With the weather getting milder, now is the ideal time to discover what makes Britain great. And you may be surprised at what you find…
From scenic coastlines to mountain ranges and everything in between, in our series of Britain’s Hidden Treasures, we take you on a journey through our selection of lesser-known places that are a must-visit. And best of all, you don’t have to travel too far or spend a fortune to enjoy them!
Flamborough Head, YORKSHIRE
Marked by a stretch of rugged white cliffs surrounding a small village, Flamborough Head is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This coastline is an excellent base for wildlife watching – you can even spot puffins between April and July here. Look out for seals, too, playing at the bottom of the cliffs. Selwicks Bay lies on the Flamborough headland, and there are sandy and pebble beaches with rock pools to explore here, which kids will love. You can hike along windswept paths or kayak around the bay if you feel adventurous, and reward yourself with fish and chips on a bench by the ancient Flamborough head lighthouse at dusk. Or, if you prefer a short walk, head over to the fog station for an epic place to watch the sunset. The iconic chalk cliffs around the bay are beautiful any time of day, but they take on a golden glow in the evening, and this view is one of the prettiest spots in Yorkshire. This scenic nature reserve truly is a haven for anyone looking to explore the Yorkshire Coast at its most wild and untamed.
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Grey Mare’s Tail Reserve, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
A utopia for botanists & wildlife enthusiasts. This nature reserve has rare upland plants, peregrine falcons, ring ouzels, feral goats, and mountain hares, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot ospreys fishing in the loch. Here you will also find one of Scotland’s most dramatic waterfalls, cascading 60 meters down into the Moffat Water Valley. This dramatic upland landscape was created by glacial erosion over millions of years and unfolds further up steep slopes past the waterfall to picturesque Loch Skeen. There is an easy-to-follow path from the car park 200m up the side of the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall to Loch Skeen at 500m. The sights are particularly enchanting in winter when the valley becomes a snow-clad wonderland, complete with a frozen waterfall cleaving through its middle. It’s a melting pot of geological, wildlife and archaeological interest and boasts majestic views. Check the forecast before heading out and take care on the path – it’s narrow in areas, and the drops are steep.
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Llyn Y Fan Fach, WALES
Llyn y Fan Fach is a well-known lake in one of the most remote and serene parts of the Black Mountain range in the Brecon Beacons. If you want to get up close and personal with the breathtaking scenery here, you can take a 9 mile (15km) hike where you can admire 360-degree views of the shimmering lakes from the ridges and peaks of the mountains along your walk. You will also be able to spot the Pen y Fan, Gower Peninsula, and the Bristol Channel. If you fancy a less strenuous walk, this easy 4-mile option still takes you through spectacular sights west of the Brecon Beacons National Park along a bustling river, a lonely llyn (also known as ‘the lone tree’ growing from the bottom of a lake) and wild mountains.
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The Shell Grotto, KENT
Discovered in 1835, the Shell Grotto is truly an astonishing find. With 4.6million shells, 70ft of winding underground passages leading to a rectangular chamber and 2000 sq ft of mosaic, it’s a feast for the eyes. The shells adorning the winding tunnels form intricate and colourful patterns. Some are abstract, while others are laid out in the shapes of animals like birds and reptiles, gods and goddesses and trees of life made from the shells of whelks, mussels and oysters. Was this a place of worship, a meeting place for a secret society or an ancient folly? Some people think the masterpiece was built by an ancient civilization. But to this day, no one knows for sure. The mystery surrounding this haunting place only adds to its appeal.
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Little Venice, LONDON
Editorial credit: Apostolis Giontzis SHUTTERSTOCK
North of Paddington is the tranquil pocket of West London known as Little Venice. Although not far from congested roads and the commuters streaming out of Paddington Station, Little Venice is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. The picturesque canals with narrowboat cruises travelling between here and Camden Lock are home to quirky waterside cafes, cosy pubs and charming restaurants. While they might not be the same as Venetian gondolas, the barges here still have plenty of character. The triangular pool within the centre, complete with a weeping willow tree, is home to several floating businesses such as the Waterside Cafe, London Waterbus and even a floating Puppet Theatre.
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