From the soft white beaches of Cornwall that could easily be mistaken for the Mediterranean, to the rolling hills of the Peak District, the UK is home to some stunning, scenic outdoor destinations that offer a calming escape from any hustle and bustle.
With many travellers keen to get away from the crowds and eager to discover their own slice of paradise, it’s no surprise ‘secret spots’ is emerging as a key travel trend for 2025, - with “UK hidden gems” racking up a whopping 15,600 Google searches in the past year*.
Spending time outdoors is the perfect way to enjoy some rest and rejuvenation, whether it's camping, hiking through forests, stargazing by a crackling fire, or just enjoying the fresh air. Discovering lesser-known spots where you can avoid the crowds and truly immerse in tranquillity makes it all the more exciting. So, where are the UK's best outdoor hidden gem escapes, and where are the best places for outdoor cooking?
To find out, our team at Gozney has analysed 37 of the UK’s top outdoor hidden gem locations. We ranked them based on a range of metrics, including the number of campsites nearby, the number of walking trails, the average temperature, the number of rainy days and sunshine hours, as well as the number of positive online visitor reviews. Plus, we’ve shared some mouth-watering al fresco recipes that you can enjoy when discovering the secluded spots.
The top 20 best outdoor hidden gems in the UK
1. Shanklin Chine, Isle of Wight
This stunning 10,000-year-old gorge on the Isle of Wight is a total must-see for anyone visiting the island. A spectacular geological wonder carved by nature over thousands of years, this is the ultimate hidden gem. Getting to the Isle is a breeze, with over 140 ferries daily from the mainland.
The attraction’s name comes from the word ‘Chine’, a local term used in the Isle of Wight and Dorset, meaning a "deep, narrow ravine”– and trust us, it’s as cool as it sounds. Visitors can witness the stunning waterfalls, beautiful woodland, and various walkways. Not only is it beautiful during the day, but tourists can return within seven days, free of charge, to see the Chine in the evening when it’s illuminated by lights.
Shanklin Chine has the most positive visitor reviews of all the hidden gems on our list. It also has one of the highest average temperatures of all locations, at 11.6°C and an average of 8.1 rainy days per month, so it’s one of the least rainy attractions on our list too. There are also 18 campsites nearby for those who are visiting and setting up camp, where visitors can often make use of their own pizza ovens and public BBQs (just make sure to double check with your campsite first before you fire up!). It’s a great chance to cook up your own meal or bring along some homemade food for a hike. Plus, there are 18 walking trails, including that of Shanklin Beach, where you can walk down from Shanklin Old Village through trees and parkland.
2. Brownsea Island, Dorset
Brownsea Island in Dorset is the second-best outdoor hidden gem and one of the coolest natural spots in the UK. The island, sitting within Poole Harbour, is steeped with history and bursting with wildlife. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland at Poole Quay, you’ll find sandy beaches, tranquil lakes, lagoons, and lush woodlands just waiting to be explored. What's even better? There’s no traffic and no light pollution – just pure relaxation in nature.
If you're into camping, there are nine campsites nearby, including the one on the island itself. Make sure to book ahead to snag your spot because spending a night under the stars, without any traffic or car horns to bother you, is totally worth it. The island follows just behind Shanklin Chine in terms of temperature, with an average of 11.4°C and reaching up to 21°C in the springtime, and even 26°C in the summer months. Not only this, but it has the fifth-highest number of positive visitor reviews. The island might be small, but it has sixteen walking trails to choose from, one of which being the Brownsea Island Wildlife Walk, which cuts through pine woodland in the centre of the island.
3. Hengistbury Head Beach, Dorset
Taking third place is Hengistbury Head Beach in Dorset. With 9.5 miles of stunning sands and breathtaking views, it's no wonder this spot has earned 667 rave reviews from visitors. The temperature is just as lovely, matching Brownsea Island at 11.4°C on average. While it may have a smaller collection of walking trails (just 12 in total), the sheer beauty of the beach makes it perfect for a scenic, long stroll with incredible ocean views. The Hengistbury Head circular walk, a 3.7-mile amble over the headland and down to the beach of Mudeford sandbank, is a must-do when you visit. And for anyone in Bournemouth, it’s just a quick 20-minute drive away, making it the ultimate easy getaway for locals and visitors alike.
4. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
The Malvern Hills in Worcestershire take fourth place, and it’s easy to see why. With over 15,00km winding through its rolling hills, this area is as diverse as it is stunning. Managed by the charity Malvern Hills Trust, the hills form a natural divide between Herefordshire and Worcestershire, offering easy access for residents and visitors of both regions.
With 17 campsites nearby to choose from, there's no shortage of places to stay, plus, it boasts an impressively low average of just 8.2 rainy days per month. The Malverns also stand out for having the third-highest number of positive reviews at an incredible 486,000. One reviewer describes it as a “nature-lovers paradise” with “beautiful walks overlooking three counties”. Another describes the walk up to the Beacon (the highest point in Worcestershire) as being “well worth the effort as the views are spectacular.”
5. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
This beautiful hidden gem in Cornwall rounds off the top five on our list. It’s not just the stunning views that make this spot so wonderful. It has 6.3 average hours of sunshine per day, one of the sunniest spots on the list. Plus, the highest average temperature of 11.8°C, reaching highs of 18°C in springtime and 24°C in the summer.
Another bonus: you can bring your BBQ or pizza oven and cook up an al fresco storm overlooking the ocean. What could be more perfect than cooking your own pizza while watching the sun go down over the Atlantic!
In terms of other hidden gems that are perfect for outdoor cooking, Rhossili Bay in Swansea, number nine in our ranking, is a great option. Sweeping views of the ocean, towering cliffs and an array of wildlife make it the perfect backdrop for al fresco cooking. The Gower coast is well-known for its array of animals and sea creatures, so you might even be lucky enough to spot an Atlantic grey seal or a dolphin.
