Planning your summer holiday but want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots? These three stunning European destinations offer beautiful beaches and coastal charm without the crowds.
La Gomera has some gorgeous beaches(Image: Getty)
Spring has finally sprung, meaning summer is just round the corner. Britain is fortunate to have countless stunning countries within easy reach, and if you’re pondering where to head this year, you’re in for a treat.
One of the most frustrating aspects of arranging a holiday is deciding on a destination – and with hordes of tourists flocking to all the popular spots, finding somewhere peaceful and relaxing can prove even more challenging.
If you’re after coastal beauty without thousands of holidaymakers crowding the beaches with towels and parasols, these are the three European locations you need to consider, reports the Express.
In contrast to Tenerife or Lanzarote, this stunning island remains relatively undiscovered and experiences fewer crowds during peak season than the British favourites.
Laura Evans-Fisk from eurochange commented: “It’s the perfect tranquil, peaceful alternative to the more popular islands. You could stay here for a restful few days or make a day trip from Tenerife by hopping on the ferry.
“La Gomera is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers, home to the lush UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.
“Its beaches are much more secluded than the ones you’ll find on the other islands, and you’ll encounter no large-scale resorts or nightlife.”
“Like other islands in the region, La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too. And, its low light pollution means it’s an excellent spot for stargazing.”
Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, this stretch of Albania is known as the “Albanian Riviera”. It’s becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, yet sections of it remain largely undiscovered.
Laura explained: “Ksamil, an area often coined the ‘Maldives of Europe’, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches, with white sands and strikingly clear waters.
“For a more relaxed vibe, visit Porto Palermo – this stunning bay has a small peninsula connecting it to the mainland, and an impressive 19th-century castle, Ali Pasha.”
The Algarve is frequently packed with tourists, but further north in Alentejo there’s a far more laid-back atmosphere. With its picturesque coastal landscapes and gorgeous beaches it provides the ideal summer getaway.
Laura commented: “Further North than the Algarve, this coastline surrounds the city of Lisbon, making charming towns like Cascais, Estoril and Azenhas do Mar perfect day excursions from the capital.”
The Bird Cage Theatre has stood inside Knott’s Berry Farm for 72 years — albeit not always soundly. Long framed by a tin roof and a tent, the theater had a reputation for discomfort, as it was a source of punishing heat and the occasional mouse sighting.
“It was hot, it stunk and it was dirty,” says Payden Adams, the park’s VP of entertainment.
Still, though it has long felt like an endangered species, the Bird Cage Theatre is one of Southern California’s most historic revival houses, a place for vaudeville-style, fourth-wall-breaking shows that deviate from the expected theme park fare. To quote the theater’s most recent production, its entertainment can be “flirtatious and a little bit saucy.”
Knott’s Berry Farm’s Bird Cage Theatre is modeled after a historic venue in Tombstone, Ariz.
(Kyusung Gong / For The Times)
Opened in 1954, the Bird Cage Theatre has specialized in vaudeville-style melodramas.
(Knott’s Berry Farm)
And now, against all odds, the Bird Cage is getting a second life. Knott’s Berry Farm recently completed a renovation designed to keep it thriving for another 72 years. Gone is the tarpaulin roof: The Bird Cage is now a fully enclosed, soundstage-like structure. And blessedly, it has modern air conditioning.
The theater reopened this past weekend with “The Great Bank Robbery,” a 30-minute-plus show in which audiences are encouraged to boo, hiss and swoon over the characters, a Bird Cage tradition since 1954. Characters are caricatures, be it a villain that feels plucked from a cartoon western, complete with a purring raccoon for a sidekick, to a greedy wannabe politician of a bank manager. Though set in Ghost Town with period garb, there are modern flourishes, such as tongue-in-cheek nods to the theme park’s attractions and a damsel in distress who ultimately proves to be anything but.
Though it once operated as a daily theater, the Bird Cage is today most active during holidays and seasonal events, such as the park’s annual Boysenberry Festival, which also began this weekend. Popular summer show “Miss Cameo Kate’s Western Burle-Q- Revue” is a 20-minute cabaret-style performance, complete with a torch song and a slightly risqué cancan finale.
When it’s running, the Bird Cage is a must-see attraction. Live theater in theme parks can feel like a moving target, as conventional wisdom often argues that today’s smartphone-addled guests are after thrills and more attention-grabbing, interactive experiences. But when it works, such as during the over-the-top silliness of “The Great Bank Robbery,” or at Universal Studios’ “Waterworld”-themed stunt show, it can offer guests some of the most memorable, personal moments at the parks.
