Driving experts from LeaseCar.uk (opens in new tab) have researched and revealed eight of the most remarkable sights and locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These hidden gems offer the wow-factor, without the crowds which come with other popular tourist attractions. Instead of visiting crowded tourist sites like Brighton Pier and the London Eye, families should seek out the more hidden areas of the UK if they want to enjoy a unique experience.

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK

‘The United Kingdom is known for many things – its landmarks, cuisine, and pop culture to name a few – but nestled away from most of the tourist hoards are some truly impressive places you need to see to believe,’ says LeaseCar.uk. ‘From the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland to a single-drop waterfall named The Devil’s Appendix, these are the some of the nation’s most impressive hidden gems.’

  1. LOCH AWE, SCOTLAND Located 94 miles from Glasgow is the country’s third largest freshwater loch. Between the various castle ruins, and the world-class trout fishing, Loch Awe really does live up to its name. Stretching 25 miles through glorious Highland landscape, it’s a sight to behold as you travel along the shore – but take time to stop to experience so much more. The mountains and glens that surround Loch Awe offer epic walking and cycling, or you can discover rivers, waterfalls, moorland and forest as you traverse this hugely diverse landscape. See:These are the 5 most popular luxury retreats to visit in the UK this summer
  2. THE DARK HEDGES, NORTHERN IRELAND Intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors to the Stuart family’s Georgian mansion, two centuries later, this beautiful avenue of beech trees remains a captivating sight and is in fact one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Note than the road is pedestrianised only and no vehicles are allowed, but you can park nearby.
  3. AVEBURY STONE CIRCLE, WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND One of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain, Avebury henge and stone circles were built during the Neolithic period, roughly between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, and feature the largest stone circle in Britain – originally of about 100 stones – which in turn encloses two smaller stone circles. Unlike at the perhaps more well-known Stonehenge, at Avebury you can actually wander among the standing stones. This stone circle is also particularly unusual for the fact that it is the only one with a village built within it.
  4. ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT, CORNWALL, ENGLAND Located off the coast of Mount Bay is one of the few tidal islands in the UK that visitors can actually walk to – but the island is only accessible this way during low tide. This small, unassuming island has a rich history ranging from famous religious visions to strategic wartime capture. It’s also the source of the fairy-tale ‘Jack the Giant Killer’, as it was rumoured a giant lived on the island before a plucky local named Jack slew him. See:Explore 10 of the most breathtaking beaches in the UK
  5. BLACK ROCKS, DERBYSHIRE, ENGLAND The Black Rocks is a small outcrop of natural gritstone, between Cromford and Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Peak District. The short, but steep climb up from the car park is rewarded with superb views, and from here you can access beautiful and varied countryside, including the High Peak Trail.
  6. THE DEVIL’S APPENDIX, SNOWDONIA, WALES The Devil’s Appendix is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Wales and one of the tallest in the United Kingdom. It is formed where a small stream falls for approximately 93 metres to reach the slopes above a small lake called Llyn Idwal.
  7. WISTMAN’S WOOD, DEVON, ENGLAND This amazing woodland, which takes its name from a small oak wood, looks like something taken straight from a fairy-tale. Ramble the easy ¼-mile walk on a waymarked path from the Two Bridges Hotel and creep beneath the trees’ lichen-covered boughs that have remained unspoiled for hundreds of years. Legend has it that Wistman’s Wood was a sacred grove of the Druid’s and it was here that they held their pagan rituals. See:These are the most Instagrammable greenhouses around the world – and this UK hotspot is top
  8. THORNTON-LE-DALE, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND Often described as being the world’s most picturesque village, Thornton-le-Dale is everything you could want from a quintessential English village. With its olde worlde charm and scenic surroundings, its easy to see why visitors and residents have voted it the prettiest in Yorkshire – on more than one occasion. Nestled on the southern edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, it’s the perfect location for a day visit or holiday.