Looking to venture beyond the usual tourist spots? England is brimming with lesser-known destinations that offer breathtaking nature and unique cultural experiences ideal for all ages. From enchanting forests to idyllic seaside villages, here are ten hidden gems that will make your family vacation truly unforgettable.
And if you’d like to visit any of these destinations as part of a guided tour experience, or you would like a luxury chauffeured service, consider arranging one of our Custom Tours of England.
Source: Kielder Forestry
Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
Why You Should Visit
Situated in Northumberland, this area boasts northern Europe’s largest man-made lake along with England’s biggest forest. The expansive wilderness offers a serene retreat for nature lovers. Additionally, it’s famous for its breathtaking dark night skies, where stars shine so brightly that they seem almost within reach.
Family Activities at Kielder Water & Forest Park
With miles of traffic-free trails, families can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides suitable for all ages. Kids will delight in spotting wildlife such as red squirrels, deer, and even ospreys, which are frequently seen here. For those seeking adventure, kayaks and paddleboards can be rented on the lake. After a day spent outdoors, families can relax together in a lakeside picnic spot or cosy log cabin. The wide variety of activities means there is something for every age group.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire
Why You Should Visit
This charming fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast feels like a step back in time. Narrow cobbled streets and quaint old cottages line a steep hill that leads down to a wide beach. At low tide, a sweeping bay reveals rocky pools filled with crabs, starfish, and other marine life. The village has a rich smuggling history that adds an air of adventure and mystery—you can imagine yourself as part of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
Family Activities at Robin Hood’s Bay
Rock pooling is an absolute must—it’s a fantastic way for kids to spend hours exploring the tide pools and uncovering tiny sea creatures, turning it into a natural seaside treasure hunt. The sandy area of the beach is perfect for building sandcastles or enjoying a family picnic with stunning ocean views.
For more active families, a scenic hike along the clifftop trail provides breathtaking coastal vistas (and keep your eyes peeled for seals popping up in the waves below!). Once you’re back in the village, don’t forget to treat everyone to some ice cream or fudge from the charming local sweet shop. Make a stop at the small maritime museum to discover more about the bay’s rich history. The blend of simple beach fun and a safe, walkable village setting makes this destination ideal for all ages. Little adventurers can roam free on the shore, parents will love the charming atmosphere.
If you’re based in London during your stay in England, you may also wish to consider our Best of the Cotswolds Tour.
Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire
Why You Should Visit
Tucked away in Shropshire lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the “birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.” Here, the world’s first iron bridge, constructed in 1779, elegantly spans the River Severn—a remarkable 18th-century architectural feat that endures to this day. Beyond the bridge, the wooded gorge is home to a variety of interactive museums that vividly showcase history, featuring everything from Victorian towns to antique railways.
Family Activities at Ironbridge Gorge
Start by walking across the iconic iron bridge—kids will be awed knowing this was the very first of its kind. Then dive into the museums: a Victorian town lets your family wander an open-air village with costumed actors (your kids can try old-fashioned sweets or watch a blacksmith at work). There’s also a fun science museum where children can get hands-on with gadgets and experiments.
You could plan your ideal travel experience in England with our team. Take a look at some of our example Multi-Day Tours in the UK for more inspiration.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Northumberland
Why You Should Visit
Off the Northumberland coast lies a tidal island that you can access by driving or walking only at low tide, making for an adventurous entrance! This small island was a centre of early medieval Christianity and is home to the ruins of a monastery where famous manuscripts were produced (perhaps even Ireland’s famous Book of Kells). Additionally, a fairy-tale-like 16th-century castle crowns a crag on the island. As you explore, you’ll feel a sense of mystical tranquillity throughout the area. The island also features an impressive variety of wildlife, including puffins and seals, in the surrounding nature reserve.
Family Activities at Holy Island
Time your visit with the tides and enjoy the exciting drive across the causeway—kids will be thrilled by the idea that the road disappears under the sea twice a day! Explore the castle, letting your imaginations run wild about knights and pirates. The island’s small museum offers a glimpse into its Celtic and Viking past. The tidal crossing, castle exploration, and open space to run around give kids a fabulous sense of adventure! This is a great place to inspire an early love of history in your kids!
Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire)
Why You Should Visit
Picture a forest plucked straight from the pages of a fantasy novel—moss-covered rocks, twisting tree roots, and hidden pathways. This enchanting 14-acre ancient woodland feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The unique rock formations and remnants of ancient caves that have collapsed and been overtaken by nature, combined with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, create an otherworldly charm. With its magical atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this forest has inspired countless storytellers and filmmakers (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens both used the site as filming locations!).
Family Activities at Puzzlewood
The main draw of Puzzlewood is meandering along the woodland trails. As you wander through winding paths and cross charming bridges, new surprises await around every corner, from whimsical wooden benches to secret lookouts. Beyond the woods, there’s a small animal area where kids can meet friendly goats and rabbits, as well as an outdoor playground for the little ones to let off steam.
St. Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall
Why You Should Visit
While Cornwall is known for its stunning beaches, this hidden woodland glen offers an entirely different kind of natural beauty. Located near Tintagel, it features a series of waterfalls, including a magnificent 60-foot cascade that flows through a hole in the rocks into a rocky basin below. The glen has a mystical atmosphere, with ancient ivy-clad trees, the soothing sound of flowing water, and colourful ribbons and trinkets left by visitors making wishes.
Family Activities at Nectan’s Glen
The adventure begins with a scenic hike through the woods, which is about a mile long, leading to the waterfall. This trek is manageable even for younger children, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the path can be muddy. At the main waterfall, many families participate in the local tradition of tying a ribbon or cloth near the falls while making a wish—a charming activity that children especially enjoy. The water at the base is shallow, so on warm days, kids can carefully splash their hands or feet in the clear stream (with supervision).
Dovedale, Peak District (Derbyshire)
Why You Should Visit
Dovedale is a beautiful limestone valley in the Peak District National Park, known for its iconic stepping stones over the River Dove. Surrounded by lush hills and unique rock formations, it offers a picturesque escape from crowded tourist spots.
Family Activities at Dovedale
The stepping stones are a highlight—great for kids and adults alike, providing fantastic photo opportunities. After crossing, you can follow a gentle 2–3 mile riverside path deeper into the valley, passing sights like Reynard’s Cave, a natural arch that adventurous kids will enjoy exploring (with caution on steeper parts). Consider packing a picnic by the clear river, where you might spot ducks or fish. For older kids, hiking up Thorpe Cloud offers stunning panoramic views.
Norfolk Broads, East Anglia
Why You Should Visit
The Norfolk Broads, often called “Britain’s Magical Waterland,” is a tranquil network of rivers and lakes in Norfolk, resembling a vast national park of waterways formed from ancient peat pits. Its unique landscape features quiet lakes adorned with lily pads, charming windmills, and expansive skies reflected in calm waters. This peaceful region is abundant in wildlife, including dragonflies, rare birds, and wild ponies grazing on marshes, creating a safe environment perfect for family exploration.
Family Activities in the Norfolk Broads
The best way to explore the Broads is by renting a self-drive boat—no experience needed! Families can enjoy steering their boat and go spotting herons, ducks, and maybe even an otter or two! Adventurous families can try canoeing or paddleboarding in the quiet backwaters for a closer look at nature. On land, the area boasts lovely cycling routes and flat nature trails ideal for bike rides or walks. If you’re looking for thrills, there are adventure parks for kids with treehouses, zip lines, and play areas.
New Forest, Hampshire
Why You Should Visit the New Forest
The New Forest, an ancient woodland and heathland in Hampshire, was once a royal hunting ground dating back to the 11th century. Today, it’s a National Park known for its free-roaming ponies—around 5,000, along with wild donkeys, cattle, and deer. Seeing ponies grazing by the roadside or lounging under trees is a charming sight. The landscape is a mix of shady oak and beech forests, open heaths, and quaint villages with thatched cottages, offering a timeless glimpse into Old England.
Family Activities in the New Forest
Explore the New Forest by cycling or walking its many flat trails—over 100 miles of family-friendly routes. Bike rentals, including child seats, are available in local villages. Along the way, you’re sure to spot the famous ponies (observe from a distance!). Kids will love the wildlife encounters, making it feel like a safari without fences. For more adventure, visit a local wildlife park home to otters, owls, and wolves, or explore a historic estate with a palace house and a vintage motor museum. For younger children, an amusement park featuring beloved cartoon characters sits on the forest’s edge.
Isle of Wight, Off the South Coast
Why You Should Visit
A short ferry ride from mainland England, the Isle of Wight offers a diverse landscape of white chalk cliffs, golden beaches, rolling hills, medieval castles, and charming villages. Just 23 miles across, it’s packed with family-friendly attractions and enjoys a sunny microclimate, making it a favourite holiday spot for British families.
Family Activities on the Isle of Wight
Beach lovers can head to Sandown or Shanklin for seaside fun—sandcastle competitions, pier amusements, and even surfing lessons. History comes alive at a former royal palace where Queen Victoria spent summers or a medieval castle where kids can dress as Norman soldiers and meet donkeys still operating the old well wheel. Known for its dinosaur fossils, the island offers family fossil hunts and a dedicated museum. Short travel times mean no long stretches of restless kids, and the ferry or hovercraft ride adds extra excitement. With so much variety, it’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled family getaway.
Each of these hidden gems offers something unique, but they all share one thing—the ability to engage the entire family. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in a Cornish glen or cycling past ponies in an ancient forest, you’ll be creating family memories to last a lifetime. And remember, we can make your ideal vacation in England become a reality — book a Bespoke Tour in England!
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