Tom Gozney at Gozney said: “Whether you're hosting a sunset pizza party cliffside or grilling fresh seafood on a secluded stretch of sand, a portable pizza oven can transform any remote, ‘off the beaten path’ spot into a gourmet kitchen - ensuring every outdoor meal is as epic as the landscape around you. With one in ten Brits choosing pizza as their favourite dish to cook outdoors*, a portable pizza oven – like our Gozney Tread – is a must-have piece of kit for aspiring al fresco adventurers offering you the opportunity to cook not only restaurant worthy pizza but also so much more. Tread is hyper-portable, ultra-rugged and designed for adventure, taking high temperature cooking to new heights alongside its robust accessory system and giving you the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable culinary adventures in places never thought possible.”
The best regions of the UK for hidden gems
Dorset’s a top spot for hidden gems, with Brownsea Island and Hengistbury Head Beach making the top three. The region mixes coastal beauty and countryside getaways, perfect for camping and hiking.
East and South Yorkshire are also packed with interest, featuring gems like Damflask Reservoir and RSPB Bempton Cliffs, ideal for walks and wildlife. For those in Leeds, the latter and Danes Dyke, ranked number 16 and 17 on our list, offer a perfect escape from the city. They are both just an hour and 45 minutes by car, and a little over an hour from both York and Hull. Likewise, Mancunians seeking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle can head to Pendle Hill (around one hour away by car), where they can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Further south, Londoners looking for a change of scenery will find Bedfords Park in Romford (ranked 12th) an excellent option. This stunning country park sits just outside the city, around an hour by car and a little over an hour by train. London also stands out with spots like Clissold Park and Ruislip Lido, offering city-dwellers and urban nature escape.
Meanwhile, for those in Wales, Symonds Yat Rock offers a similarly tranquil escape, just 45 minutes from Newport and an hour from Cardiff, making it an ideal spot for city dwellers in need of a peaceful retreat. Plus, Rhossili Bay is just a 50-minute drive from the centre of Swansea and feels worlds away from city life when cooking al fresco on the secluded sands.
Many of the thousands of campsites in the UK allow visitors to fire up a BBQ or a pizza oven, but it’s always a good idea to check online with a quick Google search to see the areas you can cook outdoors.
The ultimate recipes for cooking al fresco
Whether you’re grilling fresh seafood on a sandy beach or whipping up a pizza in the forest, these hidden gems offer the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable feast. With a portable pizza oven, like The Gozney Tread, you can take your cooking skills to new, uncharted territories. As the oven is designed for adventure, it gives you the opportunity to create a pop-up kitchen and cook in places never thought possible. With the smoky aromas and the sizzle of food hitting a hot pan, eating outdoors is a great way to connect with nature and also good company.
With 67.2 million TikTok videos tagged ‘campfire cooking’, it’s clear that outdoor cooking is booming. Many content creators are making gourmet cooking videos outdoors with beautiful scenery as a backdrop, and the rest of the world is catching on to this trend. So you don’t miss out on a slice of the action, we have shared our favourite recipes that are perfect for cooking al fresco which you can enjoy at some of the wonderful hidden gem spots in the UK:
1. Marinara Pizza - This delicious and easy-to-prepare pizza is ready in just fifteen minutes, perfect for when you’re hungry after a long day of exploring. With only two main ingredients (plus seasonings), this one is as easy to make out in the woods as it is delicious.
2. Upside Down Pizza - A fun and flavourful twist on classic pizza, baked with all the cheesy, saucy goodness on the bottom and flipped for the ultimate crispy bite! All you need is dough, tinned tomatoes, cheese and some flavourful seasonings to get started, making it the perfect option for outdoor adventures.
3. Steak Sandwich - This recipe combines juicy, sizzling steak layered with bold flavours and served in a toasted bun. This is an outdoor feast that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.
4. Pesto Pizza - A classic bursting with garlicky basil pesto, gooey cheese, and crisp, golden crust, perfect for al fresco summer cooking. Again, a perfect option for convenience when cooking “off the beaten path”, with ingredients you can prepare beforehand and a delicious summery taste.
5. One Tray Breakfast - This is a hearty, hassle-free breakfast cooked all in one tray, perfect for a breakfast of champions on your camping trip. And with sausages revealed to be the number one choice for Brits when cooking a meal outdoors**, with nearly half saying this is their favourite, this recipe is sure to be a hit when you’re huddled by a campfire at sunrise!
Methodology and sources
*Data collected from Google Analytics Keyword Planner tool
**As reported by research conducted by Gozney to 1,022 people in the UK in January 2025.
To determine the best outdoor hidden gems in the UK, we compiled a list of 37 outdoor locations across the country using TripAdvisor's "hidden gem" filter. We then ranked these places based on:
- Number of campsites and walking trails nearby - We used Google Maps, searching both “campsite” and “hiking trail”, and counting all campsites and hiking trails within a 30-minute driving distance. *On islands where driving time was unavailable, we included all campsites and hiking trails on the island.
- Average number of rainy days - en.climate-data.org. We searched for historical weather data for the location and recorded the average number of rainy days per month.
- Average number of sunshine hours - en.climate-data.org. We recorded the average number of sunshine hours per day and per month.
- Average temperature - en.climate-data.org. We recorded the average temperature of each attraction.
- Number of positive visitor reviews - tripadvisor.co.uk. We recorded the number of reviews containing the terms “scenic”, “beautiful” and “picturesque”, then added the total number of reviews with at least one of these terms.
- Annual Google search volume - Google Keyword Planner. We recorded the search volume for each location in the last 12 months.
Data was collected in January 2025.
