Our travel experts reveal their favourite little-known UK gems
The UK has some amazing hidden gems that only the locals know about.
From secret gardens to secluded beaches, here are the best of the best, curated by The Sun’s travel team.
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Bedgebury National Pinetum, Bedgebury – Caroline McGuire, Travel Editor
A truly magical place just over an hour’s drive from London in the leafy High Weald. I first visited the Pinetum as a teenager and I did
I’ve been coming back regularly since then.
The listed landscape houses the largest collection of conifers in the world.
They have been purposefully planted since 1925 as part of a collaboration between Kew Gardens and the Forest Service, and are spaced so that dappled sunlight reaches the ground with every walk.
Admission isn’t cheap (parking fee £14.50) but in addition to the Pinetum there’s a Gruffalo Trail for kids, a fantastic playground and Go Ape.
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Palm Bay, Margate – Kara Godfrey, Assistant Travel Editor
I was fortunate to live in Margate for almost two years and during that time I learned all about the local places to avoid the crowds.
One of them was Palm Bay, a tiny beach that tourists always seem to forget in favor of the main sand.
Nestled into the cliffs, it has the largest lido in Europe and a long sandy beach.
Sure, it doesn’t have the same amenities as the high street, but there’s a nearby cafe and even a free sauna that’s open sporadically.
The best part is that there are no crowds during the event either Summer Months – and in the end you only talk to locals and not to tourists.
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Alnwick Brewery taproom – Ryan Gray, Travel Writer
Alnwick is home to numerous tourist attractions including its castle, gardens, tree house and one of Europe’s largest second hand book shops, Barter Books.
However, just outside of town there is a lesser-known spot where visitors can enjoy a local drink surrounded by stunning Northumberland scenery.
On a quiet road between Alnwick and Lesbury is the Alnwick Brewery Taproom, a place where visitors can not only see how the local beers are brewed but also taste them.
Locally made rum and gin are also on the menu, as is mead made on the nearby island of Lindisfarne.
The beer garden is the perfect place to while away a balmy summer evening, while local restaurants and food establishments take turns serving food to guests on Friday nights.
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Secret Rooftop Garden, Birmingham – Hope Brotherton, travel reporter
As a proud Brummie, I will sing the city’s praises at every opportunity.
While my hometown is famous for its busy shopping streets, there are many other attractions that deserve attention, including a hidden rooftop garden Birmingham Library.
The City Library is the largest in the UK and has ten levels housing books, archives, photographs, work areas, studios and theatre.
While most visitors head to the library to borrow a book or take a stroll through the shelves, it would be foolish to miss the secret garden.
Access to the roof garden is via the seventh level of the library.
There you will find views of the city skyline as well as colorful flowers and multiple places to sit and read.
And to make the visit even more pleasant, entry to the library is completely free.
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The Secret Garden, Crystal Palace – Giuli Graziano, travel writer
This quiet retreat is only hidden from the main road by a fence crystal palace Triangle where you will find bakeries, local cafes and independent shops.
Locals like to come here to relax and take a break from the city noise.
In the garden there are flowers, plants and a few benches where you can sit, read a book or chat with a friend.
And if you fall in love with the beautiful selection of flowers, you can even buy roses, shrubs and fruit trees from us.
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