Coming home from holiday can feel a little deflating… that is, unless you’re returning with a secret to share.
If you’re staying somewhere new, it’s common to ask Google (or let’s face it, ChatGPT) for the best suggestions to eat, drink, see, and do nearby. But sometimes, the very best are those that stray a little further from the beaten track. The friendly community cafés, the one-off galleries, the ‘insider-only’ activities, and the exquisite beauty spots known only to locals.
That’s why this list doesn’t only feature some of the UK’s most unusual places to stay. Each lovely property owner has also suggested a ‘secret’ something, or somewhere, to help while away your time with them.
What does this mean? Not only can you sample delights usually restricted to those in the know, but you’ll have acquired some serious bragging rights once you get home!
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Frome Independent Market, as recommended by Chapel Studio, Somerset
Halstead, Essex, England
A luxurious, dog-friendly A-frame retreat for couples and small families alike, with a private hot tub, plentiful onsite facilities including sauna, and beautiful woodland surroundings on the Essex and Suffolk border.
Tarka's Cafe is just 15 minutes away, and is the perfect dog-friendly setting for breakfast or lunch. After your meal, you can browse antiques and local wine close by.
Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire, Wales
Luxury log-cabin-style hideaways, surrounded by breath-taking gardens on a historic Grade II-listed property in North Wales.
Bedrooms: 1 per roundhouse
Sleeps: 2 per roundhouse
Nestled deep in picturesque woodland, next to Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch Church, lies St Dyfnog’s well. It’s a historic place of pilgrimage, as well as a lesser-known local beauty spot and a haven for wildlife.
Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire, England
A luxury family retreat with an enchanting ‘rabbit warren' feel, complete with a stargazing dome, hot tub, and idyllic views of rural Warwickshire.
Ember Tap Room is a brilliant place that serves craft ales just up the road from us. It's so off the beaten track that I only found out about it myself recently!
Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Sumptuous woodland hideaways, privately nestled on a magical Clackmannanshire estate that's teeming with rich heritage and diverse, protected wildlife.
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
In our land of whisky, take a personal tour of the tiny Blackness Bay Distillery, and let Colm introduce you to his maturing Mary, Queen of Scotch – just published in the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2026.
Presteigne, Radnorshire, Wales
Welcome to Wild Meadow - a heavenly spot of orchards and meadows on the English-Welsh border, home to the eco-friendly Meadow Cottage and Shepherd's Hut.
Just two minutes away from us lies St Michael’s Church, Discoed: a modest medieval chapel surrounded by centuries of peace and history. The ancient circular churchyard shelters one of Britain’s oldest yew trees, and from here you can also join the famous Offa’s Dyke Path.
Bishopsteignton, Devon, England
A lovingly-crafted, comfort-filled South Devon hideaway for couples and solo escapes, beautifully elevated above the Teign Estuary for superlative hot tub views at sunset.
15 minutes’ drive away in Dawlish, you can take a ‘Shroom Room’ tour at Forest Fungi to see how they grow their famous mushrooms. There’s a farm shop and gourmet café on site, too.
Chathill, Northumberland, England
A laid-back and lovely Northumberland beach retreat, with a relaxing sun room and a dune-sheltered garden that boasts direct access to the beautiful Beadnell Bay.
Tucked between Beadnell and Low Newton, the Long Nanny tern-watching platform and dune boardwalk is one of Northumberland’s most peaceful, and beautiful, hidden gems. It’s just a gentle stroll away, so bring binoculars and a camera, and enjoy nature at its most unspoiled.
Bredenbury, Herefordshire, England
Vintage-styled retreats, secluded on a green platform at a restored 19th century railway station, amongst peaceful North Herefordshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 1-2
Sleeps: 2-4
While staying with us, discover Bringsty Common. Dine at the Live and Let Live 16th century thatched pub, then take a hike through the sweeping landscapes – it’s a fantastic ‘dark sky’ spot for stargazing, too.
Walsingham, Norfolk, England
A restored Control Tower B&B bursting with history, period art deco features and furnishings on a former North Norfolk airfield.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 2 per room
Binham is a wonderful secluded village; rich in history with a ruined priory that is free to wander through. Nearby is the Iron Age double ditch ring fort, which is full of wildflowers in spring and summer.
Penrith, Cumbria, England
Take a pew in a divinely-restored, Grade II-listed 17th century church with expansive and soul-stirring rural views, peacefully secluded in a ‘hidden gem’ Lake District village close to Ullswater.
Just three minutes away, Basecamp North Lakes is a local favourite: a charming kitchen serving delicious meals throughout the day, a bustling farm shop brimming with local produce, and plenty of alpaca activities to enjoy.
Chichester, West Sussex, England
Ultra-luxurious, dog-friendly hot-tub retreats, beautifully secluded by a wildlife meadow in the picture-perfect South Downs National Park.
Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per unit
Sleeps: 4 or 6 per unit
We have a brilliantly eclectic, family-owned, and super dog-friendly local cafe in Bosham called The Crate Cafe. We and our guests love to visit for the incredible breakfast wraps *chefs kiss*, seasonal coffees, and a wave for the horses that live next door!
Blakeney, Gloucestershire, England
A soulful and sustainable mid-century haven with an al fresco soaking tub and lush foliage inside and out, peacefully secluded on a hillside in the Forest of Dean.
One of our favourite local gems is Bird’s Pottery, where you can enjoy a BYO Paint Your Own evening with a pal, or take the kids on a rainy day for a ‘crafternoon’. Our other top tip is the wonderful Branch and Vine, tucked away near the River Wye, offering a beautiful selection of artisan cider, natural wines, and pop-up suppers.
