Once the jewel of the English countryside, the Cotswolds has become a victim of its own success.
Drawn by social media and millions of visitors each year, the honey-coloured villages that once felt like hidden gems are now among Britain’s busiest tourist destinations.
Nowhere is this more obvious than Bourton-on-the-Water. Once a sleepy riverside village, it has become synonymous with packed streets, traffic jams and crowds of selfie-takers during the peak summer months.
The issue isn’t that people are visiting the Cotswolds: it’s the sheer scale of tourism.
Some of the region’s most famous villages have become overcrowded, more expensive and increasingly difficult to enjoy at the height of the season.
Last year, some even introduced new measures, including visitor charges, to help manage the influx.
So rather than searching for an untouched corner of the Cotswolds this summer, why not head somewhere different?
From rolling hills and picturesque market towns to spectacular coastlines and mountain landscapes, these destinations offer all the beauty of the UK countryside – without the crowds.
Market Harborough
The old church square in Market Harborough provides a historical picturesque backdrop
You’ve heard of the Cotswolds, of course – but what about the ‘Notswolds’?
The Welland Valley, on the border of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, has gained this comical nickname due to its beauty as well as its much more budget-friendly price tag.
Market Harborough, right in the heart of this region, is a standout destination to visit, with many of the same attractions you’d find in the Cotswolds.
In terms of pretty streets to explore, this market town has it all – boutique shops, historic houses and cottages, and a market dating back to 1204.
There’s no shortage of things to do outside. Check out Wistow Maze for a family-friendly day out, or visit the canals. Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy quad biking, off-road driving and clay pigeon shooting at Avalanche Adventure.
Shropshire Hills
For the vast countryside of the Cotswolds but a quieter ambience, try out the Shropshire Hills
The Shropshire Hills may not have the same ring to it as the Cotswolds.
But towns such as Church Stretton, Bishop’s Castle, Craven Arms, Clun, Much Wenlock and Cleobury Mortimer have just the same English feel to them as many alternatives.
No convincing is required of the beauty of the surrounding countryside, either – the Shropshire Hills National Landscape is one of the best in the UK.
It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958 (now known as a National Landscape).
In September, check out Ludlow’s food festival, too, for a taste of independent products and a congenial vibe.
The Black Mountains
The Black Mountains, on the England–Wales border, are another excellent choice
The Black Mountains, the easternmost of the four mountain ranges of hills comprising the Brecon Beacons National Park, provide some of the UK’s most exquisite views.
Check out the nearby towns of Abergavenny, Crickhowell and Talgarth for a new spot to explore.
But here, the magic lies in the outdoors.
Waun Fach is the highest point of the Black Mountains – an ideal hike for avid walkers – but other key peaks include Hay Bluff, Sugar Loaf and Twmpa, also known as Lord Hereford’s Knob.
Wye Valley
Monmouth Viaduct on the river Wye rivals the beaty of the Cotswolds
Whether you stay in Ross-on-Wye, Hay-on-Wye or somewhere in between, this section of the UK countryside is well worth a look.
Some spots – such as Symonds Yat, of Sex Education fame – lure in more tourists than others, but much of this region is taken up by the sort of countryside pubs, long walks, forested paths and riverside scenery many of us seek during the warmer months.
It’s perfect for outdoorsy types, too, with canoe hire available as well as a nearby Go Ape.
For culture vultures, you can visit Goodrich Castle, the ruins of Wigmore Castle and plenty of small villages for a mooch.
Clappersgate, Lake District
Clappersgate is an excellent central base for exploring the Lake District
Around 18 million visitors come to the Lake District every year to enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
But many stick to the busy areas of Windermere, Kendal, and Ambleside, missing out on the beauty of lesser-known areas that the national park has to offer.
One hidden gem nestled in the South Lakes area is Clappersgate, according to Lake District local Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Cottages.
It’s a peaceful village located on the outskirts of Ambleside, making it an ideal base for those wanting to explore the national park while avoiding the busy areas.
It may be a small village, but it boasts a rich history with many historic structures, including the notable Clappersgate Bridge.
Peak District, Derbyshire
Opt for the Peak District if the great outdoors is up your street, with walks galore
The Lake District may be stunning – but the Peak District has all of the magnificent scenery, and nowhere near as many crowds.
For a standout stay, opt for Swinney Wood Log Cabins, right on the edge of the Peak District – it was voted Europe’s Most Romantic Resort 2025 in the World Travel Awards.
And while it might not possess the glitz and glam of places like the Ritz in London or Paris’s elegant five-star hotels, it has one key advantage: it’s entirely crowd-free.
The cabins have sweeping views of the spectacular Derwent Valley, a World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding international importance.
St Agnes, Isles of Scilly
St Agnes is a thoroughly underrated spot for enjoying summery weather
Most visitors to the Isles of Scilly stick to the two largest islands, St Mary’s and Tresco.
This leaves little St Agnes a relatively untouched haven of peace during the busy summer season; its powdery white-sand beaches are among the best in the archipelago.
Don’t miss Bar Beach, a narrow link between St Agnes and its neighbouring island, Gugh.
There’s safe swimming to either side of the sand bar, although it’s entirely submerged at high tide, so get your timings right.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle and its surrounding beach and town are a cinematic escape
The beach in front of Bamburgh Castle feels so vast that overcrowding rarely happens – you can walk along it for miles without having to share your path.
If you’re visiting, the Castle itself is well worth a look, and the scenery looks like something out of a movie.
It has even starred on the big screen more than once, including in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023.
‘Absolutely fabulous beach with the most stunning backdrop. Picture soft golden sand, grand castle in the background, islands in the foreground, quiet and peaceful’, is how one reviewer on Tripadvisor described the coastal stretch.
Isle of Gigha, Scotland
For untouched scenery, few places are as remote and peaceful as the Isle of Gigha
The tiny Isle of Gigha in the Scottish Inner Hebrides has a population of just 187, limited services and is only accessible by a ferry from the mainland – by all definitions, a hidden gem.
Gigha is three miles off the peninsula of Kintyre in Argyll, and is owned by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust after the community bought it in 2002 with £4million of grants.
It has a village, Ardminish, and there is a pier for landing boats, a post office, a hotel and shop.
There is a community-owned wind farm which generates income for the trust and 900 acres of the island is arable land which is farmed, making it the most fertile and productive island in Scotland relative to its size.
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