The Bird Cage Theatre reopened this past weekend with the show “The Great Bank Robbery.”
(Kyusung Gong / For The Times)
“You’re not wrong, especially when it comes to attention spans. We experience that,” says Adams, who oversaw the theater’s restoration. “The way we’ve pivoted and navigated is just ensuring our shows are tight and clean. It might be a little over 30 minutes, but audiences are engaged. In melodramas, we ask the audience to participate, and we can train them how to participate beforehand. When you see characters, even when they’re heightened or over-the-top, people still connect with them.”
The Bird Cage Theatre first opened in the summer of 1954, its facade a near-replica of the original Bird Cage in Tombstone, Ariz. That the family-focused Knott’s would nod to the Arizona locale is an oddity in and of itself, as the actual theater had a bawdy reputation. Stories today speak of a place that initially opened with grand ambitions but eventually succumbed to gambling and prostitution.
At Knott’s, the theater was built around existing structures, although park founder Walter Knott, according to the book “Knott’s Preserved” by Chrstopher Merritt and J. Eric Lynxwiler, often talked about completing it as a full tribute to the Arizona space. That never really happened.
Knott’s re-created the original wallpaper of the Bird Cage Theatre for its remodeling.
(Kyusung Gong / For The Times)
And yet over the years the Bird Cage won over audiences thanks to programming from Vaudeville veterans. Early on, students from nearby colleges would appear at the space, including Steve Martin, whose signed photograph graces a celebrity wall in the Bird Cage’s introductory hall. Donna Mills and singer Rick Nelson have graced the Bird Cage’s horseshoe-shaped stage, as have Dean Jones and Skip Young.
It was, to say the least, a quirky place to perform. “Knott’s Preserved” tells of a show in which a mouse once sat at the base of the stage, and quotes Martin as reminiscing over performances affected by the weather. “When it rained, no one could hear each other because the rain was beating so hard on that tarp,” Martin said.
None of that should be a problem anymore, although returning guests will likely feel they’re in a familiar space. Though the Bird Cage has been outfitted with modern lighting capable of new theme park tricks and projections, the rig is hidden among curtains designed to re-create the look of the original tent. Lights, in bird cage enclosures, still hang above the audience seating area, which has room for about 250 guests.
The Bird Cage Theatre at Knott’s Berry Farm now has a properly enclosed roof and air conditioning.
(Kyusung Gong / For The Times)
And along the way a few discoveries were made. Adams says that when they began stripping away wooden walls added sometime in the 1970s, they found the Bird Cage’s original wallpaper, a scarlet-red strip that surrounds the space with flower-adorned bird cages. Not all of it could be salvaged, so Knott’s meticulously re-created the look. With the new-old wallpaper intact, Adams estimates that guests can count about 11,055 bird cages throughout the theater.
The original pieces will be preserved in the park and gifted to important Bird Cage players. Adams jokes, “If you have a mailing address for Mr. Steve Martin, I have a gift to send him.”
The fishing village sits magnificently in a stunning cove on a peninsula, offering fresh seafood, timeless charm and an escape from typical tourist crowds
The village seems to be frozen in time(Image: Getty Images)
Cornwall harbours a hidden gem which truly seems frozen in time.
Encircled by stunning scenery and overflowing with authentic Cornish charm, this South Cornwall fishing village stands amongst the area’s most exceptional locations.
Described by Secrets of Cornwall as “a great secret frozen in time”, this tiny harbour village nestles magnificently at the foot of a steep, dramatic valley that opens out onto the splendid Veryan Bay.
Considered the crown jewel of Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, this coastal village provides quintessentially Cornish views, yet remarkably stays free from the usual tourist masses.
The late Sir John Betjeman – Poet Laureate and famously the campaigner who saved St Pancras Station from destruction during the 1960s – once described this little hamlet as “one of the least spoiled and most impressive of Cornish fishing villages”, and it’s safe to say Portloe has fully lived up to such acclaim.
Save on the best holiday cottages in Cornwall
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.
Timeless Cornish treasure
The village derives its name from the Cornish ‘Porth Logh’, meaning ‘cove pool’ – a fitting description reflecting its picturesque position within a cove surrounded by dramatic hillsides.
This naturally sheltered spot established its role as a flourishing pilchard fishing harbour throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
In fact, until the 20th century, over 50 fishing boats operated from the village’s protected cove harbour, a number that has since dropped to just two.
These remaining operational vessels continue their work, hauling in lobster and crab which is then supplied to the village’s two venues – The Lugger and The Ship Inn.
