Great Britain's insider tips: These are the places where the locals go on holiday
Great Britain is more than just London, Stonehenge, or fish and chips on Brighton Pier. If you really want to get to know the United Kingdom, you have to go where the locals drink their Sunday coffee, where you'll encounter no one but a few sheep while hiking, and where the clocks tick more slowly—in short, where there are no other tourists.
The holiday home portal "Home to Go" has conducted an analysis to identify the best places for an authentic holiday in England, Scotland, and Wales. We present five insider tips that aren't yet on the bucket list of German travelers.
In the far northwest of Wales lies the Isle of Anglesey – connected to the mainland by two bridges, yet a universe all its own. Here, harsh coastal winds whip across steep cliffs, sheep graze on lush green meadows, and Welsh dominates the road signs.
The island is also home to the place with the longest name in Europe: anyone who dares to pronounce the tongue twister Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch will definitely be in the good books of the islanders.
Sheep are a common sight on the Isle of Anglesey.
Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime
The Isle of Anglesey, with an area of 714 square kilometers, is roughly the size of Hamburg. Travelers can explore the island by car or on foot, as the Anglesey Coastal Path winds its way along the coast for over 200 kilometers—past secluded bays, puffin colonies, and picturesque lighthouses like South Stack.
Also worth a visit is Beaumaris Castle, a well-preserved but never completed fortress from the 13th century.
The West Stack Lighthouse.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Located in the heart of England lies Derbyshire – a county that is often unfairly overlooked. Here, British rural life unfolds at its finest: lush green hills, quaint pubs, and the rugged landscapes of the Peak District National Park.
While most tourists head toward the Lake District, the hiking trails around Bakewell and Castleton are pleasantly quiet. In Castleton, it's also worth a detour to the Blue John Cavern, where a rare semiprecious stone is mined.
At 950 metres, Helvellyn is the third highest mountain in England.
Source: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The small town of Eyam is also fascinating: When the plague spread there in 1665, the village decided to isolate itself from the outside world. Today, visitors can explore the sites of these events on a circular trail.
For those who love British food, you should try a traditional Bakewell pudding during your visit to Derbyshire. The best place to try it is The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, where the recipe supposedly originated.
Skegness—or "Skeggy," as it's affectionately called by the locals—isn't a place whose photos will make your Instagram followers jealous. Instead, it's an authentic British seaside resort with colorful lights, noisy slot machines, and fish and chips with too much vinegar. The small town is located right on the North Sea coast of Lincolnshire.
There is no chance of getting bored in the seaside resort of Skegness.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Anyone who ventures into Skegness will recognize the small-town charm: the 19th-century pier, families heading to the beach with buckets and shovels, and the tranquil Gibraltar Point nature reserve. There, just two kilometers from the bustling promenade, visitors encounter dunes, salt marshes, and wading birds.
Skegness Pier.
Source: imago images / ZUMA Press
In the far southwest of Scotland lies the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway. This quiet corner of the country is often overlooked by travelers, but it has everything a nature lover's heart desires: a rocky coastline, dense forests, and dilapidated castle ruins.
You can stargaze in Galloway Forest Park.
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Dumfries and Galloway is home to one of Europe's first Dark Sky Parks, Galloway Forest Park. On clear nights, the starry sky is spectacular, and you can sometimes even see the Northern Lights. A must-see is the hike to Grey Mare's Tail, one of the highest waterfalls in Great Britain. Near Moffat, the trail leads past steep slopes, sulfur springs, and grazing sheep.
The hiking trail to Grey Mare's Tail.
Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime
Culture is also not neglected: The pretty town of Kirkcudbright is not nicknamed the "Artists' Town" for nothing – small galleries, studios, and colorful house facades characterize the townscape. For literature enthusiasts, Dumfries is a must. Scotland's national poet Robert Burns lived here. His former home is now a lovingly designed museum.
This quiet county in the southwest of England is an insider tip for anyone dreaming of the real England. In Somerset, you'll find rolling hills, sheep pastures, and small villages where every pub still has a fireplace.
Particularly worth seeing are the town of Dunster with its medieval castle, the historic city of Bath, which is famous for its Roman baths, and Glastonbury, which is known not only for its gate but also for its annual music festival.
The famous hill Glastonbury Tor is almost 160 meters high.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Typical of the Somerset region are its apple orchards and the cider made from the fruit, which the locals call "scrumpy." Those interested can visit several distilleries on the Somerset Cider Trail. A strong cheese pairs perfectly with cider—somerset also happens to be the home of delicious cheddar.
The small town of Cheddar is worth a visit not only because of its famous cheese.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Want even more insider tips? Here are the top 10 favorite hidden gems of locals in Great Britain:
- Isle of Anglesey, Wales
- Lincolnshire, England
- Derbyshire, England
- Skegness, England
- Somerset, England
- Tenby, Wales
- Whitby, England
- Lancashire, England
- Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
- Llandudno, Wales
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
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