Edinburgh, Bath and the Lake District are undoubtedly all lovely places. But some of Britain’s most charming spots live off the beaten algorithm. We explored the UK’s most overlooked destinations and found 20 surprisingly nice breaks hiding in plain sight, each with its own unique story to tell. If you’re ready, check out the UK towns with fewer tourists, and swap your bucket list with our low-key list.
Low-key Britain: 10 UK destinations off traveller’s radar to explore.
Do you think you’ve “done” the UK? Think again. These 10 destinations might not be filling your social media feeds, but they’re full of history, good spirit, and the kind of laid-back energy we could all use more of these days.
So, grab a jumper and a friend and explore the places that everyone else is overlooking… for now!
1. Worcester, West Midlands
Where riverside walks meet cider-soaked evenings.
Worcester has more to its name than just a pantry staple. In fact, it has all the charm of a classic English town: a cathedral that glows in golden light, a river that winds through café terraces and pubs where time seems optional. Sampling local cider along the Severn before a lazy stroll through Gheluvelt Park is the best plan for your first visit, or hike the nearby Malvern Hills – an area of outstanding natural beauty. The city is small enough to wander around, but big enough to discover.
2. Salford, North West England
Canals, culture and a creative pulse.
Often overshadowed by its neighbour, Manchester, Salford has a serious swagger of its own. MediaCity is full of art and technology, and has a vibrant riverside atmosphere. The Lowry brings theatre and design to life, and the regenerated quays are perfect for an urban stroll. It also hosts major TV studios for BBC and ITV, so you could find yourself sipping a flat white in the same place where your favourite show is filmed.
3. Lancaster, North West England
Cobblestones, castles and cosy coffee shops.
This compact city combines university buzz with historic charm. Take a stroll up to Lancaster Castle, wander along the canal and pick up a pastry at one of the independent cafés that line its Georgian streets. It’s sociable and quietly stunning.
4. Telford, West Midlands
Iron bridges, deep gorges and museum trails.
Telford, despite its reputation as a more ‘modern town’ compared to others, offers insight into another transformative part of British history. It is home to Ironbridge Gorge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and offers a blend of history, heritage trails and family-friendly entertainment. You can stroll past Victorian foundries, visit unusual museums or hike through the lush Shropshire hills.
5. Hastings, East Sussex
Seaside grit meets a creative makeover.
Forget 1066! Modern-day Hastings is a vibrant mix of indie galleries and vintage arcades, with the tantalising aroma of salt-and-vinegar chips in the air. The Old Town is full of musicians and markets, and has more personality than you would expect from a sleepy coastal town.
6. Caernarfon, North Wales
Castles, harbours and fresh mountain air.
Caernarfon (kuh-nah-vn, for any non-Welsh speakers) looks like something from a medieval daydream. Picture stone ramparts, bobbing boats and the majestic backdrop of Snowdonia. History fans will love the royal fortress, while adventurers can explore the nearby trails.
7. Shrewsbury, West Midlands
Tudor streets, river loops and blooming gardens.
With its black-and-white timber houses and quirky boutiques, not to mention the graceful curve of the River Severn around it, Shrewsbury feels like a storybook town. It’s easy to explore on foot, it’s welcoming, and it’s full of floral surprises in spring. Explore the half-timbered houses and secret courtyards on Wyle Cop, one of England’s most beautiful streets.
8. Doncaster, Yorkshire and the Humber
Markets, race days and a northern character.
Doncaster blends traditional Yorkshire grit with a friendly bustle. The market hall is full of chatter and samples of cheese, while the Minster and the racecourse add a touch of class. Doncaster should also be a bucket-list visit for any train enthusiasts, as it is the birthplace of the iconic locomotive the Flying Scotsman, which now operates between London and Edinburgh.
9. Colchester, Essex
It’s older than London and cooler than you think!
Colchester isn’t just old, it’s ancient. It is Britain’s oldest recorded town and has a Norman castle, Roman walls and enough history to fill a museum, which it also has. However, the city isn’t stuck in the past. The art scene is thriving, cafe culture is strong, and the local zoo is one of the best in the country.
10. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Northern charm with moorland views.
Bolton has the perfect blend of urban energy and rural tranquillity. It boasts a magnificent Victorian market hall and a vibrant theatre scene, not to mention moorland trails just a bus ride away. It’s unpretentious, lively and properly northern in all the best ways.
20 fun facts about 20 underrated UK destinations worth a visit.
They might not make the headlines, but these places have stories, surprises and quirks that are well worth discovering. From Welsh harbours and Cornish art towns to Midlands market squares, every place on this map has a fun fact that shows you that you just need a little curiosity to have a great trip (and perhaps a good pair of shoes).
Check the full list of KAYAK’s list of the most overlooked domestic spots for planning your next weekend getaway in the UK.
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Methodology.
Insights in this report are based on hotel searches made on KAYAK and its associated brands in the period between 01/10/2024 and 30/09/2025 for travel between 01/01/2025 and 31/12/2025 to any city in the UK. All prices are average for 1 night in a double room. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.