Considered among Cornwall’s most delightful villages, Portloe stands as a true hidden gem, preserved from the passage of time and modern development, reports Cornwall Live.
The steep valleys encircling the village have guaranteed Portloe’s protection from urban sprawl over the years, leaving the settlement and its buildings practically unaltered since their initial construction during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Like much of Cornwall, Portloe’s past is linked with smuggling, with French brandy being the main contraband transported through the village in a bid by locals to supplement the hamlet’s dwindling fishing trade.
Famous connections
Portloe provides a genuine escape from Cornwall’s well-known summer crowds, offering simply a scenic historic harbour and a small beach which exposes a limited stretch of sand at low tide – its picture-perfect surroundings undisturbed by tourist commotion.
The village’s unspoilt appeal has also rendered it a popular filming destination over the years, most notably appearing in Forever England (1935) starring John Mills, Treasure Island (1949), The Camomile Lawn (1991), and more recently in Richard Curtis’ rom-com blockbuster About Time (2013), the BBC’s Wild West television series, and Irish Jam (2006).
What to see and do in the picturesque coastal village
Tourists should not overlook Portloe’s two most renowned establishments – The Lugger hotel and The Ship Inn.
Situated right at the top of the harbour slipway, The Lugger provides diners with the opportunity to relish freshly caught lobster, crab and fish while taking in unmatched views of the Cornish coastline.
Immersed in Portloe’s history, The Lugger was once a notorious smuggler’s refuge, with its landlord even meeting his end at the gallows during the 18th century for smuggling French brandy.
For those favouring a valley-facing view and a more traditional pub atmosphere, the much-adored Ship Inn awaits – originally a 17th-century fisherman’s abode that remains decorated with maritime memorabilia.
Serving delicious meals, The Ship Inn has established its reputation on fresh seafood whilst also accommodating lovers of more typical pub favourites.
One Tripadvisor review of this beautiful village reads: “One of those hidden treasures that we love. Tucked away and not easy to find, but so well worth the trip.
“There is no beach to speak of, this is still very much a fishing village. One hotel, one pub, lots of fancy pants second homes and a handful of old fishing boats plying their trade.
“A great place to start a section of the coast path also. Or just sit and be, and let the day drift by.”
Another visitor said about Portloe: “Lovely, timeless location, where they still winch small fishing boats up on the beach. The only other place I know of like this is Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard peninsula. Simple and unspoiled – thankfully not inundated with tourists like Polperro. There are beautiful clifftop walks to enjoy, or you can just sit and listen to the waves lapping on the shore.”
There’s remarkably little else to keep you busy in this charming Cornish fishing village apart from dining, enjoying a drink and absorbing the breathtaking coastal views – and frankly, we can’t think of a better way to spend your holiday time.
Many of the papers lead on Iran’s attacks on British troops at airbases in Iraq and accusations Russia is helping Iran. “Hidden hand of Putin”, reads the Guardian’s headline, quoting UK Defence Secretary John Healey and referring to Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin. It writes Iranian drone pilots are “using methods learned on Ukraine battlefield”, while Russia also benefits “from oil price rise to fund war with Kyiv”.
“UK points to Kremlin following attack on base” says the Times, which also leads with Healey’s “hidden hand of Putin” quote. In a separate story on the front page, the paper splashes: “3D printers could provide personalised hospital food.” It writes edible inks – a science in its early stages – could be used “to build foods layer by layer, creating customised shapes, textures and nutritional profiles”.
The i Paper calls the Middle East conflict “the oil war”, as the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, “vows to make the world pay for Trump’s bombs by blockading shipping”. The UK military “is planning to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz ‘with major allies'”, with sources telling the paper “Royal Marines have been told they may be deployed at short notice”.
A hidden gem on the UK’s coast boasts sparkling waters, golden sands and a breathtaking landscape, as well as a section popular with naturists
(Image: by Andrea Pucci via Getty Images)
A beautiful beach with glistening waters that wouldn’t look out of place on a travel brochure for the Mediterranean has been named the best in the country.
As the warmer months draw near, there’s no better moment to pencil in a ‘beach day’ in your diary. And if you are, one magnificent location that is well worth a visit is Botany Bay.
The Kent beach consistently receives Blue Flag status, which is a recognised national mark of cleanliness and upkeep. But it’s not just a tidy, sewage-free spot. Botany Bay was recently crowned the best beach in the UK by Conde Nast
“Kent’s beaches make for a perfect day trip for down-from-Londoners, but many sunseekers opt for the likes of Margate’s Main Sands and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay as they’re close to lots of family-friendly amenities. Stray off the beaten track slightly and be rewarded with Botany Bay’s gorgeous sands and clear, shallow waters. Head down the main path and take a right to the buzzier side where in-the-know families set up base with cooler boxes and chunky picnic blankets, or stroll left for a more peaceful afternoon—things take a nudist turn at the far end,” the travel publication wrote.
