Usually, when we travel, we tend to visit the popular holiday destinations and famous sites. However, some of us also enjoy finding little hidden gems, little cafes, castles, museums, and clubs that are a bit under-the-radar, as it were. This post is dedicated to the latter, as we explore the places that are not the most famous but are certainly worth a visit.
The Singing Ringing Tree
This is one of those places that have been made relatively recently. In Lancashire, you will find a sound sculpture powered by wind. People call it a tree, but to me, it resembles a pipe-tornado. It is three meters tall and the pipes are made of galvanized steel. The Singing Ringing Tree is so popular that it gained a little brother in Austin, Texas in 2017.
Harrogate
Harrogate is second only to Bath when it comes to beauty, elegance, and spas. There are many antique shops, Roman baths, Georgian houses, and it is not a place to be visited quickly. You’d best set aside a day or two just to take it all in, as the rhythm of the place is relaxed. If you’re up for a bit of a walk, you can stroll into Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Barbican Conservatory
If you would like to experience what it’s like to be among thousands of different tropical plants, but can’t be bothered to go to the exotic locations, your best bet would be to visit the Barbican Conservatory in London, also known as the second-largest conservatory in the city. One of their popular services is the afternoon tea among these beautiful trees, bushes, flowers, and such. However, you may need to book the tea well in advance.
Leeds
A long time ago, Leeds was a town of the working people known around the UK for their manufacturing prowess. Nowadays, however, it is hyper-urbanized. Not only that, but the city welcomes tourists and offers them a chance to visit several museums and sites with a number of excellent restaurants, both domestic and exotic. It’s a great place to visit if you are not in a hurry and want to relax on your holiday while still being in an urban environment.
St. Michael’s Mount
Do you like islands? Well, St. Michael’s Mount happens to be an island with a castle and a church. It is also not the most visited piece of land in the UK, so you can enjoy yourself while not being overrun by eager tourists searching for Nando’s.
Herm
Another island that welcomes visitors is Herm. To get to it, you would have to start your trip from Guernsey and take a ferry. There are no cars, but there are many places for camping, elegant hotels, holiday cottages, and restaurants to die for. It is the smallest island from the group of the Channel Islands, with a population of under 100 people.
Canterbury
Have you read Canterbury Tales? Its inspiration came from the pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. If you take the cathedral and group it with the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, the place where Christianity found its way into England, and St. Martin’s Church, you get a UNESCO heritage site. It’s not far from London and only literature and history lovers tend to go there.