Many people underestimate just how many fascinating destinations there are to visit in the UK. This country is brimming with hidden gems, each ready and waiting for you to discover on your next weekend off (by coach, of course!). Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a new adventure, the UK offers a treasure trove of unique and often overlooked spots that promise to delight and surprise you.
With Bullocks Private Coach Hire, you can travel comfortably and conveniently to some of the UK’s best-kept secrets. Here are our top five hidden gems in the UK that you can explore with ease:
Hen Hole, Northumberland
They don’t get much more hidden than a spectacular gorge nestled in the stunning hills of Northumberland! A UK hidden gem it may be, but 'must-see' also comes to mind when you describe the Hen Hole. Located in The Cheviots, Northumberland, home to the county’s largest peak, the Hen Hole is a sensational series of waterfalls and cascades nestled in one of the most scenic landscapes in the whole of the UK, it’s amazing that not many people know of its existence! The surrounding valley is home to dozens of walking routes, some more challenging and lengthier than others, but with its fair share of short and easy walks too, all of which are guaranteed to contain scenery to leave you speechless. The highlight of these may be the Three Sisters Waterfall, a waterfall split in three different directions over a rock face. Heading here by coach is simple, simply get dropped off at the car park in Hethpool and take the trailhead walk through the Valley. Alternatively, Langleeford is a good place to get dropped off and picked up by your coach driver.
Cathedral Cavern, Lake District (main photo!)
A former quarry site situated in a valley known as Little Langdale, the Cathedral Cavern, also known as the Cathedral Cave, is a fascinating series of caves and tunnels. The most notable of these is the main chamber, which is forty feet high and is often seen with beams of light shining through the gaps at the top of the cave, making for an incredible photo opportunity. This hidden gem, nestled in this charming valley in one of the UK’s most scenic national parks, is run by the national trust and visited mainly by cavers and climbers who are after a drop of thrill-seeking. That doesn’t mean, however, that it isn’t the perfect location for a day trip by coach for you and your friends & family, as there are plenty of walking routes to be explored by foot throughout the Cavern, all free of charge. The cavern is a real testament to the mining history of the area and blends in perfectly with the sheer beauty of the Lake District. There are plenty of drop-off options in the surrounding villages, meaning travelling to the Cathedral Cavern by coach is ideal for this UK hidden gem.
Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
For some reason, the ‘UK’s first open-air museum’, home to over 30 amazing rebuilt and restored historical buildings, seems to go under the radar when it comes to days out to venture on by coach, but we’re here to change that! The museum, alongside its collection of historical buildings, also has a wildflower meadow, period gardens and a traditional orchard to explore, all spread over 19 acres of beautiful countryside and paired with a delightful tea room, ideal for resting your legs on this enchanting day out. Back in 1967, the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings was opened to the public after a mediaeval merchant’s house was rescued from Bromsgrove and reconstructed by the museum, since then, the museum’s purpose has been to rescue and reconstruct historical buildings for the public to come and explore. Some standout pieces include the Gusten Hall roof from the 1300s and a World War Two prefab, designed to provide emergency living spaces for those whose houses had been destroyed in the war. Visiting the museum by coach is super easy, with plenty of free parking at the site. Each area of the museum also considers accessibility, with ramps heading into the tea rooms and flat paths around all of the buildings.
Japanese Gardens at Holland Park
Some of you probably haven’t even heard of Holland Park, especially if you live outside of London, but this park is home to two tranquil Japanese Gardens, both magical in their own right and definitely worth a trip. The first of the two, The Kyoto Garden, was gifted to the city of London in 1991 by the city of Kyoto to celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two, and gives you a real sense of Japanese culture when you take in the stunning rock formations, Koi Carp pond and waterfall features. The second, the Fukushima Garden, was constructed in aid of the Fukushima Tsunami of 2011, to thank those in the UK for their help when the disaster struck. This garden contains some stairs as an explanation of the two countries ‘building bridges’ and is a truly beautiful commemoration of the friendship that blossomed after the tsunami. As well as these two gardens, Holland Park itself is worth a walk around, the perfect place for a picnic, and also contains a Dutch Garden as well as numerous other pretty displays to be in awe of. A true hidden gem in the bustling city not to be missed, especially if the sun is shining, as it’s the perfect location for a family day out, and what better way to head there than by coach!
Llanddwyn Island
Not technically an Island, as it’s still attached to the mainland, but be wary as at high tides you may get stranded! The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches well worth a walk or a quick dip if the weather is on your side, with the stunning lighthouse on the island being one of many historical buildings on the island definitely warranting a visit. The lighthouse was built in the 1870s, and is still in use today, with the walk up to the building creating a fantastic viewpoint of the surrounding landscapes, including stunning views of Snowdonia National Park. Other historical sites to take a look at include the remains of a Celtic chapel and St Dwynwen's holy well, however the exact location of the well is to be debated, so your imagination may have to play a part! Alongside these buildings and historical sites, the island is home to some amazing wildlife including seals and dolphins, which can be seen if you’re lucky, with their existence near the island being truly reflective of the peace and tranquillity associated with the surrounding waters. The island is part of the Newborough Warren Nature Reserve, which is full of lovely walks and hikes, meaning this hidden gem has something for everyone to enjoy. Heading to this hidden gem by coach is simple, with several car parks in the Newborough Warren area perfect for getting dropped off for the day!
The UK is clearly full of some fascinating hidden gems, and there really isn’t a better way to visit them than by coach. Your own private driver, no stress of figuring out the best route and the opportunity to simply sit back and take in the countryside as you travel there. Bullocks Coaches provides private coach hire all over the UK, to organise yours for your next-day trip, visit our private hire page today.
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