When the tide retreats, Botany Bay unveils vast stretches of sand and offers the chance to explore its fascinating rock pools. The landscape is utterly captivating, with the bay bordered by iconic white cliffs and chalk formations.
The wide beach and amazing scenery have made it a favourite with casting directors. In recent years, it has been used by productions such as BBC’s D-Day: The Last Heroes, Tamil action drama Thaandavam, Sky Atlantic comedy Hunderby, BBC drama True Love, as well as music videos for Bat for Lashes, Bebe Black and Shawn Mendes.
Land Rover, Sainsbury’s and NatWest have also borrowed its good looks for adverts.
Another group with many big fans of the beach is the naturist community. The Foreness area at the western end of the beach is popular with those who enjoy getting their kit off, although the area does not have an official designation as a naturist beach. Thanet District Council has considered putting up signs to inform or warn non-nudists of the possibility of encountering naturists, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Those keen to take a dip should know that there’s lifeguard supervision between May 24 and September 7, from 10am until 6pm. And pet owners will be delighted to learn their four-legged companions are welcome on the beach beyond these hours, from May 1 through to September 30.
Getting to the bay, which was crowned the UK’s most photographed beach last February, is straightforward, thanks to the well-established route from the cliff top, or the concrete walkway near the water station at the seaward end.
The bay’s water quality has received an ‘excellent’ rating for swimming in 2024, maintaining the impressive standards recorded in recent years.
If you do visit, make sure you plan the time of your arrival well. Low tide exposes fascinating rock pools and enables access to **Kingsgate Bay**. The local authority has shared advice for beachgoers and adventurers: “When the tide is out, Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay’s shape the ends are cut off at high tide.”
If all of this wasn’t reason enough to visit, then the fact Botany Bay is in one of the best seaside towns in the country: Broadstairs. You can read about our recent visit to the town here.
This peaceful South Lakes village offers a quieter alternative with River Brathay access, kayaking, Loughrigg walks, and family activities
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
03:11, 08 Mar 2026
This little-known village is something of a hidden gem(Image: ALBAimagery via Getty Images)
Millions flock to the Lake District annually seeking respite from the chaos of daily life. Yet, countless holidaymakers gravitate towards the crowded hotspots of Windermere, Kendal, and Ambleside, which means their walks may prove less tranquil than anticipated, whilst they overlook some of the more hidden corners that the national park boasts.
One such secret treasure nestled in the South Lakes region is Clappersgate, a tranquil village situated on the fringes of Ambleside. Jerry Rebbeck, a regional specialist at Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages, has championed the settlement’s appeal, suggesting it as an ideal base for those exploring the vicinity.
He said: “Clappersgate has great access to the River Brathay, making it a great spot for adventurous visitors who want to paddleboard or kayak towards Waterhead or further onto Windermere.
“If you are not the adventurous type, you can enjoy the majestic riverside setting, taking in the views with a tipple of your choice or a book in a more secluded area.”
For those who prefer rambling, there are excellent routes directly from Clappersgate leading up to the Loughrigg Circular, which offers stunning panoramas across Windermere, and serves as an ideal lower-altitude trek when weather obscures the loftier peaks.
Despite being a compact settlement, Clappersgate brims with heritage, boasting numerous period buildings, including the remarkable Clappersgate Bridge.
The Grade II listed bridge, dating back to the 17th century, is a favourite spot for walkers in the area, owing to its views over the river and surrounding greenery.
Jerry added: “Clappersgate also has convenient access to nearby indoor activities, making it a brilliant place for families to stay in case of those unexpected rainy days, including the Lake District Aquarium and a neo-gothic Wray Castle.
“There are lovely historic houses and holiday cottages in Clappersgate for those wishing to stay in the area.
“The village is tucked away from the crowds, yet within easy reach of numerous landmarks and boasts stunning scenery – offering the perfect balance between relaxation and exploring the Lakes.”
THE UK isn’t short of amazing swimming pools, with some dating back to the Victorian era.
But one in the city centre of London remains relatively unknown – despite a multi-million campaign to reopen it.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
A swimming pool in London has been raved about as a “hidden treasure”Credit: Everyone ActiveThe pool is part of the Marshall Street Leisure Centre in SohoCredit: AlamyThe pool dates back to the 1930sCredit: Alamy
Marshall Street Baths is built on the grounds of one of London’s oldest bathhouses in 1852.
