Feel like discovering new corners of the UK, beyond the big hitters such as London, Edinburgh and Belfast? Keep reading and find out which are the UK’s most underrated towns and cities that you need to visit on your next trip.
Although Hastings is mostly associated with the Battle of Hastings (which actually took place in Sussex), the picturesque fishing port has many other beautiful sights and fun activities to offer. The city’s old quarter will impress visitors with the medieval remnants sprinkled through its alleyways, while a walk down the high street yields antique shops, cute cafés and seafood restaurants. Head east to ride the UK’s steepest funicular railway up to Hastings Country Park and enjoy an amazing panorama. Other highlights include the town’s pier, Hastings Castle, St Clements Caves and Battle Abbey.
Surrounded by spectacular woodlands and the Grampian Mountains, beautiful Braemar is a paradise for golfers, climbers and hikers. As the highest and most mountainous area in the UK, Braemar offers more than 65 miles (105km) of walks and cycle routes, while for a historic day out visit the 17th-century Braemar Castle. Make sure to stay in the Scottish village on the first Saturday in September to experience the annual Highland Games, where you might spot some of royal family in attendance.
Situated just a mile (1.6km) outside Cornwall’s St Austell, Charlestown takes its visitors back to the Georgian era with its well-preserved historic port and many a stunning property, from quaint fishermen's cottages to sophisticated Georgian houses. The beautiful harbour once played a key part in exporting copper and importing coal but today it's a popular filming location, and can be seen in Poldark, Doctor Who, 2010’s Alice in Wonderland and many more.
A lively university city, Bangor has a long history well worth exploring. Visit Bangor Cathedral, which can be traced back to the sixth century, and the Bishop’s Palace that has been transformed into a museum. Here you can discover local artefacts showcasing Welsh culture and history. Other must-sees include the Bangor Garth Pier, the second longest in the country and voted Pier of the Year 2022 by the National Piers Society, and the high street – the longest in Wales.
This quaint town nestled at the foot of Glenarm Glen is truly unique but rarely visited. Georgian streets and beautifully preserved architecture give way to stunning landscapes: take a hike through the neighbouring forest, head down to Glenarm Marina or discover the 16th-century Glenarm Castle with its walled garden. Visit in May to experience the town in full bloom during its annual Tulip Festival, while a trip in July will keep you entertained with Northern Ireland’s biggest family festival of music and food.
Experience incredible Highland Perthshire by visiting one of the region’s most charming towns, Pitlochry, and admire the surrounding views while diving into one of the many outdoor activities the area has to offer. Not only is the region ideal for golfing, fishing and hiking, but also for exciting pastimes like mountain biking and bungee jumping. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Blair Castle and Gardens to learn about the history of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. For a taste of local whisky, book a tasting at Blair Athol Distillery.
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Step into a place full of history, myth and the great outdoors in one of Northern Ireland’s prettiest towns. With the foot of Slieve Martin on one side and the coast of Carlingford Lough on the other, the picturesque town is home to the enchanting Fairy Glen, with a circular walk that takes you through scenic woodland, riverside and parkland. Throughout Rostrevor you can discover an abundance of historical sites, such as Cloughmore, the Mourne Wall and Bagenal’s Castle.
Another old university city, Durham is a small yet captivating place that has lots for visitors to discover. Stroll along the cobbled streets towards the impressive Durham Cathedral as well as the city castle. Durham is also filled with cafés, boutiques, museums and artisan workshops, while the river provides the perfect location for a relaxing walk. In the evening, head to the Gala Theatre for incredible entertainment. In the Vale of Durham you can also find England’s largest open air museum – the Living Museum of the North.
Meaning ‘little bay’ in Scots Gaelic, Oban is an adorable village situated on Scotland’s west coast, surrounded by beautiful countryside and impressive cliffs. Small galleries and independent shops are dotted throughout the seaside town, while on the waterfront you can discover the ruins of Dunollie Castle or take a short boat ride to Kerrera, the closest island to Oban.
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This Northern Irish town has a remarkable history stretching all the way back to St Patrick in the fifth century. Armagh is characterised by its church spires, cobbled streets and historic buildings, making it one of Northern Ireland's greatest gems. Dive into the history by visiting the 18th-century Armagh Robinson Library, Roman Catholic Cathedral, medieval crypt beneath it and St Patrick’s Church.
In this riverside village, visitors can marvel at historic Welsh architecture and the untouched nature surrounding it. The town is famous for Cenarth Falls, a series of beautiful waterfalls and rock pools that look like they've jumped from the pages of a fairy tale. if you're lucky, you might even see salmon leap out of the water. Other highlights include an 18th-century bridge, a stunning riverside walk, the National Coracle Centre and a 13th-century flour mill, which overlooks the waterfalls.
This Devon gem has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 and is located on the western border of the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park. Full of historic sites, Tavistock serves up a range of fascinating buildings to marvel at, such as Tavistock Abbey, as well as an abundance of local shops on its high street, and a pannier market selling everything from cakes to clothing. To experience the surrounding nature take a stroll down River Tavy or hike up Brent Tor, which overlooks the whole town.
Established in the seventh century as a monastery by St Laiseran, Holywood didn’t become a proper village until it was rebuilt in the early 17th century as a market town. The Northern Irish village grew fast when the railway arrived in 1848, and it became fashionable with wealthier Belfast residents looking for a seaside break. You can still see some of the impressive mansions that were built here during this era. Spend your trip exploring the parish church, priory and Transport Museum.
Almost smack bang in the middle between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Falkirk is probably best known for one particular attraction. The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s first and only rotating boat lift carrying boats between the Union and Forth and Clyde canals, and visitors can catch a ride on it. In the city centre you can also find many historic treasures such as the Antonine Wall, which marked the northern border of the Roman Empire, the impressive Callendar House and Blackness Castle. Nature lovers should visit The Helix, home of the famous Kelpies statue.
