Brits thinking about a UK staycation might want to look at a former fishing village that still goes unnoticed, even though it sits right next to stunning beaches, peaceful woods and hidden waterfalls. This hidden gem in North Yorkshire looks like something straight off a postcard, with its red-roofed houses, sandy shore and green hills all around, yet many visitors skip past it in favour of busy nearby spots like Whitby. Even so, this small village has plenty for anyone wanti

Hidden away on the far west tip of the Cornwall peninsula, where the cliffs plunge dramatically into the powerful Atlantic Ocean, lies a legendary and utterly isolated stretch of white sand. The atmosphere is one of profound secrecy and quiet danger, as the beach is only accessible via a challenging, near-vertical descent down the rock face or by boat. This untouched, secret spot feels less like Britain and more like a private, tropical lagoon. Photo © Sarah Charlesworth (

Hidden away on the wild and rugged Lizard Peninsula, lies a secluded and dramatic cove whose water glows with an astonishing, almost unbelievable turquoise hue. The atmosphere here is one of profound isolation, as the beach is only accessible via a steep, winding coastal path that completely cuts it off from easy civilisation. This untouched pocket of coastline feels more like a hidden Greek island than the cold, grey shores of the Atlantic. Photo © Ian Capper ( cc-by-sa/2.

Tucked between the historic Dorset town of Christchurch and the village of Highcliffe-on-Sea is a quiet treasure: a sheltered beach wrapped in thick woodland and rolling sand dunes. This beach, which proudly holds Blue Flag status, is a lovely place to unwind, whether you’re heading there for a quick day out or a peaceful summer break. Sitting on the Dorset-Hampshire border, it offers amazing views across to the Isle of Wight and the Needles, making it popular with holidaymak

There’s a lovely hidden beach in the UK that anyone wanting a calm summer break shouldn’t overlook. This peaceful spot has gorgeous scenery, from tall coastal cliffs to small waterfalls, without the crowds you’d normally find at bigger, more famous beaches. As its name hints, the cove lies at the place where the River Heddon meets the sea, and the whole beach is made of smooth, round pebbles. Photo © John Phillips ( cc-by-sa/2.0 ) The cove is only around 300 metres wide, an

A lovely seaside village only a few minutes from the well-known Northumberland town of Alnwick has been praised by visitors for its peaceful beach, quirky independent shops, and wide range of wildlife. This place sits inside one of the county’s official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its dog-friendly beach is often the place people love most when they visit. For anyone who enjoys being outdoors, there are walks along St Oswald’s Way and the Northumberland Coast Path

Hidden beneath the wild cliffs of the Penwith Peninsula is a beach many people believe is the “most beautiful in Cornwall”, and possibly one of the nicest on the planet. Yet it still stays surprisingly quiet compared to nearby hotspots like St Ives and Newquay. This hidden gem sits in a secret little bay, offering views so stunning you could easily imagine you were somewhere far away and tropical. Photo © Sarah Charlesworth ( cc-by-sa/2.0 ) Its bright turquoise water and so

On the far edge of West Cornwall sits a stretch of coastline that feels almost frozen in time. It’s the sort of place that seems right there in front of you, yet most people miss it unless they know exactly where to look. The walk to get there is part of what makes it special: a path that winds through leafy woodland, where sunlight breaks through the branches before you finally spot the bright blue water below. Photo © Sarah Charlesworth ( cc-by-sa/2.0 ) This hidden corner

On Cornwall’s far western tip, where the coast tapers off into the Atlantic, there is a beach that still feels untouched, according to people who have made the effort to find it. This hidden gem is a spot many holidaymakers in the county don’t even know exists, let alone visit. With no direct road access and no signs pointing the way, it remains one of Cornwall’s most hidden and unspoilt places. Photo © Jim Champion ( cc-by-sa/2.0 ) Unlike popular areas such as Porthcurno o

Cornwall is a favourite place for summer holidays, especially now that more families are choosing peaceful staycations instead of pricey trips abroad. But while the county is beautiful, the beaches in big hotspots like Newquay and St Ives can often become very crowded. Yet with nearly all of Cornwall surrounded by sea, some of its quieter beaches can actually be far nicer, including one hidden spot with soft sand and bright blue water that many people don’t even know exists.