ultimate guide to charity and vintage shops in Liverpool

Hidden gems Cornwall

Cornwall is already a hotspot for staycations in the UK, but there are plenty of hidden gems that many don’t know about that are worth the trip to the area alone. 

Trebah Garden

A sub-tropical garden with the coast as its backdrop, the Trebah Garden is a place of solitude and inspiration. Explore the many secret corners and the garden’s own private beach. 

Location: Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ

Kynance Cove Mermaid Pool

Kynance Cove is a natural sea pool hidden under cliffs. Rocky edges line the turquoise waters, making it the perfect diving spot. You would think you were in a Caribbean paradise, not the UK. 

Location: S W Coast Path, Mullion, Helston TR12 7PJ

Disabled friendly places to visit

As nice as the UK is, many staycations and hidden gems aren’t typically very accessible and disabled-friendly. Luckily, there are some places that do offer accessible routes and facilities, and they’re not to be missed. 

Eden Project

Eden Project - disabled-friendly places uk

A former clay mine devoid of soil and plants now transformed into a global garden to experience the natural world. Explore a variety of gardens and artworks, as well as places to rest and play.

Eden project is considered a disabled-friendly place to visit thanks to their accessible routes around the project with wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters available to hire. There are also Braille versions of their guide book, as well as a text reader if needed.

Location: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG

National Botanic Garden of Wales

Situated in Llanarthney, this botanical garden is dedicated to conservation, horticulture, and science. 568 acres of countryside covering Carmarthenshire, you can explore different landscapes, glasshouses, and reserves. 

Their accessibility guide explains the use of free wheelchairs on your visit, a shuttle buggy service, and mobility scooter hire, so you don’t have to miss out on this hidden gem. 

Location: Middleton Hall, Llanarthne SA32 8HN

Don’t forget to check our Student Beans travel student discounts to save money on all things travel. For more inspiration, check out our essential student travel tips.