Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Windsor Castle… everyone knows about these popular attractions in England but to be honest, it can get a little boring (and super crowded). I’m all for visiting popular attractions, but I’m much happier at lesser-known locations. Did you know that there’s so much more to see in the UK than the typical hotspots that everyone always raves about? That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite hidden gems in England to add to any UK itinerary. Just don’t tell everyone! These places are hidden gems for a reason. Let’s keep it that way.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS > Click to open
- Must See Hidden Gems in England
- Crystal Grotto, A Sparkling Hidden Gem in England
- Minack Theatre, A Performing Art Lover’s Dream
- Gaping Gill Cave, A Majestic Hidden Gem in England
- Horsey Beach, An Absolutely Adorable Find
- The Shell Grotto, A Mysterious Hidden Gem in England
- Tyneham Ghost Town, A Spooky Spot Worth Visiting
- The Cathedral Cave, A Subterranean Hidden Gem in England
- Wistman’s Wood, A Gnarly Off-Beat Wonder
- Looking for More Hidden Gems in England?
Must See Hidden Gems in England
Crystal Grotto, A Sparkling Hidden Gem in England
Want to go somewhere straight out of an ethereal storybook? The Crystal Grotto, a feature of Painshill Park in Surrey, is a mesmerizing wonderland built in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton.
Transport yourself deep into a subterranean world adorned with shimmering crystals, mirrors, and colored glass. The grotto’s walls and ceiling are meticulously crafted to create a celestial ambiance, as natural light filters through strategically placed openings. The stalactites and stalagmites add to the ambience, giving the grotto an otherworldly allure.
Exploring the Crystal Grotto is like stepping into a magical realm, where imagination and artistry merge to create an unforgettable experience.
How to Get to the Crystal Grotto
Using Public Transportation: Take the train to Weybridge station. From Weybridge station, you can either take a taxi or a local bus to Painshill Park. Taxis are readily available outside the station, or you can check for local bus services that operate to the park.
If You’re Driving: Take the M25 motorway and exit at Junction 10, following signs for Painshill Park. The park has ample parking.
PHOTO CREDIT: CREATIVE COMMONS, CC 4.0
Minack Theatre, A Performing Art Lover’s Dream
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Cornwall’s coastline, the Minack Theatre is an open-air amphitheater that will literally take your breath away.
Carved into the rocky landscape in the 1930s, the theater offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean complete with rugged cliffs and crashing waves. If you’re a theater buff, you can check out the Shakespearean plays and contemporary productions this venue hosts.
Its unique location and architecture make it a beloved destination for performing arts enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, immersing audiences in a truly unforgettable experience.
How to Get to Minack Theatre
Using Public Transportation: Take the train to Penzance station, and you can take a taxi or a local bus to the Minack Theatre. Taxis are readily available outside the station, or you can inquire about the local bus routes that stop near the theatre.
If You’re Driving: Take A30 towards Penzance. Once past Penzance, you’ll take either B3283 in Catchall (which leads to B3315), or continue on A30 further west and catch B3315 just past Sennen. Follow this road to Tretheway, and keep an eye out for signs to Porthcurno or Minack Theatre. You’ll take a small, winding road called “The Valley” down to the theatre.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Gaping Gill Cave, A Majestic Hidden Gem in England
Gaping Gill Cave in North Yorkshire is a natural wonder that quietly beckons adventure-seekers.
This limestone shaft cave boasts one of the largest underground chambers in Britain. Accessible only through the annual Fell Beck potholing event or by experienced cavers, Gaping Gill offers a glimpse into a parallel subterranean universe, complete with plunging waterfalls.
The cave’s immense size and mysterious allure make it a top location for anyone intrigued by the wonders hidden beneath the earth’s surface.
How to Get to Gaping Gill Cave
Using Public Transportation: Hop a train to Leeds. From Leeds, take a train to the town of Skipton. Trains from Leeds to Skipton run frequently, and the journey takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once in Skipton, you can either hire a taxi or take a local bus to the village of Clapham, which is approximately 8 miles away. Buses operate between Skipton and Clapham, and the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes. In Clapham, you can join a caving club or a guided expedition to reach Gaping Gill Cave.
