The Most Underrated Scenic Places in the UK

From dramatic coastlines to picturesque villages, the UK is home to some truly stunning places – so much so that you’re spoilt for choice. In this roundup, I want to take you beyond the busy beaches and popular tourist haunts (lovely though some are), to islands inhabited by puffins, forests where wild ponies roam and a town with arguably the most beautiful sunsets in the world. 

I want to show you some of the most underrated scenic places in the UK, where nature takes centre stage, to inspire you to seek out the more overlooked places on your travels. You’ll be so glad you did. 

By going off the beaten path you can avoid crowds and popular hotspots in favour of a quieter, more sustainable and much more rewarding travel experience.

Here are some of the most beautiful places in the UK as recommended by travel bloggers. Some, you may have already heard of while others awaken the possibility of adventure:

1. Orkney Islands, Scotland

By Suzanne from Meandering Wild

The Orkney Islands are located off the north-east coast of Scotland and are often overlooked for the stunning and majestic west coast and the well known Scottish islands such as Skye and Harris.  However, Orkney has a beauty all of its own and a smaller number of visitors each year. 

The islands can be visited by ferry from Aberdeen, Scrabster or Gills Bay near John O’Groats or by a short flight from any of the Scottish airports with LoganAir. However you arrive on the islands their calm and laid back attitude to life and big skies will become apparent almost immediately.

Orkney has the oldest Neolithic village in Europe that is now part of a UNESCO world heritage site and is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Skara Brae village was discovered after a winter storm on a sandy beach and has now been excavated. There are also a number of standing stones and the stunning Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle close to Skara Brae. 

More recently the islands played an important role in both world wars and the reminders of this are dotted around the landscape. Blockships can be seen within Scapa Flow and the beautiful Italian Chapel can be visited on Lamb Holm Island.

Wildlife on Orkney is one of the biggest draws with puffins and gannets making the high cliffs their homes during the summer months. Hen harriers and short-eared owls hunt along the roadside and hares can be seen in the fields across all the islands.

The coastline is a dream for seal watching on the quiet beaches and orca and whales can be seen passing throughout the year.  All wildlife encounters are pure chance which adds to the sense of achievement.

2. Rivington, Lancashire

By Jenni Fielding from Choose Veganism 

Rivington in Lancashire is a rural area which is home to some absolutely stunning scenery. The area is known as the ‘Miniature Lake District’ thanks to its similarities with the famous National Park. Whilst it would take weeks to fully explore The Lake District, you can see much of Rivington in just one day.

No trip to Rivington is complete without a hike up Rivington Pike. This 1,191 ft hill has an ancient beacon at the top and offers views across Lancashire and Greater Manchester. On a clear day, you can see the sea which is 25 miles away.

As well as lots of natural beauty, Rivington has many Victorian man-made landmarks such as the Italian Gardens, lots of stone steps and bridges and a scale replica of Liverpool Castle. Popular tourist activities in the area include walking and mountain biking. There’s also a high ropes course in the woods and some traditional barns which have been converted into tea rooms serving tea and cakes.

You won’t be able to get to Rivington via public transport, with the nearest train station being a few miles away in Blackrod, Bolton. However, there are lots of places where you can park your car for free, head off and explore.

3. Glenelg, Scotland

By Emma from Journey Of A Nomadic Family 

Glenelg sits on a sleepy nook on the western coast of mainland Scotland and at the narrowest point is just 534 metres from Skye – although don’t try swimming it as the waters of Kyle Rhea are fiercely tidal. 

Due to its rural location, there’s just one single track road leading to this community, and its proximity to the island of Skye it is a significantly underrated scenic destination but one that deserves more notability. 

In order to get to this scattered community, you’ll need to pass the 339-metre (1,112 ft) Mam Ratagan Pass from Shiel Bridge which is infamous for its viewpoint overlooking Loch Duich and the mountains of Beinn Fhada. Although there is a bus service to Glenelg, self-driving is the much easier option and it gives you more flexibility to explore the area. 

The rolling, hilly landscape makes it a perfect location for hiking although pack your wet-weather gear as it’s prone to rain. The waterfall of Culindune, the deserted Bernera Barracks and the Broch towers make this area captivating to explore.

