Undiscovered Britain

[anti-pacer]

Now we all know how beautiful places like the Scottish Highlands and our National Parks are, but what's your favourite part of lesser discovered Britain?

I personally think the following are up there for beauty, and areas well worth a visit;

Pendle Hill and surroundings
Calder Valley
Charnwood Forest
Cannock Chase
Blackwater estuary

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Most of Somerset
The Sperrins, Co. Tyrone / Co. Londonderry

Edit - Forget the Sperrins, most of rural NI is worth checking out!

 

[anti-pacer]

Most of Somerset
The Sperrins, Co. Tyrone / Co. Londonderry

Edit - Forget the Sperrins, most of rural NI is worth checking out!

My experience of NI is Belfast, which I loved. Very interesting city!

I would love to see the rest of NI though. Watching programmes such as Great British Railway Journeys, Coast, and Countryfile, it looks so nice, from the Mountains of Mourne right up to the Sperrins.

I think growing up at the time of the Troubles, NI depicted a picture of a place that was grim, dangerous, and not worthy of a visit. However, now, when you see various programmes featuring Strangford Lough, Lough Erne, Lough Neagh, the Antrim Coast, as well as the mountainous areas I've listed above, it certainly makes me want to pack a bag, fly over, and spend a month or so exploring such an underrated province that seemingly offers so much.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I think growing up at the time of the Troubles, NI depicted a picture of a place that was grim, dangerous, and not worthy of a visit. However, now, when you see various programmes featuring Strangford Lough, Lough Erne, Lough Neagh, the Antrim Coast, as well as the mountainous areas I've listed above, it certainly makes me want to pack a bag, fly over, and spend a month or so exploring such an underrated province that seemingly offers so much.

Often what the media wanted you to see. Of course things were bad in the likes of Lisburn, Belfast and Londonderry etc but out in the country I get the impression from what I'm told (by people who actually lived there) that nothing much ever really changed and for the most part Proddies and Catholics lived next to each other perfectly happily, even at the height of it.

I can't really speak much for Down, Armagh or Fermanagh (I'm told the Silent Valley / Mournes are very nice though), but there's plenty to see in Londonderry, Tyrone and Antrim. The Sperrins offer a wonderful drive and the Glenshane Pass is a wonderful road (it's like a more accessible Woodhead / Snake Pass). Of course you also have the Antrim Coast, Ballintoy and Giant's Causeway.

 

[anti-pacer]

Often what the media wanted you to see. Of course things were bad in the likes of Lisburn, Belfast and Londonderry etc but out in the country I get the impression from what I'm told (by people who actually lived there) that nothing much ever really changed and for the most part Proddies and Catholics lived next to each other perfectly happily, even at the height of it.

I can't really speak much for Down, Armagh or Fermanagh (I'm told the Silent Valley / Mournes are very nice though), but there's plenty to see in Londonderry, Tyrone and Antrim. The Sperrins offer a wonderful drive and the Glenshane Pass is a wonderful road (it's like a more accessible Woodhead / Snake Pass). Of course you also have the Antrim Coast, Ballintoy and Giant's Causeway.

There's a place near Whitehead (I think that's what it's called), just up the coast from Belfast, which was featured on Portillo's programme. It had walkways that had become neglected, but a grant was in place to restore all these coastal paths.

That looked worth a visit, as well as all the coast north of Larne of course.

 

[RochdalePioneers]

Another vote for the Antrim coast. Beautiful, peaceful.

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[anti-pacer]

Another vote for the Antrim coast. Beautiful, peaceful.

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What about places closer to home? Saddleworth villages, Calder Valley?

Not a patch on the Antrim Coast seemingly, but where's your favourite local place?

 

[306024]

.........but where's your favourite local place?

<--------- See picture opposite.

Another vote for the Antrim coast. Beautiful, peaceful.

Won't be if it gets too many votes.

 

[yorksrob]

Personally, I really enjoy the Cumbrian Coast. Seems relatively undiscovered as well. I also have a soft spot for the Romney Marsh, having grown up around there.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The Lleyn peninsula of North Wales

 

[anti-pacer]

Personally, I really enjoy the Cumbrian Coast. Seems relatively undiscovered as well. I also have a soft spot for the Romney Marsh, having grown up around there.