Enter this medieval walled city and discover the famous Canterbury Cathedral – a popular pilgrimage site to this day – as well as other impressive religious structures such as St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church. To ensure you make the most of this historic city, join a guided walking tour which will take you to key attractions, independent shops and cobbled alleyways.
Hidden in a sheltered bay on Loch Carron, Plockton is one of western Scotland’s most attractive fishing towns and hosts regular regattas. Thanks to its breathtaking lake scenery and mountain vistas, this picturesque village has been the setting for several films and TV series, such as the BBC’s Hamish Macbeth and The Wicker Man. With a community that thrives on farming and fishing, don't leave Plockton without grabbing a bite at one of the pubs along the shore.
Receiving royal status in 2021, Royal Hillsborough is a cosy village and civil parish nestled in County Down, only 12 miles (19km) from Belfast. The historic town is mostly known for its Georgian architecture, specifically Hillsborough Castle. The mansion was built in 1770 and functions as the royal family’s official residence when staying in Northern Ireland. Another must-see is the memorial to the 3rd Marquess of Downshire, which resembles Nelson's Column in London's Trafalgar Square. For a nice stroll through the surrounding nature, explore Hillsborough Forest Park and lake too.
This popular fishing village lies on the west coast of Wales and boasts two sandy beaches for water sports, offering fun outdoor activities for everyone. Walk along the Ceredigion coast to enjoy an incredible panorama of the seaside town and its surroundings. If you get lucky you might even spot a dolphin or orca swimming offshore.
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With roots that can be traced back to the Roman Empire, Chester features a host of ancient and medieval structures dotted around the modern city. Between boutiques and high-street stores you’ll find timbered buildings and cobbled Roman roads. Immerse yourself in Chester’s history by taking a walk around the city walls, old towers, gates and the UK’s largest amphitheatre.
Rich in history, Stirling has a lot to offer its visitors, from a spectacular backdrop of the Trossachs National Park to Stirling Castle. Combine a shopping spree with sightseeing by visiting the Old Town and the Victorian Stirling Arcade. Other sights include the National Wallace Monument, Loch Lomond and the Church of the Holy Rude, while come evening you can retreat to a cosy pub for a traditional meal.
Located just 35 miles (56km) south of Belfast, the coastal town of Dundrum is probably best known for its impressive castle, which has many paths leading up to it from the town centre and incredible seaside views along the way. For more scenic walks, explore the Murlough Nature Reserve and Mourne Mountains. Game of Thrones fans might recognise some spots in the region too – the popular television series shot several scenes here.
Known by some as the birthplace of Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury is one of the country’s most charming medieval towns. Situated near the Welsh border, the ancient market town has over 600 listed buildings, such as Shrewsbury Castle and Shrewsbury Abbey. Take a stroll through Quarry Park or hop on a boat trip on the River Severn. To see Shrewsbury in full bloom, visit in mid-August during the town’s annual Flower Show.
Discover this unspoiled town in the Northern Highlands and experience Scotland’s wild nature. A fishing village at heart, Ullapool is located on the shores of Loch Broom and is an outdoor activities paradise for adventurous visitors. Go hiking, climbing or take a ferry ride to the Outer Hebrides. For golfing fans, the picturesque village offers a golf course with the most amazing backdrop too.
A perfect destination for anyone who loves to be out on the water, Kesh is a fishing village on the banks of the Kesh River in Fermanagh. The waterside town invites visitors to hire a boat and discover the lough, river and surrounding area. If you prefer being on land, Kesh also has a lovely high street, as well as Muckross Quay, where you can watch fishermen at work while the sun sets over the tranquil water.
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Hidden in a narrow valley along the coast of Ceredigion, Llangrannog is a stunning coastal town that offers sea views, a riverside and even a small waterfall. Above the waterfall you'll find the older part of the village including the church, while the beachside boasts newer buildings and the commercial port. Popular for its sandy beach, Llangrannog makes for an ideal seaside getaway. The beach features a distinctive large rock, Carreg Bica, which, according to legend, was once a giant’s tooth.
Neighbouring the more widely visited Manchester, Salford is a lively city with a fascinating history and beautiful scenery. Learn about Salford's past by visiting Ordsall Hall or walking one of its heritage trails, which lead past a range of fascinating sights. At the Lowry visitors can immerse themselves in local art and theatre while the Quays has a varied selection of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.
If this town’s name sounds familiar, you might have read or watched the popular Da Vinci Code – Roslin’s Rosslyn Chapel plays a key role in the story. The late-Gothic chapel is often associated with theories surrounding the Knights Templar or the Freemasons. But there is more to discover in the Scottish village than its history. Located only seven miles (11km) south of Edinburgh, Roslin was also home to the world’s first cloned sheep, Dolly, which was created in 1997 at the Roslin Institute.
Nestled on an island in charming County Fermanagh, Enniskillen benefits from a charming waterside location. Enniskillen Castle, built in the 15th century, features two museums: the Fermanagh County Museum, which showcases traditional culture and crafts, and the Inniskillings Museum, where you can discover the area’s vast military past. To visit another impressive site, hop on a bike and cycle three miles (5km) to Castle Coole while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. For shopping head to the Buttermarket, where you can find several shops, cafés and galleries.
Conveniently placed between Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil was once the iron capital of the world, and today is one of the Wales' most charming old villages. Among the must-sees is Cyfarthfa Park and Castle, which covers 160 acres and overlooks the town. In the town centre you can spend your days visiting the Cyfarthfa Museum, several churches and even the ruins of a Norman castle.
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