Also previously called Westminster Public Baths, it was rebuilt to what it looks like now back in 1931.
Even used as a training ground during World War II, it fell into disrepair over the years.
It was forced to close in 1997, before reopening as Nuffield Healthleisure centre in 2010 after a £25million refit.
WORK has officially begun on a major expansion project at a regional airport in the UK.
Bristol Airport has started its £30million upgrade with a new two-floor extension to connect the existing terminal and the departure gates.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Bristol Airport has started work on its £30million upgradeCredit: Farrans
The airport upgrade will include 17 new shops and restaurants including premium brands and a hidden speakeasy bar in the terminal.
Overall floor space at the airport will nearly double (45 per cent increase) as well.
In the newly created floor space, there will be more seating as well as the new ‘island’ shops, meaning shops will not just be at the edges of the terminal.
When it comes to arrivals, there will be a new reclaim area with an additional baggage carousel.
When it comes to accessibility, the assisted travel lounge will double in size with new tables.
It will be located near the middle of the departure lounge and also have accessible toilets and a changing places facility.
A baby feeding room will be added as well.
Accessibility will be improved to the immigration area too, with new stairs and lifts.
The transformation to the airport is set to take place over the next three years and is part of a wider £400million investment plan to transform passenger experience at the airport.
By the end of it, the airport will be able to cater for up to 12million passengers, up from 10million currently.
The airport already has completed a number of improvements as well, such as “next generation security” and a new Public Transport Interchange with bus stops, bus bays, a car park and a larger M&S supermarket.
The departure lounge also has a new executive lounge called Escape.
Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director at Bristol Airport said: “We have ambitious plans to transform our customer experience over the next couple of years, and we really appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding while all of these massive improvements are taking place.”
There will be 17 new shops as well as a ‘hidden speakeasy bar’Credit: Farrans
Gerard McNamee, Project Manager at Farrans – the building and engineering firm carrying out the works at the airport – said: “This is an exciting project which will be completed in a live environment in which all passenger routes need to remain open at all times.”
Last year, the airport announced how as part of its upgrade, it hopes to offer flights to the east coast of America and the Middle East in the future.
The airport is also planning to increase the number of flights from 85,990 per year to 100,000, which would mean an additional 35 flights per day in the peak season.
While the airport is planning to keep its night restrictions, it does want to increase night flights to 1,000 a year, which would mean four per night in the peak season.
This is the only UK destination that has perfectly preserved city walls – and you can follow them all the way around
The pretty city has a long and rich history(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Tourists have hailed this city as a hidden gem brimming with breathtaking scenery and vibrant heritage, whilst being steeped in Roman, Norman and English history. A brief train ride from Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales, this city ranks amongst Britain’s most picturesque cities.
Chester has claimed the top spot for UK city breaks in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. The historic walled city offers an impressive 71% of its attractions rated four stars or above on TripAdvisor, paired with hotel prices averaging just £80 per night.
At £66 for a meal for two and £2.38 for a pint, it delivers a genuinely affordable weekend away without skimping on things to see and do. Roman ruins, Tudor-era architecture, and excellent shopping along the famous Rows make Chester a destination that punches well above its weight.
Its city walls provide a beautiful 45-minute walk around the city. The fortifications are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2,000 years old.
The walk gives enchanting views into the city and gives a fantastic insight into Chester’s long history.
Visitors can journey through centuries past whilst strolling the city’s meandering streets and Roman Walls – Britain’s most intact example. No stranger to accolades, Chester additionally features the nation’s largest outlet village on its periphery, with vendors operating from a delightful 700-year-old medieval gallery.
Chester Cathedral exceeds 1,000 years in age, showcasing remarkable period architecture and exceptional medieval mosaics. The award-winning Tower Tour can gives stunning panoramic Cathedral vistas from its view points.
The tour revolves around climbing the Cathedral’s tower, which looks out over five counties – you can even see Wales on a clear day.
Families looking for an entertaining day trip can explore Chester Zoo, home to 35,000 creatures distributed throughout 128 acres of rainforests, caverns and marshlands. The zoo lately unveiled sunrise-view safari lodges for visitors wanting a more long-term experience.
The city’s stunning meandering lanes also boast a thriving café culture, with numerous independent establishments on offer. Venues such as Bean & Cole and Jaunty Goat serve as popular destinations for speciality coffee, whilst The Hollies Farm Shop stocks delicious regional fare.
For those considering a summer trip, Chester’s prize-winning racecourse hosts meetings between May and October, providing an excellent choice for some spirited entertainment.