Romney Marsh? Never been but always wanted to thanks to Countryfile.

 

[Gathursty]

The coastal route and area north of Tonfanau and the area near Aberaeron (?) when heading down to Fishguard from Aberystwyth.
Rockingham
The Arun Valley around Amberley
The drive down from Liskeard into Looe hugging the railway line.
Sheringham
Southend-on-Sea

 

[Hardcastle]

Eden valley off the S&C, The Welsh coast away from the main resorts, Mid Wales, Pateley Bridge/Nidderdale area, Forest of Bowland, The Lune valley, Shropshire hills/Herefordshire, So many others to mention too.

 

[Bungle73]

Talking about Country File, the other week they were from Elmley Marches, on the Isle of Sheppey, near me. If you saw it you would have seen how remote it is. Probably one of the most remote places one can get in South East England. There's a road/trackway that leads out of my town, Sittingbourne, that used to lead to a ferry across the Swale, to Emley, where James II fled from.

I also like the tiny country lanes in the countryside to the south of the town, which are just like the ones one would find in the West Country.

 

[anti-pacer]

Talking about Country File, the other week they were from Elmley Marches, on the Isle of Sheppey, near me. If you saw it you would have seen how remote it is. Probably one of the most remote places one can get in South East England. There's a road/trackway that leads out of my town, Sittingbourne, that used to lead to a ferry across the Swale, to Emley, where James II fled from.

I also like the tiny country lanes in the countryside to the south of the town, which are just like the ones one would find in the West Country.

Yes I did see that, and it looked remote.

North Kent is a place I've not really visited, with the exception of the Thanet towns. Always wanted to go to Whitstable, which always look appealing when shown on TV.

 

[telstarbox]

Not saying because otherwise the world and his wife will be there!

 

[user15681]

Talking about Country File, the other week they were from Elmley Marches, on the Isle of Sheppey, near me. If you saw it you would have seen how remote it is. Probably one of the most remote places one can get in South East England. There's a road/trackway that leads out of my town, Sittingbourne, that used to lead to a ferry across the Swale, to Emley, where James II fled from.

I also like the tiny country lanes in the countryside to the south of the town, which are just like the ones one would find in the West Country.

I'd agree with how remote it is. The country lanes can sometimes be the best part of our town... the way out.

Some areas of north Kent, particularly along the edge of the Swale and up to Whitstable are lovely, even if not quite 'undiscovered'. Especially of a summer's evening.

I spent some time in July last year in the Peak District and it was amazing, albeit on a business/corporate weeend. We were at a place on the end of a dirt track, high up in the peaks, with a view out over the reservoir the Dambusters flew over. All the water for the building was sourced from a local stream, which became blocked and we had no running water. It really felt like we were alone in an undiscovered area. Loved it.

 

[Donny Dave]

Sheringham

I wouldn't say Sheringham is undiscovered, as North Norfolk can be (and usually is) very crowded during the summer season, especially the North Norfolk Coast. On the other hand, about 20 miles away is Fakenham, which only tends to be busy on market days (because of the road closures for the market) and race days. IMO it's well worth spending a few hours just wandering around there, in particular, on market day.

 

[DarloRich]

We live in such a fantastic country with such differences within it. My favourite “unknown” part is the Yorkshire coast between Whitby and Redcar, The Durham coast line and the Northumberland coast and Holy Island.

 

[D6975]

South West Scotland - Portpatrick, Ballantrae, Glen Trool, Isle of Whithorn.

(Cornwall - St Ives, Kynance Cove, Marazion. Busy these but still nice)

Yorkshire - Upper Wharfedale - Appletreewick-Burnsall-Grassington.

 

[anti-pacer]

We live in such a fantastic country with such differences within it. My favourite “unknown” part is the Yorkshire coast between Whitby and Redcar, The Durham coast line and the Northumberland coast and Holy Island.

