WHEN in the UK it is easy to get into a habit to just visiting London and other easy to reach cities and attractions. But if you’re studying here for a while, or just want to experience some of the UK that less people have been to, then keep reading. Here are five lesser-known places in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales – and one English island – that are great places to visit.
1) Edinburgh
Okay, so lots of people do go to Edinburgh so it’s not really an undiscovered gem, but it is a gem nonetheless.
Best for…
Bagpipes, castles, history, museums, cafe culture, traditional pubs. Edinburgh is a great bustling city. With four universities, there is a large student population meaning there are loads of great bars and interesting restaurants around. Look out for tourist shops on every street selling tartan and lambswool scarfs. And try haggis — a traditional Scottish delicacy! The Castle, art gallery and Arthur’s seat are all must-sees.
Logistics…
Easily accessible by train or plane from all UK cities. Flying is quick and easy and you can sometimes get really good deals. You could also look into bus companies like Megabus if you’re short on money but have plenty of time.
2) The Scottish Highlands
Vast, beautiful and largely untouched, the Scottish Highlands are a must for any adventurer or nature lover.
Best for…
Unspoiled beauty, long walks, mountain climbing, wildlife. The highlands in the north of Scotland are very remote but tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow can offer a good way to see the area with local guides showing you the best sites. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles and is regularly climbed by walkers and climbers. Guided tours are available from Fort William (the nearest town). Top tip: Scotland is very cold in the winter, usually several degrees colder than the South of England and often with snow or erratic weather – be prepared with your clothing!
Logistics…
Tours and local buses to the highlands can be easily taken from Edinburgh and there is lots of easily accessible info online about where and when to go.https://www.visitfortwilliam.co.uk/about-ben-nevis-in-fort-william-and-ben-nevis-webcam This site gives helpful tips for those wishing to climb Ben Nevis.
3) Pembrokeshire, Wales
Lots of countryside and lots of lovely seaside.
Best for…
Camping, walking, dolphin watching, coasteering, wildlife watching. If you’re able to get access to a car, exploring the small towns, beaches and coves of Pembrokeshire is a must. Pembrokeshire is a county in West Wales and boasts lots of beautiful coastline: coasteering trips and dolphin watching boat trips are available! There is also a coastal national park in Pembrokeshire which is home to lots of unusual and incredible birds, animals and plants.
Logistics…
Best accessed with a car so you can explore the beaches, towns and villages yourself at your own pace. Camping options are widely available and so are hostels, Bed & Breakfasts and hotels. Travel without a car is possible, especially if starting from Cardiff.
4) Belfast, Northern Ireland
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a very historically and politically interesting city.
Best bits…
Political graffiti, the Titanic, pubs, Game of Thrones. Relatively recent political unrest in Northern Ireland mean that there is politically motivated graffiti lining the streets and even the walls of peoples’ houses. The city itself is full of stuff to do; the Titanic famously set sail from Belfast so there are various attractions in its honour such as a museum, restaurant, boat trip around the harbour, a self-guided trail and a memorial garden. Parts of Game of Thrones were filmed in Belfast: tours are available that take you from site to site to show you where parts of the series were filmed.
Logistics…
Fly from any UK airport – there are often cheap flights available – or catch a ferry from Liverpool.
5) The Isle of Wight
Okay so technically the Isle of Wight is in England, but it’s often not included in a tourist trail and it is definitely worth a visit.
Best bits…
Surfing, countryside, a relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, historical sites, festivals. The Isle of Wight is a small quaint island off the coast of England. The Needles rocks are a big draw of the island with its famous chairlift taking visitors to the rocks. The Isle is also famous for its coloured sands and there are lots of shops selling the colourful sand in jars as gifts and keep sakes. Water sports are a big draw of the island along with lots of walking trails, horse riding routes and cycle paths. The Isle of Wight festival happens every June and attracts massive international artists.
Logistics…
The Isle of Wight is accessible by ferry and hovercraft(!) from the south coast of England, predominantly Lymington and Southhampton. The crossing is short and affordable: going by car may ensure the best exploring opportunities whilst you’re there, but it’s also possible to get a train to the ferry and then explore the Isle on foot, by bike and with public transport.
Would you like to study in some of these amazing places? Click here to find universities around the UK.