If You’re Driving: Gaping Gill Cave is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, near the village of Clapham. Most GPS routes will lead you towards the village of Clapham in North Yorkshire. Park your car in or around the village. And, from Clapham, you’ll need to hike to the cave entrance, located on the slopes of Ingleborough, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Horsey Beach, An Absolutely Adorable Find
Horsey Beach is a haven for both nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. This serene stretch of golden sand in Norfolk is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and wildlife.
The absolute best time to visit is during the winter months, when you can enjoy the company of hundreds of grey seals and their adorable pups. The dunes and rolling grasslands surrounding the beach provide a tranquil backdrop, perfect for leisurely walks and birdwatching. Plus, if you’re looking for views, Horsey Beach has panoramic ones of the North Sea.
You’ll definitely want to add this to your list of hidden gems in England.
How to Get to Horsey Beach
Using Public Transportation: Trains to Norwich run regularly, and you can take a local bus to Horsey Beach. Check local bus services for routes and schedules, as they may vary. Once at Horsey, it’s a short walk from the village to the beach. Follow signs or use a navigation app to guide you.
If You’re Driving: Make your way to Norwich and then pick up A47 towards Great Yarmouth. Once you reach Acle, hop on A1064 for a short while, before splitting off to B1152 in Billockby. B1152 will turn into Repps Road after Clippesby, and you’ll follow that straight into Martham.
This same road will zig zag in Martham and will change names several times, but will eventually lead you all the way out to Horsey Beach. For helpful reference, it goes from Repps Road to White Street (hang left at the “Y” in town), to Somerton Road, to Martham Road. Martham Road forks again in West Somerton, and finally becomes Horsey Road. It’s a lot of street name changes, but if it was easy, it wouldn’t be on the list of hidden gems in England, right?
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
The Shell Grotto, A Mysterious Hidden Gem in England
Nestled in the coastal town of Margate, the Shell Grotto stands as a mysterious marvel. Discovered in 1835, this subterranean wonder remains shrouded in enigma. Its origins and purpose are still unknown to this day.
The grotto’s walls and ceiling are adorned with mosaics made entirely of shells, creating a breathtaking and mesmerizing display of artistry. Venture into the dimly-lit passages, where the air is filled with a sense of mystery as whispers of the grotto’s purpose.
This magical place stands as a testament to human creativity and curiosity; a hidden gem that awakens a sense of wonder in all who get to experience it.
How to Get to the Shell Grotto
Using Public Transportation: Take a train to Margate station and, if you like, you can simple walk (about 20 minutes) to Shell Grotto. You can also choose to take a taxi or a local bus.
If You’re Driving: You’ll most likely be heading towards Margate from M2 or M20. If taking the M2, hop on A299 to A28 (also Canterbury Road). If taking M20, you’ll also get on A28. Either way, this road takes you right into downtown Margate. From Old Town Margate, take King Street, which turns into Dane Road. You’ll find Shell Grotto at the intersection of Dane Road and Grotto Hill.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Tyneham Ghost Town, A Spooky Spot Worth Visiting
Calling all ghost hunters! Nestled within the Purbeck Hills, the Tyneham Ghost Town stands frozen in time, serving as a haunting reminder of the past. Abandoned during World War II, the village of Tyneham remains eerily preserved, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
Wander through the crumbling houses, church, and school to get a super creepy vibe. The empty streets and overgrown gardens also evoke a sense of melancholy and curiosity. Today, Tyneham serves as a memorial and a window into history, allowing visitors to reflect on the enduring impact of war on communities.
Note that Tyneham is not open every day, so it’s essential to check the opening times and days beforehand.
How to Get to Tyneham Ghost Town
Using Public Transportation: From the Wareham train station, you can either hire a car or take a taxi to Tyneham Ghost Town. The journey by car takes approximately 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Wareham to East Lulworth and then walk to Tyneham. Buses operate between Wareham and East Lulworth, but the services may be limited, so it’s advisable to check the bus schedules in advance.