Not too familiar with the Durham Coast, but I'm with you on the rest. Runswick Bay has to be one of my favourite places, and sitting outside that little pub there looking out to sea on a hot, sunny day, beer in hand, is unbeatable.

I love the drive up the A174 from Whitby towards Saltburn too.

Northumberland is also stunning and in parts so empty. Fabulous beaches, lovely castles, seafood, heaven!

 

[andythebrave]

Arriving in Beddgelert from the north; I've never seen anything more beautiful.

I recall also beng captivated by the rail journey from Girvan to Stranraer.

 

[WestCoast]

I've always been fond of the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland in North East Lancashire. Not undiscovered or "spectacular", but very pleasant and less well known than the Lakes, Peaks or Dales.

Also I second whoever said the Calder Valley and would add the Malvern Hills to that as well!

 

[anti-pacer]

I've always been fond of the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland in North East Lancashire. Not undiscovered or "spectacular", but very pleasant and less well known than the Lakes, Peaks or Dales.

Also I second whoever said the Calder Valley and would add the Malvern Hills to that as well!

I agree with that. The Ribble Valley is beautiful, as are the Malverns. I think because east of the hills is so flat, it makes the view so impressive.

 

[PeterY]

Another vote for the Antrim coast. Beautiful, peaceful.

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Another vote for the Antrim coast. I love the causeway coast.
Any guesses where my avatar was taken?

Locally for me, Rickmansworth aquadrome, Ashridge, (near Tring) and Stanborough lakes (near Welwyn G.C.)

 

[poshfan]

If you want some peace and quiet and maybe lose a few inches as well, you don't need to go very far. Just get a rucksack, a good pair of hiking boots and the Ordnance Survey 1:25000 map of your local area. Most areas have quite a dense network of public footpaths, bridleways and byways. The trick is to look for paths that connect up into a practical route with minimal on-road walking. Circulars are ok, but point to point to a nearby town or village and return by bus or train gives more of a sense of achievement. If you have never done cross country walking before, you may well be surprised by how peaceful it is and how remote it seems once you get distance between you and the nearest road. Also you may have lived in an area for years and think you know it like the back of your hand, but once you go out walking you soon realise that actually all you really know are the roads and a strip of land on each side.

 

[DarloRich]

Not too familiar with the Durham Coast, but I'm with you on the rest. Runswick Bay has to be one of my favourite places, and sitting outside that little pub there looking out to sea on a hot, sunny day, beer in hand, is unbeatable.

I love the drive up the A174 from Whitby towards Saltburn too.

Northumberland is also stunning and in parts so empty. Fabulous beaches, lovely castles, seafood, heaven!

The Durham coast is good to - more dramatic with cliffs etc. The area around Easington /Blackhall is really nice. It is easily as good as those parts further north or south and even more quiet!

For me you cant beat Yokrshire,Durham or Northumberland. (If i am being slightly less biased i MIGHT include Cumbria in that list )

 

[fowler9]

Well not that it is undiscovered since it is run by the National Trust but Speke Hall and its grounds are lovely and many people in Liverpool even don't seem to realise it is there. It is hemmed in by John Lennon Airport, 2 large industrial estates and a large housing estate that isn't usually recognised as being the nicest on Merseyside. It is truly beautiful and if you follow the path around to the river at the back you can look at the Mersey, the welsh hills and the airports runway.

 

[anti-pacer]

The Durham coast is good to - more dramatic with cliffs etc. The area around Easington /Blackhall is really nice. It is easily as good as those parts further north or south and even more quiet!

For me you cant beat Yokrshire,Durham or Northumberland. (If i am being slightly less biased i MIGHT include Cumbria in that list )

I think a trip up there may be looming then.

As you're originally from Darlington, what's the Durham Dales like?

I've seen it on Countryfile and I believe one of their presenters is from there, but how different is it from the Yorkshire Dales?

You must have been lucky DarloRich living up there with so much on your doorstep. Dales, NY Moors, coast, whilst not being too far from the Lakes and Northumberland.

 

[Clip]

The Northumberland coast has to be one of the nicest places in Britain( I may be biased)