What Are Some Non-Tourist Places to Visit in England?: A Complete Guide
Besides London, Stonehenge, the Lake District, and Oxford, among other top destinations that have become an epitome of England in many people's minds because of the pictures that they see online, there is still so much more of England to visit that has not been made popular by tourist media. If you prefer a quiet and authentic vacation, then try visiting small towns, coastal cities, historic villages, nature parks, or countryside towns that have yet to become a part of tourist routes.
In case your visit to the UK starts from Scotland and you will be travelling to various destinations across Britain, then getting around in the UK and reaching England becomes easier when you use a good Glasgow Taxi to travel from Glasgow to your next destination. You will get to your next destination from any airport, bus or train station in comfort after which you can use public or local transport to reach England's lesser visited destinations.
1. Rye, East Sussex – A Historic Town Full of Character
Rye is among the quaintest towns in the southeastern part of England and one of the best alternatives to historic sites. This quiet little town is located on the Sussex coastline and is characterized by cobblestone streets, timber frame structures, independent shops, traditional pubs, and a rich history.
Tourists can enjoy visiting Mermaid Street, walking around the ancient town, and looking at the unique architectural structures. Rye is also a perfect point of departure for the exploration of nearby landscapes.
Instead of seeing Rye as a stopover on a busy sightseeing tour, allocate a whole day to visit its cafes, antique stores, galleries, and streets.
2. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire – A Creative Countryside Escape
Sitting in the heart of Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a place that brings together breathtaking scenery and vibrant independent culture.
Hebden Bridge has gained a reputation for being the home of independent cafés, bookshops, art galleries, craft shops, and alternative culture.
The town’s location makes it perfect for those tourists who enjoy spending time outdoors on walks.
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the town and its surroundings is to visit footpaths around and then go back to the town center for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
3. Frome, Somerset – Independent Shops and Historic Streets
Frome is ideal for tourists in search of a true Somerset experience. The historic center of Frome is filled with quaint streets, old architecture, independent stores, cafes, art galleries, and creative studios.
Unlike places that offer nothing but gift shops and major tourist attractions, Frome remains distinctly local and, consequently, very appealing to tourists looking to find locally made products, foods, arts, and vintage goods.
And with picturesque Somerset countryside right outside of the town, there are lots of possibilities for pleasant drives and walks in this part of England.
4. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire – A Quieter Coastal Alternative
Should one seek to see what England’s seaside has to offer, without having to visit busy holiday towns, then Saltburn-by-the-Sea must be considered.
A Victorian seaside town with a lovely beach, old-fashioned pier, gardens, independent shops, and amazing sea views – it also features an historic cliff railway that provides visitors with a unique means of transportation from the top of the town down to the seafront.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is particularly great to visit during times other than the height of summer holidays. It allows for some great coastal walks, leisurely dinners, taking photos of the Victorian buildings and simply enjoying a traditional English seaside town.
5. Alnwick, Northumberland – History Without the London Crowds
There are plenty of places in Northern England which do not receive as much attention as some major tourist hubs of the country. The place worth visiting for history, architecture, and gardens lovers is Alnwick.
There is more than just Alnwick Castle in the town and it can be interesting to explore the historic streets, independent shops, countryside and even the coast of Northumberland nearby. When traveling comfortably from one big city in the UK to another, it would be reasonable to consider Glasgow Chauffeur Hire if your journey continues from there to northern England.
This kind of transportation is very convenient when travelling with luggage and family or a group to different places.
6. Ludlow, Shropshire – A Medieval Town for Food and History Lovers
The town of Ludlow is an ideal place for tourists that like history, architecture, and food. The town is situated close to the Welsh borders, and there is something medieval about it. It is surrounded by lovely landscapes.
There is the Ludlow Castle as a magnificent historic background of the town, whereas the centre of the town boasts old buildings, small restaurants and food shops, as well as markets.
Food enthusiasts will find it useful to make sure to spend enough time enjoying the food in this place, since Ludlow has always been known as a town famous for its food.
7. From the City to the Coast: Explore Deal, Kent
Deal is a small fishing port located in Kent that provides an exciting break from bigger coastal resorts. With its scenic beachfront, painted buildings, local shops, cafes, and relaxed vibe, it is perfect for a laid-back day.
The seaside town is also known for its history related to naval activities, and the Deal Castle will give you an insight into the English military past. You can have both history and sea views on your stroll.
Deal suits perfectly those visitors who are looking for an opportunity to relax. Rather than spend all day on visiting various places of interest, you can just walk, eat, shop, and see the sea.
8. The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire – Nature Beyond the Popular Parks
Travellers interested in the outdoors rather than sightseeing cities may want to consider visiting the Forest of Dean which offers them plenty of walks, cycle ways, scenic viewpoints and wildlife.
This is an ideal destination for families and outdoor types. It all depends on the season when people come, whether they would like to see greenery, colorful autumn leaves, woodland animals and countryside views.
Visiting this destination for one or two days gives people time to relax and unwind in a non-commercialized environment.
9. Berwick-upon-Tweed – A Historic Border Town
Located at the northeastern part of England, Berwick-upon-Tweed is one of the most exciting hidden gems of England. The place has a rich history owing to its location close to the Scottish border.
The walls of the town offer a breathtaking sight of the coastline and the River Tweed. Tourists can enjoy a stroll on the walls and visit the military-historical sites.
The town offers a perfect place to stopover on a longer journey through Northumberland and Scotland for tourists traveling in northern England by car.
How to Plan an Authentic English Getaway
When traveling to less known destinations, a slightly different way must be taken when compared to visiting popular tourist destinations. Rather than attempting to visit as many sites as possible, focus on a couple of places and spend more time there.
Prior to traveling, find out information about local markets, local restaurants, walk paths, seasonal events, and community attractions. Traveling off season could offer a more peaceful experience and, in many cases, better accommodation availability.
Transportation is an important factor that must be considered as well. Popular cities usually have efficient rail links, however, some towns and rural locations may require some further planning. Using a combination of trains and local transport may help you get to those destinations which do not link directly to rail network.
Discover the England Most Visitors Miss
The nature of England reaches much further than its well-known landmarks. Whether it is the medieval cities and historical border settlements, creative villages in the North, traditional coastal resorts or tranquil forests – there are a lot of places in which travelers may find out another aspect of this country.
The main benefit of visiting such places is the chance to go wherever you want. Instead of taking the typical sightseeing path, you may visit unique cafés, communicate with local people, wander down silent streets, enjoy the view of beautiful countryside and learn a lot of things which usually do not come to the standard tourist path.
In case you plan your UK journey, include several such places into your travel itinerary. They will not be so popular as London or Stonehenge, but they will surely make your trip in England unforgettable.
