The UK isn’t exactly an unbeknownst phenomenon, travel has been in and out of the powerhouse nation for as long as travel has existed. However, it is more than likely when you think of the UK you think, “London!”. If not London, possibly Manchester, or we could even stretch all the way to Leeds or possibly Edinburgh up in Scotland. Nonetheless, this is not all the UK is and should be known for! The UK has some significant hotspots you probably won’t have even considered visiting. Whether that would be the countryside, a mountain you’ve never heard of or perhaps a popular beach. There are beaches in the UK? Who knew? Continue through the article to discover just where you should visit that isn’t totally mainstream.
The U.K. Areas You Didn’t Know You Needed To Visit
1. Bournemouth Beaches
Bournemouth is a city situated in the very south of England, on the coast. It is also not a million miles away from capital city, London; it would only take around a 2 hour drive to reach your destination. If you find yourself in the UK on a hot day (rare, we know- but it happens occasionally!) you will find yourself amid a flock of people rushing to a Bournemouth beach. Bournemouth is one of the more popular seaside towns in the UK and has seven miles of sandy beaches backed by sandy clay cliffs. The water is swimmable and it is even said that the golden sands at Bournemouth beach give the beach a ‘Mediterranean feel’. A city that also has great restaurants, nightlife and family activities; Bournemouth is worth a visit.
2. Harrogate Town
Harrogate is a stunning, small town in North Yorkshire; nowadays known as a fashionable spa resort, home to many fancy restaurants, hotels and experiences. Between 2013-2015, Harrogate was voted the “happiest place to live” in the UK! Whether you visit the famous Betty’s tea-room, among other chains, independents and more on its luxury high street; Harrogate is something different and somewhere very pleasant to visit. The town is small and stunning, a day can literally be spent just walking around the area. Home to great food, a relaxing vibe and not far from major cities like Leeds, it is surely worth the visit.
3. The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales, the national park in particular, is famous nationally for its incredible scenery, large natural countryside, diverse wildlife habitats and rich cultural heritage. The area was established as a national park in 1954 and further extended in 2013. The area includes thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, hills and villages. Popular areas which include waterfalls can be seen in the Bolton Abbey Estate. If you feel like taking the family for a fun, hiking day out or feel like following nicely set trails with incredible views, a hike around the Yorkshire Dales National Park is certainly for you.
4. The Scottish Highlands
It is possible that you’ve heard of the Scottish Highlands, but if you’ve ever visited the UK, have you actually gone and done it? The Scottish Highlands are the countryside scenery we all know you are just itching to hike. Located in Northwest Scotland, the area encompasses the entire area of Loch Ness (Yes, the Loch Ness monster!) and crosses mainland Scotland in essentially a straight line from Helensburgh to Stonehaven. The Scottish Highlands are famous for their majestic and natural scenery, splendid seclusions amid all the lochs and mountains in it’s midst. The areas are so majestic, you may even recognize them from popular film franchise Harry Potter, where many scenes were filmed. A particular notable scene, where the Hogwarts train is taking Harry and co to school crosses a bridge where many may remember an incident with a flying car. This was actually filmed at the West Highland Line, travelling across the Viaduct. You can essentially reenact this scene by taking the train across too! Never mind the stunning views you will also see from its superior height. The line connects Glasgow with other key areas of Scotland and is a must do, among numerous other must-do’s in the Scottish Highlands. A producer of clean, tasty water; there is much to do and see in the Scottish Highlands.
So next time you visit the UK, try something different. Go to Wales! You might see some beautiful countryside there. Try Scotland, even if it’s Edinburgh or Glasgow. Try and expand your horizons from London, the UK is filled with beautiful scenery and most of it is away from the capital. If you want countryside, you must try Yorkshire. You’ll surely be surprised by the beautiful scenery that you will experience.