UK Reveals Lesser-Known Natural Areas Offering Escape from Crowds
Travellers looking to avoid crowded destinations in the UK now have more options as lesser-known wilderness areas gain attention. The Forest of Bowland, the Fens, Jura, Islay, Dungeness and the Llŷn Peninsula are among the locations providing natural beauty and activities far from the most crowded tourist spots, particularly in peak travel seasons. These regions give visitors the opportunity to appreciate the country’s natural diversity in a calm and undisturbed setting.
Across the region, the landscapes vary greatly, offering individual features at each site. The Forest of Bowland, located in northern England, offers quiet hiking trails, rolling hills, and woodlands that come alive with bluebells during their seasonal bloom. Located north of Cambridge, the Fens protect historic marshland at Wicken Fen, which supports over 9,000 species. Further north in Scotland, Jura and Islay offer a blend of rugged mountains and quiet beaches, ideal for demanding hikes and wildlife watching along the coast.
Visitors planning specific stops will find the Forest of Bowland’s bluebell-filled woodland in May offers striking seasonal colour. Visitors to Wicken Fen can use raised observation decks to take in wide-ranging vistas of wetlands sheltering uncommon bats and marsh harriers. Jura’s Paps mountains present demanding hiking routes while nearby Loch Tarbert offers more relaxed coastal walks. These places provide a mix of active recreation and remarkable landscapes that see relatively little tourist traffic.
Additional notable sites include Dungeness in Kent, known as Britain’s only desert with its shingle shore and Prospect Cottage which was once home to filmmaker Derek Jarman. On Islay, Machir Bay showcases the Atlantic’s power as waves crash onto white sand beaches. In Wales, Porth Neigwl also called Hell’s Mouth draws surfers and bodyboarders while the sheltered waters of Abersoch are suited to paddleboarding. Each of these locations presents a specific and memorable aspect of the United Kingdom’s varied landscape.
These destinations highlight the breadth of the United Kingdom’s natural heritage and the potential for travel beyond its most famous landmarks. Those who visit these areas will find more peaceful conditions and the chance to engage with a wide range of landscapes, from the coast to the moors inland. Choosing to explore these areas can help ease the strain on well-known destinations while offering travelers a chance to engage more closely with natural surroundings and experience lesser-known paths.