If You’re Driving: Tyneham is tricky to find since it’s, well, a ghost town. It doesn’t have a post code and you won’t find it on GPS. Take the A35 to A351 to Wareham, and from there, follow signs to Creech/Kimmeridge, then Tyneham.
PHOTO CREDIT: CREATIVE COMMONS, CC 2.0
The Cathedral Cave, A Subterranean Hidden Gem in England
Carved over centuries by the force of water, this subterranean cathedral in the Lake District National Park enchants visitors with its grandeur and natural beauty.
The cavern’s towering vaulted ceilings are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and sunlight streams through hidden openings, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. Exploring the Cathedral Cave is like stepping into a hidden world, where nature takes center stage.
Its serene atmosphere and impressive rock formations make it a top destination for spelunkers, photographers, and anyone seeking a mystical adventure.
How to Get to the Cathedral Cave
Using Public Transportation: Take the train to Oxenholme station. From there, you can either hire a car or take a taxi to the Cathedral Cave. The cave is located in Little Langdale, which is approximately a 40-minute drive from Oxenholme. Once you arrive in Little Langdale, you can follow signs or inquire locally for directions.
Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Oxenholme to Windermere, which is a popular tourist hub in the Lake District. From Windermere, you can hire a car or take a local bus to the Cathedral Cave. The journey from Windermere to Little Langdale takes approximately 45 minutes.
If You’re Driving: You’ll likely be coming in by the M6. Just after Farleton, you’ll take A590, which turns into A591. Follow that through Windermere and Waterhead, where you’ll then head west on A593. Drive about 3.5 miles (or 5.6 kilometers) and hang a right on Low Oxen Fell.
Very quickly after, you’ll take another right onto a random road with no name. Follow this for about 0.6 miles (~1 kilometer) and Cathedral Cave will be on your left. You’ll pass the High Park Tea Garden, but if you reach Slater’s Bridge or YRC Low Hall Garth Cottage after it, you’ve gone too far.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Wistman’s Wood, A Gnarly Off-Beat Wonder
Have you ever wanted to wander through an enchanted forest? Wistman’s Wood is an ancient oak forest in Dartmoor National Park shrouded in folklore and legends. And it’s an absolutely perfect addition to my list of hidden gems in England.
Its gnarled and stunted trees draped in moss create a surreal atmosphere that you have to see to believe. Wander through the moss-covered boulders and tangled branches to experience a sense of stepping into a realm frozen in time.
The haunting beauty of Wistman’s Wood is a prime location for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a connection with the untamed spirit of the land. Just don’t get lost!
How to Get to Wistman’s Wood
Using Public Transportation: Take the train to Exeter St Davids station. Take another train from Exeter St Davids to Okehampton, which takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. From Okehampton, you can then take a bus towards Princetown, which is the nearest village to Wistman’s Wood. The bus journey from Okehampton to Princetown takes around 30 minutes.
Once in Princetown, you can hire a taxi or walk to Wistman’s Wood. It’s located in the Dartmoor National Park, about 2 miles north-east of Princetown. Follow signs or use a navigation app to guide you.
If You’re Driving: Odds are you’ll be heading in from the east. So, go ahead and find your way to Exeter. Out of Exeter, take A377 to A30 heading south. Then, exit onto Devon Expressway (also A38). After driving through Ashburton, turn right on B3352, which will eventually become Newbridge Hill. Drive through Poundsgate and hang a left on B3357.
Drive 6.3 miles (10 kilometers) where you’ll see Two Bridges Hotel on your left. Across the street on your right will be another road that will take you to Wistman’s Woods. Please note this road is a partial restricted usage road.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Looking for More Hidden Gems in England?
If this list wasn’t enough for you to plan your next trip to the United Kingdom, check out my recent post about the most underrated spots to visit outside of London. England has so many great unfrequented locations, so be sure to use Global Debauchery as your unofficial tour guide for your next UK adventure.
