With places like London, Stonehenge, or Oxford, England is, without doubt, one of the top-visited European destinations all year round. But there is much more to that. With its rich history, lovely nature, and cultural diversity, there is something interesting to visit everywhere you look, but finding somewhere off the tourist path is challenging.
Yet, if you’re looking for the less traditional sights to visit, you’re at the right spot. We have searched every corner of this beautiful country to deliver the list of 8 best hidden gems in England to visit in 2024.
So pack your bags (and a raincoat) and start your journey immediately, because your itinerary is ready.
Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is another breathtaking seaside destination in Cornwall. It’s renowned for its dramatic landscapes, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and striking rock formations – ideal for unwinding in a natural setting and taking photos.
During low tide, you can pull out your sunbed and get a bit of tan or observe marine creatures in the rock pools. Even for the rocks, swimming is allowed. However, be careful and always ask your travel buddy or another visitor to watch over you. The more adventurous ones of you can bring a snorkel.
Wistman’s Wood
England has something for nature lovers as well. Wistman’s Wood is an ancient woodland nestled in Devon. It offers a blend of stunning nature, fantastic hiking trails, and a mythical atmosphere found nowhere else in the world.
It has appeared in writings for centuries, and some of its oldest oaks are between 400 and 500 years old. Apart from the majestic trees, the grounds are covered with mosses, lichens, and ferns that provide a natural habitat to many birds and insects.
Make sure you stick to the paths, otherwise you could damage the moss and lichen. If you get enchanted by its charm, you can stay overnight at a cozy hotel at Two Bridges.
Gaping Gill Cave, North Yorkshire
Are natural wonders your thing? Head to Gaping Gill Cave in Yorkshire Dales National Park. This stunner is one of the largest underground cave chambers in the UK, so large that it could fit the whole of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Looks scary? You don’t have to be an experienced climber to enter it. You can join a local club or a qualified guide and they will help you both with the equipment and the descent. Just make sure you book your visit in advance. To preserve the unique atmosphere of the cave, the number of spots is very limited.
Suffolk
Can’t decide between the countryside and the beach? This hidden jewel set on the east coast of England combines both. On one hand, it’s filled with medieval towns and quaint villages, perfect for strolls or discovering the traditional British pubs and vibrant food scene.
On the other hand, it boasts a stunning coastline lined with cute seaside towns, promenades, boutique shops, and piers. If you can, aim to plan your visit for June when the town of Aldeburg comes alive with the internationally recognized Festival of Music and the Arts. You will get a very unique experience.
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Knaresborough is a quaint market town located in Yorkshire. But even though it’s small, it offers plenty of attractions to engage in. Rowing on the river Nidd and snapping a pic of the iconic Knaresborough Railway Viaduct is an absolute must. Several companies provide boat rentals and operate from spring to fall.
The vistas from River Nidd Waterside Walk are also very nice. If you walk all the way to the back, you will reach Mother Shipton’s Cave – the famous prophetess’s residence and one of England’s oldest tourist attractions.
To stretch your legs a bit more and reconnect with nature, you can hike the Nidd Gorge. It’s about 6 miles long and takes about 2 hours to complete. After you come back to the town, you can grab a coffee and a bite at one of the riverside cafés.
Cotswolds
It’s hard to resist the iconic rural scenery when watching an English movie. But when it comes to finding it, it’s not as easy. Lucky for you, we know one region that is famed for its bucolic countryside. It’s called Cotswolds and it’s located about 80 miles west of London. That makes it perfect for a day trip.
It’s dotted with charming stone house villages and towns, like Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham. Apart from fairytale architecture, you can look forward to classy tearooms, traditional pubs, antique stores, and pretty natural walks.
The area is also tied to many authors, like Jane Austen, Lewis Carol, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Those who know their work will for sure find some connections.
St Dunstan’s in the East (London)
The City of London is one of the oldest parts of the metropolis. And even though tall skyscrapers are more prominent than anything else here, there are still a few places where you can breathe in the atmosphere of the past, such as at St Dunstan’s in the East.
This church was originally built around 1100 but was severely damaged during the great London Fire in 1666 and bombarded in the Blitz of 1941. It was left to fall into ruin. However, Londoners knew it would be a pity to tear such a gem down, so they turned it into a public garden and a park in 1970.
Pop in to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet or to take a few romantic photographs. You might not be alone – London City lads often take their lunch breaks there.
St Ives
If finding inspiration and sparking creativity is what you’re looking for on your travels, there is nowhere better to do so than in St Ives. This charming coastal town in Cornwall is known to have been home to many artists, including Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. On top of that, it has some of the finest galleries in the country, such as Tate St Ives.
Apart from the amazing art scene and heritage, another reason to fall in love with it is its beaches. They are simply stunning and with the white sand and crystal-clean water, they will make you forget you’re in England. They also provide excellent surfing conditions.