Chester also serves as the backdrop for renowned soap Hollyoaks, with unforgettable moments like the heartbreaking death of Lily McQueen captured at Chester railway station. Devotees of the programme can enjoy guided walking tours for photography opportunities.
The city originated in AD 79 as a Roman fortress, and prospered through commerce along the River Dee. Today, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely evening on a sightseeing cruise of Chester by boat, or participate in a themed evening voyage down the Dee.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
A charming fishing village on the coast of one of the UK’s most beautiful regions is the epitome of rural tranquillity – and it’s a true hidden gem
It’s an outstanding gem hiding in plain sight(Image: David Clapp via Getty Images)
Whilst Cornwall’s reputation for harbouring breathtaking villages is well established, with each seemingly more enchanting than the next, one particular hidden treasure manages to shine even amongst the county’s most impressive offerings. This delightful fishing village, nestled within the Lizard Peninsula between The Lizard and Coverack, is a picture-perfect hamlet cradled by a stunning shingle cove, with roots stretching back to medieval times when it consisted of little more than a handful of fish cellars.
Celebrated for its charming and historic character, the village appears “lost in time” – a quintessential fishing settlement where little has altered through the decades. It features picturesque clusters of thatched cottages and a modest yet impressive fleet of colourful and vibrant fishing boats that are hauled up onto its shingle beach and remain in active use.
Save on the best holiday cottages in Cornwall
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.
History of this coastal treasure
The village’s name derives from the Cornish term for “a thicket” and literally means “battle of trees”, most probably owing to the densely wooded valley in which it sits.
Originally known as Porthcaswydh, which later evolved into Por Cadjwydh, this gorgeous fishing hamlet is now called Cadgwith, reports the Express.
Developing from its modest fish cellar beginnings, the 16th century witnessed Cadgwith welcoming permanent residents, whilst fishing continued to be the primary occupation for those who lived there.
Homes, cellars, lofts, and capstan houses were gradually constructed using local stone and cob walls, whilst the distinctive thatched rooftops were erected along the shoreline and hillsides of the valley, lending Cadgwith its unmistakable “Cornish fishing village” charm.
Breathtaking scenery and terrain
Nestled within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), rebranded in 2023 as National Landscapes, Cadgwith boasts two beaches divided by a headland known as The Todden, which visitors are free to explore on foot.
The shingle beach, the larger of the pair, sits to the north-east and is widely recognised as Cadgwith Cove – a bustling hub where local fishermen are known to ply their trade.
The second beach, a blend of sizeable boulders and sand, lies to the south-west and goes by the name of Little Cove or Little Beach – an unspoilt retreat beloved by residents and holidaymakers alike for swimming, snorkelling, rock pooling, and diving.
Such is the breathtaking beauty of Cadgwith’s coastal scenery that it served as a backdrop for the 2003 film Ladies in Lavender, starring Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith. More recently, it was revealed that HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series will be shooting scenes at Cadgwith Beach and its beloved local watering hole, Cadgwith Cove Inn, in October 2025.
What to see and do in this coastal gem
No trip to this stunning Cornish hamlet would be complete without a visit to the much-loved Cadgwith Cove Inn. This charming 300 year old watering hole exudes a wonderfully warm and welcoming ambience, regularly hosting folk music evenings featuring the renowned Cadgwith Singers, making it the ideal spot for weary travellers seeking a wholesome Cornish meal and a refreshing pint.
Dishing up the freshest seafood – hardly surprising given its coastal location – this cherished establishment has garnered glowing praise on Tripadvisor. One delighted regular commented: “Cadgwith has a special magic about it, and its heart is the Cadgwith Cove Inn. I guess you’d call us regulars – we try to get here a couple of times every year, and have done for the last six years or so. If only it could be more often! Cadgwith has a special ability to make the troubles of life melt away when you drive down the hill into the village, and the Inn is truly special at the heart of that magic.
“Fridays see the Cadgwith Singers do their things with their sea shanties, and it is truly the best start to a week down here. But any day of the week this place has a special blend of people and place which is truly unique. The beer is great, and the food is better. What more could you ask for?”
Another essential stop in Cadgwith is The Old Cellars Restaurant, hailed as “a true Cornish treasure” positioned directly on the village’s fishing beach. This family-run café also offers alcoholic beverages and has earned its reputation for outstanding seafood offerings, particularly prawn sandwiches, locally sourced crab, fresh lobster, and hot paninis.
