The UK is a common travel destination for seasoned adventurers and first-timers alike. With a well-established tourism industry in place, the UK’s main attractions and tourist destinations are often the first places you’ll think of when considering a visit. This is normal, yet it can often mean that you miss out on some of the UK’s many hidden gems.
In this quick guide, we are going to cover five less common but equally impressive attractions worth checking out if you’re spending time in the UK. Whether you’re trying to find a child-friendly activity or want an unusual date destination, this list will have something for you.
The Alnwick Poison Garden, Northumberland
Likely a more adult-friendly attraction is the Alnwick Poison Garden in Northumberland, England. Opened in 2005, the Alnwick Poison Garden plays host to over 100 different narcotic and poisonous plants of varying rarity. From commonly known names like nightshade and opium to less conventional plants, there is plenty to learn here about some of the world’s more dangerous flora.
It’s important to note that you cannot smell, taste or touch any of the plants here as they cant genuinely cause the body damage. If you’re looking for an attraction that is a little different though, this will surely fit the bill.
The Jack the Ripper Tour, London
Jack the Ripper is one of the most iconic British figures and easily one of the most famous serial killers in the world. Having committed atrocities throughout the late 1880s, Jack the Ripper operated in the Whitechapel district of London and whilst his identity remains a mystery, many of the locations where he committed his crimes remain.
The Jack the Ripper Tour is a walking tour that guides you through these destinations, covering the major suspects like H. H. Holmes and Aaron Kosminski as well as explaining each of the crimes in gruesome detail. Again, not necessarily a child-friendly choice, but definitely something more unusual.
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are nestled in an old English estate that was mysteriously lost to nature after World War I before being rediscovered and invigorated in 1990. Covering over 200 acres, the gardens a broad and varied, playing host to flora, fauna and hidden statues which are remnant from the estate’s mysterious past.
Whether you want a romantic getaway or just have a taste for outdoor exploration, Heligan a great choice.
Camera Obscura, Edinburgh
Spanning over five floors and filled with interactive, vibrant activities and curiosities, Camera Obscura is an attraction built on illusions and wonder. Jam-packed with quirky experiences and incredible sights, this is a child-friendly destination that will allow everyone in the family to get hands-on and discover something new and unusual.
Whether you’re staying in Scotland or just taking a day trip to Edinburgh, be sure to add Camera Obscura to your itinerary if you have half a day free.
Zip World, Conwy Valley
Last but not least we have Zip World, a Welsh active tourism destination that plays host to the fastest zip line in the world. Nestled nearby the quaint Snowdonian village of Betws y Coed, Zip World combines treetop adventure trails with zip safaris and giant swings to make the absolute most of the stunning woodland setting.
This is a particularly good attraction choice if you are searching for a family-friendly option that’s still active and outdoors.
Hopefully, this list will have inspired you for your next trip to the UK. It’s easy to get distracted by the big-name attractions and forget about the less common options but everywhere has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, it’s just about taking the time to look.