The Kylerhea Strait ferry is the only remaining hand-operated turntable ferry in the world and frequents the Isle of Skye roughly every 20 minutes. You can watch the ferry from the large rocks adjacent and keep an eye out for sea eagles and otters too.

Bernera beach is a long, sandy bay with gorgeous waters and some rocks at one end perfect for scrambling whilst the bay at Glenelg is long and stony if you have a boat you can moar it here. Take the single track road and head over to the tidal Sandaig Islands or head over to the tiny, coastal village of Corran and visit Sheena’s Tea Hut. 

If you spend some time in Corran’s modern Ceilidh House Heritage centre you’ll discover the village’s fascinating history when it wasn’t always such a secret location. 

The area around Glenelg could be described as an underrated scenic wilderness and you’ll need to visit it to truly appreciate its beauty.

4. The New Forest, Southern England

By Lauren Pears from The Planet Edit

When it comes to the most scenic spots in the UK, the New Forest National Park is a strong contender. While it may be England’s smallest national park by size, it’s still graced with beautiful scenery and is home to ancient forests, open heathland, charming villages, and a thriving population of New Forest ponies.

Those who love the countryside will find a variety of things to do to keep themselves occupied. With over 140 miles of designated walking trails and cycling paths, keen hikers and cyclists will find it easy to explore the forests and hinterland of this beautiful national park.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also be spoiled here, as the famous New Forest ponies roam freely across the national park, alongside plenty of deer, badgers, squirrels, rabbits, birds and more! Be sure to visit the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where you’re very likely to spot wild fallow deer. 

Check out the New Forest’s key towns of Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Beaulieu, where traditional tea rooms and charming village streetscapes await. I highly recommend lunch in the pub garden of The Forrester’s Arms in Brockenhurst on a sunny day – it’s the perfect example of a classic British pub. Or, head down to Lymington, a scenic port town, where you’ll find pretty cobbled streets and plenty of historic character.

History buffs should visit Buckler’s Hard, a scenic 18th-century shipbuilding village on the banks of the Beaulieu River, where you’ll find a maritime museum and preserved cottages from back when the village was at its height.

The New Forest National Park is located in Hampshire, just 90 minutes outside of London, making it highly accessible via car or public transport. Those who crave beautiful scenery and things to do in the outdoors will adore this national park.

5. Buckinghamshire, England

By Darek and Gosia from Darekandgosia 

There are many amazing places to see in the United Kingdom. If you haven’t visited the country before and are looking for scenic views, you have to visit some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Buckinghamshire. The county, which borders Greater London, is perfectly located for a day trip from the capital city.

The Hambleden Valley is the best area to visit a few villages at the same time. If you are into hiking, a 5 hours hike will allow you to explore Hambleden, Skirmett, Fingest and Turville. Each of them could be easily named as one of the prettiest villages in the UK as they are top examples of quintessential British villages.

All of them have been also featured in numerous episodes of Midsomer Murders – a famous British television show, so they have to really be worth visiting! Don’t forget to enjoy the stunning countryside surrounding the villages and watch sheep in the hills.

If you would like something a little bit bigger than the above villages, visit Marlow in Buckinghamshire – one of the most beautiful towns located on the River Thames.

If you are still looking for picturesque places in the UK, just head out to Buckinghamshire – you will be amazed how pretty the county is!

6. Buckie, Scotland

By Krystianna from Volumes & Voyages

One of the most underrated spots in the United Kingdom to visit is Buckie on the northern coast of Scotland. This quaint town is often overlooked but has the most beautiful sunset in the world. Since it’s located right on the water, you could spend a whole evening just watching the sunset slowly, especially in the spring and summertime, when the sun doesn’t set here until almost 11:30 p.m.!

It’s pretty simple to get to Buckie. From Edinburgh, you would have to drive a car for 3.5 hours or take a train for 12 hours, which isn’t recommended. The more comfortable option is to try to fly into Aberdeen and drive for 1 hour and take a train for 3 hours. Whichever journey you choose, know that the final destination is entirely worth it.

