If you’re an avid traveler, you must have already come across countless sites offering to book you a tour of London. Finding off-beat, small undiscovered cities to visit can be a task. The rich history of the UK is undoubtedly a reason why the entire country has flourished so well. For many travelers, going off the regular touristy places and visiting undiscovered gems can be thrilling.
The UK sees many solo and family travelers who prefer staying and living in places not too crowded or well-known. While the UK is very welcoming of tourists, it is good to ensure your documentation is in order. The UK is strict about paperwork, and immigration can be challenging. To ensure that you have all the visas, documents, and insurance rights, you should contact Ias Services and get everything in order.
Let us help you on your journey of discovering the UK with a few important yet undiscovered small cities to visit.
1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England:
Castle Combe is pretty enough to have stepped right out of the pages of a book. It is known as the prettiest village-town in England. The houses are remarkably well-preserved with charming honey Cotswold stone. The narrow lanes of this town are lined with riotous blooms of flowers that add color to every dark corner.
While visiting the old water pump, White Hart from some authentic English food, St. Andrews Church, and medieval Castle Combe Clock, you can walk. Thanks to Steven Spielberg’s Warhorse filming, you should be wary of going in the tourist season since this small town can get quite a bit of footfall. However, even during the off-season, this town is charming and picturesque.
2. Nottingham, England:
The home of the famous Robin Hood, Nottingham is not very well known as an avid tourist destination hotspot. Within close proximity to Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire is a gorgeous city with historic marketplaces and old-fashioned warehouses. Most people wanting to visit small towns in the UK usually halt Nottingham for fabled stories about Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Nottingham is also home to the oldest pub in England – Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem. If you’re in Nottingham, you should stop by for a pint and click a few pictures. When there, you should also stroll through the historic Lace Market for some shopping.
3. Portmeirion, Wales:
Portmeirion is located in Gwynedd, north of Wales. It was styled and constructed in the last century by notable architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. He styled the town after the many Mediterranean cities around Italy, which is why Portmeirion has a distinctly Italian look.
While Portmeirion is Italian-looking, the styles of the city are a mix of art deco with pastels. You will also find many palm trees, some Buddha statues, and other eclectic mixes of art. Since it isn’t exceptionally well known, it is still largely untouched by vast groups of tourists.
4. Crail, Scotland:
Situated in Fife, in Scotland, Crail is a lovely coastal town. The seafood and mix of bread are excellent here, and you can quickly try some of the local cooking styles in daily food. Crail has a calming effect on the mind, and many people prefer shifting to Crail when in need of solitude.
When in Crail, you can visit the Crail Museum and Heritage Centre, the Scottish Tolbooth, and even see the old Royal Harbour. There used to be a castle, but the remnants of it were removed in the 18th century. Since this town was known in the olden days as a major harbor, you can still visit along the shore to see glimpses of some of its glorious old past.
5. Ballintoy, Northern Ireland:
As a small town, Ballintoy is exceptionally picturesque. It has crystal clue-looking water with a calming yet mesmerizing effect. The shoreline is verdant green, and the city is known to slowly increase in popularity. Ballintoy became famous after it was featured as the Island of Pyke in the TV series aired on HBO, Game of Thrones. The Island of Pyke is featured when Theon Greyjoy decides he’s better off returning to the Iron Islands.
However, Ballintoy was famous even before it became a Game of Thrones filming destination. It is well known for the Giant’s Causeway, approximately 15 minutes away from the central city. When in Ballintoy, you can also visit the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge for some gorgeous photography sessions. You may find affianced couples in Ballintoy for their pre-wedding photoshoots. If you do, try not to photo-bomb them!
6. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland:
Tobermory is a beautiful, small, fishing town in the Isle of Mull. You can get here via ferry from Oban to Craignure and then drive up to Tobermory, or a direct ferry from Kilchoan. If you’re in a mood for some excitement, you could also rent a private water taxi and then drive up.
Tobermory is on this list simply for the breathtaking beauty that it offers visitors. Most tourists prefer Tobermory for the serenity and peace they find here. The houses are colourful in typical Scottish fashion, people warm and welcoming, and the food is absolutely fantastic. If you’re lucky, you may find a homestay option so you can experience Scottish hospitality the authentic way. If not, you can stay in one of the many B&Bs, hotels, or boutique stays. To visit, there’s the Mull Museum, a theatre, and the Marine Visitor Centre.
7. Rye, East Sussex, England:
Rye in East Sussex is as pretty as a postcard. You can never get tired of walking through the cobblestoned streets, drinking tea, and enjoying clean, fresh air. It is a hilltop town that offers beautiful river and countryside views. Most tourists who need a little peace and quiet in their lives prefer visiting Rye. When you’re there, you could also run into writers and authors who prefer the solitude and tranquility of Rye to overcome writer’s block.
Some fabulous places to eat are at Simon the Pieman (scones with jam and cream), try the street food varieties at Tatner’s Street Kitchen, and a well-done steak at The Union Rye.
