The Best Off the Beaten Track Destinations in England

“As exciting as the big English cities of London, Liverpool, and Leeds may be, there’s something about the off the beaten track destinations in England that really get our wanderlust flowing. From quaint villages by the sea to vibrant towns up north, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite destinations that are often less touristy and usually deal with fewer crowds. If you’re looking for quiet and calm while you’re on your next holiday, look no further than this list of hidden gems around England.

The Best Off the Beaten Track Destinations in England
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Lansallos
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It’s difficult to consider any town in popular Cornwall as off the beaten track, but there’s something to be said about spending time in one of the smaller, lesser-known villages. While nearby fishing village Polperro is quite well known, just up the road you have Lansallos. Head here for a rugged coastline, quiet beaches, and lots of beautiful hiking paths, often far away from any crowds.

Broadstairs
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Sandwiched between the popular destinations Margate and Ramsgate in Kent, one of the appealing aspects of a visit to Broadstairs is that it often has far fewer tourists than its neighbouring towns. With a classic charm, it’s perfect for a day trip from London for those who are craving a bit of the seaside, or for a longer stay to explore the area. With a sandy beach as well as plenty of lively pubs, cafés, and shops, you can easily lose track of time in Broadstairs.

Read more: The Best Seaside Towns Near London

Rottingdean
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Although perhaps not seemingly off the beaten track to many, Rottingdean is still an unexpected delight to the tourists who visit every year. While nearby Brighton is obviously an amazing holiday destination, sometimes you just want something a little different. With a picture-perfect town centre and miles of seaside to explore, East Sussex’s Rottingdean makes for an ideal getaway when you need a bit of calm amongst the chaos.

Naunton
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Found in the gorgeous Cotswolds, Naunton packs quite a punch for such a small village. Although not as well known as villages such as Castle Combe or Cirencester, Naunton is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hidden gem on your next holiday. Tucked away in the beautiful English countryside, basing yourself here (or at least visiting for the day) is a great way to explore the nearby walking trails.

Read more: The Best Villages in the Cotswolds

Blanchland
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While many people are aware of Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s lively energy, not as many know of the tiny Northumberland town of Blanchland, found approximately 25 miles west of the city. With a picturesque centre and some fascinating history – make sure to visit the Lord Crewe Arms pub, which dates back to the 12th century – the village makes for a relaxing and fun holiday.

Read more: 6 of the Best Walks Around Newcastle

Clevedon
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Clevedon, found in North Somerset, is sometimes overshadowed by nearby tourist hotspots like Bristol and Bath. But with the absolutely stunning Clevedon Pier – opened in 1869, it’s one of the oldest surviving examples of a Victorian pier – as well as plenty of galleries, pubs, and walking trails to explore, you won’t soon run out of things to do in Clevedon.

Appledore
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Located in North Devon, this charming fishing village has a delightfully slow pace of life and an exciting history (it was once a shipbuilding port). It’s now home to many colourful cafés, shops, and galleries, as well as plenty of restaurants where you can try some of the fresh local seafood. A visit here might just be the off the beaten track holiday you’ve been craving!

Interested in more content about England? You might like The Best Beaches in England, The Best Seaside Towns in the UK, and 100 Things to Do in the United Kingdom!”