Boasting a delightful cobbled courtyard with breathtaking sea vistas, The Old Cellars Restaurant has become a local favourite. One reviewer says of the joint: “What an absolutely beautiful little gem in a stunning village, we had a traditional cream tea and it was delicious, lovely courtyard seating and friendly and welcoming staff, well worth a visit.”
During the summer season, Cadgwith draws plenty of visitors, with its swimming beach providing the perfect location for a cooling plunge whilst the fishing beach offers an excellent vantage point to observe fishermen in action as they land their daily haul. It’s important to note that whilst dogs are welcome throughout most of the year, four-legged friends are prohibited from Little Cove between July 1 and August 31 from 10am to 6pm.
The South West Coast Path winds through Cadgwith, and just a short distance north of the hamlet lies The Devil’s Frying Pan – a massive 100-metre deep crater in the cliffs created when a sea cave’s roof caved in, leaving behind the breathtaking rocky arch jutting into the ocean. Whilst this dramatic coastal spectacle alone justifies a journey to Cadgwith, the village is fortunately packed with numerous other attractions.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
They offer stunning beaches, hiking trails and authentic Spanish culture away from the busier Canary Islands.
La Palma
For decades, the Canary Islands have remained a beloved getaway for British holidaymakers. However, activists are now mobilising to highlight the damaging effects of over-tourism plaguing the sun-drenched Spanish archipelago.
Campaigners point to a severe shortage of local housing and environmental degradation driven by the thriving tourism sector on the most frequented islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.
Yet amongst the eight islands, there exist lesser-known gems where mass tourism hasn’t taken hold – destinations equally as stunning but refreshingly unspoilt.
Here the Express explores the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.
Three alternatives in the Canary Islands
La Gomera
La Gomera ranks as the third-smallest amongst the archipelago’s eight principal islands, home to 22,361 residents. San Sebastián de La Gomera serves as its capital.
Katie, a travel blogger behind The World on my Necklace, shares what attracted her to this diminutive island. She said: “I read about La Gomera, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago.
“While Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote have areas that are awash with generic package hotels and Irish bars — although even Tenerife has a lot of beauty away from the touristy stuff if you know where to look — La Gomera sounded like a more relaxed and authentic experience and the more I read, the more excited I was to visit.
“I was sold on this idyllic island paradise still untouched by the commercial tourism that steered me away from the larger islands.”
The petite volcanic island offers an abundance of hiking and cycling trails for visitors seeking a more energetic getaway. Its 100-kilometre coastline is dotted with spectacular beaches featuring dramatic black sands.
El Hierro
Known as Isla del Meridiano, the Meridian Island, El Hierro ranks as the second-smallest and most southwesterly of the Canary Islands. Home to just 11,659 residents, it spans 103.67 square miles.
It’s particularly renowned amongst diving aficionados and is progressing towards complete energy self-sufficiency using clean, renewable power sources.
Travel blogger Silvia shared her thoughts about the island on her website. She said: “Let me start with a clear message: el Hierro is the best hidden gem you will find in the Canary Islands. Given that it is the smallest island of them all, I figured there wasn’t that much to see… boy, was I wrong!”.
Visitors who venture there can anticipate hiking, diving and a culinary journey featuring numerous celebrated eateries.
La Palma
La Palma goes by the nickname La Isla Bonita — The Beautiful Island. Covering 273.48 square miles, it’s the fifth-largest of the eight principal Canary Islands, with 84,338 inhabitants.
The compact island is eager for tourists to discover its attractions. Its tourism website reads: “Home to incredible landscapes, imposing volcanoes, dense forests, unique beaches, and star scattered skies, the island of La Palma is rightfully named ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the Pretty Island).”
A safe destination, whose main attribute is its environmental quality, an unmistakable sign of healthy surroundings.”
The Hoffman Kiln near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a moss-covered derelict kiln hidden in woodlands, though the site is currently undergoing development with limited access
The site was left abandoned for years (Image: Alexander W Helin via Getty Images)
For those looking for an extraordinary walking adventure, this trail delivers something truly unique and proves ideal for youngsters who relish uncovering secret treasures along the way.
Nestled within the forests on the outskirts of Settle in Yorkshire lies Hoffman Kiln, an abandoned kiln that once served as an insulated furnace for burning raw materials.
Today, it resembles an subterranean grotto constructed from brickwork and blanketed in moss, lending the location an unsettling verdant atmosphere.
Its past remains somewhat enigmatic to locals, though additional points of interest dot the vicinity, designated as part of the ‘Craven Limeworks trail’.
The kiln formed part of what was previously an industrial complex, where Yorkshire workers toiled in appalling conditions before nature eventually reclaimed the site, leaving it abandoned.
Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.
Historical background
The nineteenth century witnessed the establishment of the railway route connecting Settle to Carlisle, which subsequently generated fresh industrial prospects for the region.
The railway regularly transported coal inbound to process the limestone extracted from the scar, then carried away the completed product.
Enormous quantities of stone were once processed here, yet now it lies concealed. The kiln was previously operated by labourers whose responsibility involved shovelling burnt lime onto wagons positioned mere feet away in the sidings.
Describing the harsh working conditions, Senior Historic Environment Officer Miles Johnson explained: “It’s quite pleasant space to be in now but whilst it was in use it was probably absolutely grim. Lime is really nasty, caustic stuff to work with.
“The lime burners who worked in here had to cover every inch of their body with rags and clothing to try to keep the lime dust out. When lime dust meets moisture or water it reacts and generates a lot of heat.
“So if you’ve got lime dust on your body, and you’re shovelling and starting to sweat, then you’d start to blister and burn quite quickly.”
Exploration today
Proposals to develop the land housing the kiln have been under consideration for some time. Back in 2021, it emerged that Craven District Council’s planning application had received approval, with the site now earmarked for commercial development.
Prior to construction commencing, one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Really loved my visit. I was amazed by how big the site is, considering it isn’t promoted very well. There is lots to explore, and the information boards are very helpful.
“The car park for the site is also quite large, so there is plenty of room. It felt quite exciting to be exploring the vast Hoffmann kiln by torchlight, and I was very pleased to see that it hadn’t been littered or abused.”
Yet more recently, visitors have suggested that the feeling of discovering a secret, unspoilt location has vanished, with construction work now progressing at full pace. A later review states: “These unusual kilns are well worth a visit.
“However, as other reviewers have mentioned, at the moment the area is a building site. There is access to the Hoffman kiln, but you need to cross the building site and walk along beside the railway.”
To find the kiln, you can use the postcode BD24 9NU, where you’ll find it just off the main road between Langcliffe and Stainforth.
This town has been named among “Spain’s most secret destinations” by European Best Destinations, with colourful houses, fresh seafood and vibrant festivals
One of Spain’s ‘most secret destinations’ is a fishing village with colourful homes(Image: Getty)
Tucked away between verdant rolling hills and the Cantabrian Sea lies a hidden gem of a village that European Best Destinations has crowned amongst “Spain’s most secret destinations”. Cudillero, situated in the Asturias region, is celebrated for its enchanting winding alleyways, vibrant houses down the slopes, and thriving fishing harbour.
Fishing has long been the lifeblood of the village’s economy, and today you can still observe fishermen carrying out their age-old routines along the waterside. Tourists can meander along the harbour, observe the fishing vessels gently rocking in the water, and savour fresh seafood and traditional northern specialities in the village’s eateries.
Asturian gastronomy, originating from the Asturias region in northern Spain, is celebrated for its robust and richly flavoured fare that frequently showcases fresh seafood, substantial stews, and locally procured produce, reports the Express.
Arguably its most iconic offering, the Fabada Asturiana, is a sumptuous and soul-warming bean casserole prepared with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork.
Another comforting treat worth sampling during the chillier seasons is the Caldereta de Pescado, an Asturian seafood casserole that highlights the region’s maritime treasures.
It comprises an assortment of fish and seafood including hake, monkfish, prawns, and clams, simmered in a richly flavoured stock with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
The Empanada Asturiana, a savoury pastry filled with tuna, chorizo, or other ingredients is a beloved snack in Asturias and often taken on picnic trips and to family events by locals.
Visitors to this corner of Spain simply must sample the traditional Asturian Cider, known locally as Sidra Asturiana, which is customarily poured from a considerable height to oxygenate it and amplify its taste.
Cudillero is a village that invites discovery, boasting a historic quarter resembling a labyrinth of narrow, twisting lanes flanked by quintessential Asturian dwellings, many decorated with vibrant balconies with pots brimming with flowers.
Perched atop the village on a clifftop commanding views of the ocean sits the Church of Santa María, providing sweeping vistas across the vegetation-clad surrounding landscape.
Nature lovers will find Cudillero offers abundant opportunities for adventure, with neighbouring walking routes winding through dramatic coastal terrain and lush woodland.
Beyond its scenic splendour and seafaring character, Cudillero is also celebrated for its lively festivals held year-round, including L’Amuravela, which occurs every June 29th and commences with a local resident delivering, in rhyme and “pixueto” dialect, a sermon wittily recapping the year’s events whilst seeking divine protection for the 12 months ahead.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
