Travel chaos sees Brits seek UK hidden gems

Britons planning to holiday closer to home this year are being shown some of the most beautiful hidden gems for a peaceful getaway.

The travel experts at Tiger.co.uk have looked at several destinations for travellers keen to escape the crowds and enjoy a restful break.

This comes after a survey from Tiger.co.uk revealed 50% of Britons are considering a staycation this year rather than heading abroad due to safety or travel disruption concerns.*

Rising fuel prices and travel uncertainty around the conflict in the Middle East have left travellers questioning overseas holidays.

Data from popular holiday operators shows a 10% fall in summer sales resulting in a cut to the number of available seats over the summer.**

For Britons choosing to holiday closer to home, Cornwall, Yorkshire, North Wales and Scotland are some of the favourite spots. But with increasing numbers expected to flock to popular coastal and inland destinations, finding a peaceful getaway location may be a challenge.

The experts suggest heading off the beaten track to find the spots loved by locals where holidaymakers can enjoy beautiful scenery and a more peaceful break.

They’ve looked at destinations across the UK to find the hidden gems less touched by tourism and geared towards restful stays away from the crowds.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director and travel insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “Uncertainty around the globe suggests that many holidaymakers may be looking to stay closer to home and enjoy all that the UK has to offer. The survey data reflects this, with half of Britons saying they plan to stay local this summer.

“Thankfully there is something for everyone with stunning coastal locations, vibrant city breaks and breathtaking rural settings. But for those hoping for a quieter break, finding a lesser-known spot offering a peaceful and relaxing experience can be tricky.

“We’ve identified six beautiful spots across the UK which do just that. From beautiful coastal destinations in Norfolk, Wales and Scotland to the rugged scenery of the Lake District and the South West Coast Path – there are a huge variety of picturesque holiday alternatives, right on our doorstep.”

The Roseland Peninsula, Cornwall

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and known for its uncrowded beaches, areas of woodland and stunning coastal walks. The South West Coast Path wraps around the headland with beaches including Carne Beach and Porthcurnick. Visitors can explore pretty fishing villages including St Mawes.

Ceredigion Coast, Wales

Ceredigion offers holidaymakers dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains and even dolphin spotting. You can enjoy beaches at Cardigan Bay and Mwnt beach, check out the cascading Devil’s Bridge Waterfall and soak up the history of Cardigan Castle. For outdoor lovers, head to the Cambrian Mountains for walking trails, mountain biking and stargazing.

Sandwood Bay, Scotland

Found on the far north-west coast of Scotland, Sandwood Bay is home to a remote, mile-long stretch of beach, backed by dunes and a fresh water loch, framed by high cliffs and a tall sea stack. Visitors can explore the beach and dunes, follow a four-mile trail, find Am Buachaille (The Herdsman) which is a sandstone rock pillar, and spot seals and dolphins.

Sandsend, Yorkshire

Sandsend is a small fishing village close to its famous neighbour Whitby. The three-mile-long sandy beach offers plenty of opportunities for a seaside stroll, rock pooling for children and the opportunity for fossil hunting. The Sandsend Trail & Cleveland Way along the rugged clifftop will take walkers to Kettleness Beach to find waterfalls and caves.

Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk

A coastal village in Norfolk with unspoiled sandy beaches, sand dunes and lots of wildlife. Over the colder months the beach is home to a massive winter seal colony during the pupping season. Also expect to spot rare breeding seabirds, natterjack toads and beautiful butterflies.

Eskdale, Lake District

Eskdale is one of the more secluded valleys on the western side of the national park. Dramatic mountain scenery and ancient woodland offer peaceful walking routes and a chance to get away from busy life. Stanley Ghyll Waterfall near Boot village is a 60-foot waterfall you can reach by woodland trails, or take a journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

For those keen to try staycations this summer, it’s important to check travel insurance details, as most policies say UK trips will need to be a minimum of two nights and a certain distance from the persons house before it can be covered under staycation travel insurance.

Tiger.co.uk connects travellers with competitive prices and quality travel insurance, policies could help protect personal belongings, support emergency medical issues and even support on cancellations.

References:

*Tiger.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during May 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

**https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8p31ngv90o