The most famous natural site in Buckie to see is the Bow and Fiddle Rock, which is a rock formation in the water that looks exactly like a bow and fiddle. What makes it so amazing is that it’s not human-made, nature made it look this way all on its own! There are also some cliffs worth exploring right along the water. You genuinely do get amazing views wherever you go.

Other popular spots in the area to explore include Craigmin Bridge, the Buckie and District Fishing Heritage Centre, Gordon Castle Estate, and the Bin of Cullen.

It’s highly important when visiting to remember to respect the beauty of the coastal nature here. Don’t destroy the cliff faces or try to climb onto the rocks. This could hurt not only you but also nature here itself.

7. North Down Coastal Path, Northern Ireland

By Allan Wilson from Bangorni

Northern Ireland has always been famous for its scenic coastlines including the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO) and the Antrim Coast. However, there is one coastline that has always been completely overlooked by tourism as it’s only a couple of stops down the train lines from the otherwise industrial shores of Belfast City Centre.

The North Down Coastal Path, on Northern Ireland’s Gold Coast, is named after it’s highly sought after property and sandy shores. The length of the nearer coastline links between the small town of Holywood and the seaside town of Bangor with 12km of the pathway in between. 

The scenery is beautiful and diverse with many sandy beaches, never-ending rugged coastal views, forest parks, and occasional tourist attractions along the way.

The best way to start would be at Crawfordsburn Country Park, which is a sprawling woodland set right next to the coastline with golden sands of Crawfordsburn Beach. 

From Belfast, it is also easy to reach by taking the train on the Bangor line to Helen’s Bay where a short walk reaches the coastline. Otherwise, important visitor attractions include the Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra, Grey’s Point Fort at Helen’s Bay, and of course Bangor and its seafront. 

8. The Cotswolds, England

By Sarah Cull from Life in Full Flavour

The Cotswolds is a stunning part of the UK and a very unique one. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty spanning five different counties, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. From small quaint villages to bustling market towns, it sounds cliched, but there really is something for everyone.

With 800 square miles to explore, you will never run out of things to do and discover. A great place to base yourself is the large village of Broadway or the surrounding area. Broadway itself has a fantastic array of independent shops, restaurants and of course, the ubiquitous Cotswolds tea shops. 

A little outside of the village is Broadway Tower, an imposing yet beautiful stone landmark set in a dramatic landscape. The views over the Cotswolds escarpment are breathtaking and on a clear day, you can see views across as many as 16 counties. The resident deer are also fascinating to watch. 

If you visit in June or early July be sure to visit the glorious Cotswolds Lavender. Again, this is just a short drive outside of Broadway villages. You can stroll the fields of these amazingly fragrant flowers, covering 70 miles, and take some souvenirs home from the farm’s gift shop. 

Look out for the honey-coloured stone that lets you know you are in the Cotswolds. Even if the British weather gets the better of you, the warm colours of the buildings will help to raise a smile.

9. Cornwall, England

Kay O from The Craft Room and Beyond

Cornwall is a popular tourist destination and one of the best places to visit in the South of England. It’s famed for its picturesque historical villages, sandy beaches, surfing and other water sports, and acres of parks and woodland for walking and cycling. As well as bustling town centres with a wide range of bars, shops and restaurants. It truly is a place for everyone, whatever your interests.

If you are seeking something a little different, you don’t have to travel far away from the more popular destinations, for example heading west from the beach at Perranporth, (within easy reach of starting refreshments from the beachfront Watering Hole bar, or nearby ice cream parlours), you can head for a stunning 3.6-mile walk along the south-west coast path to neighbouring St Agnes.

Mostly flat, with one steeper section, this is a beautiful clifftop walk where you can spot birdlife, wildflowers and Cornish history in the form of Cligga mine, not to mention incredible sea views. 

Great for all the family as well as dog walkers, from start to finish, there are places to stop and enjoy the view along the way, and finishing in pretty St Agnes you will arrive with many places to find rewarding refreshments and facilities in pet-friendly bars and hotels.

Final Thoughts

I hope you were as inspired as I was by this wonderful collection of the UK’s underrated scenic destinations. From islands inhabited by puffins to coastal walks and picturesque villages, there is an abundance of amazing sights to see – some, perhaps, more well-known than others. Sometimes the best places to travel to are the ones that are the most overlooked.

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