Top 10 Hidden UK Staycations You Haven’t Heard About
If you think you’ve seen all that the UK has to offer, think again. Beyond the tourist hotspots lie lesser-known gems: places that locals quietly cherish and seasoned travellers stumble upon like secrets they’d rather not share. From windswept coves to forest retreats, here are 10 under-the-radar UK staycations that promise big charm without the crowds.
1. Alnmouth, Northumberland
Picture a postcard-perfect village with a golden beach, charming pubs and not a chain café in sight. Alnmouth is where the pace slows and the sea air does wonders. Stay in a coastal cottage and explore the endless dunes of nearby Bamburgh and Warkworth.
2. Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula, Wales
Known as “the land’s end of North Wales”, Aberdaron is wild, remote and spectacular. Tucked between cliffs and sea, it offers a raw, windswept beauty that rivals Cornwall - without the price tag or traffic.
3. St. Margaret’s at Cliffe, Kent
A world away from Whitstable’s crowds, this hidden hamlet perches atop the White Cliffs, with walking paths leading to secret beaches and sea caves. Ideal for a romantic weekend or windswept coastal hike.
4. Dunster, Somerset
With its medieval castle, cobbled streets and charming tea rooms, Dunster feels like stepping back in time. It’s a gateway to Exmoor, but feels like a well-kept secret all its own.
5. Plockton, Scottish Highlands
A hidden Highland harbour that looks like it belongs in the Mediterranean. Palm trees, seals and lochside inns - Plockton is pure serenity. Take a boat trip or hike through nearby Torridon for jaw-dropping views.
6. Portloe, Cornwall
Forget Padstow - Portloe is where Cornish magic hides in plain sight. Tiny, peaceful and perfectly formed, it’s one of the last untouched fishing villages on the Roseland Peninsula. No beach bars, just bliss.
7. Cushendun, Northern Ireland
This tiny coastal village in County Antrim is achingly pretty, with whitewashed cottages, dramatic cliffs and even a few Game of Thrones filming locations thrown in. Ideal for peaceful escapes and folklore-laced wanderings.
8. Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire
Nestled on the Welsh border, Bishop’s Castle is a bohemian market town with two breweries, vibrant arts and enough character to fill a novel. Explore the Shropshire Hills, then settle in for a pint of something local.
9. Staithes, North Yorkshire
Once a bustling fishing port, now a peaceful hideaway with artists’ studios, narrow lanes, and the sort of charm that makes you linger longer. Great for fossil hunters, cliff walkers and those in need of calm.
10. Beaulieu, New Forest
Famous for its motor museum, yes - but stay a while and you’ll discover wild ponies wandering freely, riverside walks, and some of the best cream teas in Hampshire.
The UK is bursting with hidden gems - quiet corners where time slows, nature thrives and the crowds never quite arrive. Forget passport queues. Your next perfect escape might be just a scenic drive away.
