Unusual places in English

Despite its relatively compact size, Engl has more than its fair share of hidden gems. Just arou

 Despite its relatively compact size, England has more than its fair share of hidden gems. Just around the corner from major attractions you'll find little-known beauties where you can avoid the crowds and enjoy soaking up the fun off the beaten track. 


Whether it's a secret beach where you can sunbathe and relax or a cool museum to spend the day with your family, there are plenty of places to discover. Here are five of our favourites.

 

The caves alone are worth a visit to Nottingham ©Rex

 

 

 

Nottingham City of Caves

Think of Nottingham and your thoughts inevitably turn to Sherwood Forest and that hero in green tights, Robin Hood, but some of the most interesting sights in Nottingham can be found underground.

Head to the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre's upper mall level and follow the signs for the City of Caves, a subterranean experience that's part of more than 500 caves dating back thousands of years to the Dark Ages. 


Thanks to its soft sandstone, the city of Nottingham can boast of having more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. This network of caves and tunnels have been used as houses, cellars, factories, air raid shelters and one was even believed to be the dungeon where Robin Hood was imprisoned. 

Join an actor-led tour and learn the story of the caves deep below the cobbles of Nottingham's city centre.

City of Caves

Dedham Vale and Stour Valley

Culture and Essex? Yes, it can happen. Long before the days of TOWIE, the people of Essex were used to having their world chronicled through the work of inspirational English artist, John Constable. Bucolic meadows, picturesque villages and ancient woodlands all feature in what are probably some of the most famous examples of English landscape art. 

 

Forget TOWIE, much of Essex is picturesque and traditional ©Rex

 


You can take a one-hour guided tour with the National Trust where you'll discuss Constable's pictures right in front of the scene today. Or hit up the Visit Essex website to download their walking or cycle guides and make your own tour. Paintbrushes not included. 

Visit Essex 

Saltdean sandy beach

Brighton is beautiful but during the sunny months that pebble beach can become incredibly crowded, however there is a sneaky solution just a few miles out of town. Either walk from the Marina along the picturesque Under Cliff Pass or hop onboard a number 2 or 27 bus down on the seafront heading east. You can enjoy the coastal views along the way, stop once you arrive at the little village of Saltdean.

 

Saltdean's Lido is one of the few original Art Deco pools in England ©Rex


Just a few minutes away from the buzz of Brighton, you can laze on the sandy beach, explore rock pools and take a dip in the bracing water. Check online for details as it's currently closed, but when it re-opens, the Saltdean Lido is one of the loveliest remaining Art Deco pools in the country. Take a picnic or visit the little cafe on the cliff to make a day of it. 

Visit Brighton

Cambridgeshire Fens

Where else can you see Georgian architecture, explore fen-islands and take a narrowboat trip along some of the least crowded waterways in England, but the under-visited Fens? One of England's most beautiful areas with its wildlife-friendly waters, abundance of farms and fascinating history of humans battling to overcome the challenges of the environment, the Fens make for a fun place to visit. 

Originally a wetland area, over the years, the Fens were drained to create fertile farming land, however, since 2003, a more environmental approach has been taken, with some land flooded by the North Sea so endangered plant species and birdlife are encouraged to thrive again. 

History buffs will love the Bronze Age settlement at Flag Fen, the Denver Windmill and the Pinchbeck Engine Museum. For foodies who love to shop, try one of the farmers' market where you can pick up delicious produce and exotic items like locally-reared ostrich steaks.

Visit Norfolk

 

Milom

Good luck trying to wander 'lonely as a cloud' around the busy towns of Windermere and Ambleside in the glorious Lake District. Both places are rightly popular, but it can be hard getting down to some serious nature worship amongst the crowds. Solution? Make for the far-less-visited, but equally beautiful Western Lake District instead. Milom has miles of beautiful golden beaches and you can often spot seals off the wall of the lagoon. 

 

 

Stunning views in England's Lake District


The town even has its own poet, Norman Nicholson, who was born and raised here. Once you're done with pondering poetic things, indulge in a spot of high-octane thrills, as unlike many of the lakes (including Windermere) which have speed restrictions, you can try a variety of watersports along the coast. Don't want to get wet? Try cantering along the beach on the Cumbrian Heavy Horses instead. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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