11 places to add to your Great British bucket list

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What’s on your Great British bucket list? It’s likely that London, Edinburgh and the Lake District are pretty high up, but what if you’ve already ticked off the big hitters? For those in need of some more inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite, not-as-famous places in Great Britain. Get ready for that list of yours to get a little bit longer.

The Peak District

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for some spectacular views. Zig-zagging up England’s spine, the Peak District is the perfect place to take in England’s incredible landscapes. Paths wind through the heather-carpeted hills, huge escarpments offer sweeping views and gentle trails curve around idyllic reservoirs. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a seasoned rambler or you’re striding out on your first hike. Adrenaline lovers are also in luck: tricky cycle paths lace the landscape and limestone caves gape beneath the ground.

The Roseland Peninsula

This thimble of land is the kind of place you fall in love with. Not far from Cornwall’s buzzy town of Falmouth, the Roseland Peninsula feels like a wilder, more ancient corner of the country. Here you can walk along tracts of coastline and barely see a soul or swim in coves cocooned within the cliffs. St Mawes offers a few cosy pubs and low-key cafés, but the Hidden Hut, near Portscatho, is the area’s real gem. Overlooking the sea, this windswept outdoor café serves up top-notch grilled seafood and tasty ice-cream (among other local delights).

Eastbourne

Brighton might be the more obvious choice for a break on the south coast, but Eastbourne is hot on its heels. This seaside spot is fast becoming a creative hub, with its striking Tower Eastbourne gallery acting as a beacon for incoming artists. Chill cafés, early morning swims and lazy pub days are also on the agenda. Or, if you need to blow the cobwebs off after a few too many pints, venture along the coast to glimpse the Seven Sisters (surely one of Great Britain’s most unforgettable views).

Dunnottar Castle

Like something out of Game of Thrones, Dunnottar Castle sprawls across a craggy rock surrounded by the North Sea. This medieval fortress is steeped in Scottish history: William Wallace fought off an English garrison here in the Wars of Scottish Independence, while in the 17th century, the Scottish crown jewels were hidden inside, away from Oliver Cromwell’s army. The fortress remains somewhat impenetrable, with steep paths up and down, winds whipping through the ruins and waves crashing against the rock, but it’s surely Scotland’s most atmospheric castle.

Bristol

London’s uber-cool cousin has it all. A creative spirit? Check – there’s street art and forward-thinking galleries around every corner. A fun nightlife scene? You bet – Bristol’s welcoming clubs and LGBTQ+ bars stay buzzing well into the night. Tasty food? Oh you’re in for a treat. Street food markets are popping up all over this foodie city, so you’re guaranteed some good grub wherever you go.

The Wye Valley

As it meanders through England and Wales, the River Wye passes some truly beautiful scenery. Want to take it all in? Hike the 136 mile (218 km) Wye Valley Walk. Beginning in Rhayader (the “Outdoor Capital of Wales”), the path follows the river, looping through the literature-loving town of Hay-on-Wye before ending at the ancient ruins of Chepstow Castle. Sure, it’s a long slog, but with warm inns and peaceful pockets of nature along the way, it’s more than worth it.

The Cairngorms

The Cairngorms is Scotland at its most wild. A far cry from the rolling hills of the Wye Valley, this huge national park sees golden eagles swooping over vast valleys and wild reindeer roaming the rugged mountains. Outdoor activities are, unsurprisingly, the go-to here. Snowy slopes attract skiers in the winter while climbers traverse the jagged cliffs in less icy climes. It’s not all natural wonders though. Historic castles, premium distilleries and tiny local galleries offer respite from the wild.

Anglesey

The picturesque island of Anglesey in north Wales is home to a host of treasures. Beaumaris Castle, the most technically perfect in Great Britain, stands against a backdrop of Snowdonia’s peaks. Just off the main island, scenic Llanddwyn Island is a lovely place to visit (and not just because of its association with Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers). Add in sandy beaches, pastel-coloured towns and puffin-spotting opportunities and it’s easy to see why Anglesey is bucket list-worthy.

Dartmoor

A trip to Dartmoor is like stepping back in time. Within this unspoilt national park, wild ponies graze the moors and historic standing stones dot the landscape. Venturing away from the main tracts of barren moorland reveals Dartmoor’s lesser-known wonders. Ancient groves like Wistman’s Wood are some of England’s hidden temperate rainforests. These verdant woods are riddled with lichen-covered trees and moss-ridden paths. Lush ravines, like Lydford Gorge, are just as stunning – and often lead to spectacular waterfalls.

Micheldever Woods

Seeing the blanket of bluebells in this leafy wood is like something out of a fairytale. Every April and May, the spring-time flowers in Micheldever Woods burst up from the ground, painting the paths purple and filling the air with a sweet, floral scent. It’s a beautiful sight, and one best experienced at sunset, when the late evening rays illuminate the petals.

Birmingham

Birmingham has long been overlooked. While picturesque canals might be the first image that springs to mind when you think of this midlands city, it’s the modern architecture that’ll really catch your eye. The renovated Birmingham New Street Station hosts a gorgeous light-filled interior under a sinuous, see-through roof. Meanwhile, the iconic Selfridges building looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, with its steel frame akin to bubble-wrap. More modern architecture lies scattered around the city…and it’s best to see it in person.

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