The National Trust

A charming UK beach has miles of golden sands and sheltered waters – but TikTok users have dubbed it a ‘playground for the rich’ as it has the highest seaside property prices in the whole of the UK

Discovering a peaceful, secluded beach in the UK that hasn’t been swamped by holidaymakers can be difficult, especially if you’re after golden sands, sparkling clear waters, and stunning coastal scenery.

Some of the most well-known beaches in the UK that provide these features are Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, Bournemouth Beach in Dorset, Holkham Beach in Norfolk, and Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire.

Yet, one beach that remains something of a hidden gem is Studland Bay in Dorset. Unlike its busy counterparts, Bournemouth and Sandbanks, Studland Bay has succeeded in preserving its unspoilt character and is the perfect destination for a spring swim. This secret spot features an impressive four miles of immaculate sands with protected waters, all surrounded by dunes and gentle cliffs.

The bay is made up of four National Trust-managed beaches: Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. Every beach at Studland welcomes dogs, permitting them on the sands all year round, making it an excellent choice for dog owners wanting to enjoy a tranquil coastal stroll with their four-legged friends.

The beach provides views across the chalk formations of Old Harry Rocks, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. These iconic chalk formations rise from the sea, marking the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast.

For visitors staying in the neighbouring towns of Poole and Bournemouth, Studland Bay is under an hour away by car and provides a calm escape from the commotion of the crowded seaside resorts.

Many TikTok users have dubbed Studland Bay ‘Bournemouth’s playground for the rich’, and travel influencers are said to be completely smitten with the immaculate beaches and stunning views. Located near Sandbanks, the UK’s priciest seaside location, it’s hardly surprising that locals are venturing out to uncover hidden gems.

The average property price in Sandbanks for 2025 was a whopping £854,817, and current Rightmove listings for Sandbanks include a two-bedroom flat for £425,000, and a four-bedroom semi-detached house for over £1.5 million.

Matthew Fox, CEO of LateRooms.com, has championed the destination. “Here in the UK, many of us dream of coastal coves and hidden bays, but for years, we’ve overlooked some of our own spectacular coastal gems,” he explained.

“Studland Bay is one of those places. The beach feels almost untouched compared to more popular British beaches, and it’s a far cry from the crowded seafronts of more traditional seaside destinations. On a warm summer’s day, you could be in a tropical paradise-sweeping sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views over Old Harry Rocks.”

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He added: “It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty that allows visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature as they escape the hustle and bustle. The best time to appreciate Studland Bay and its unspoilt charm is to visit outside of the school holidays, where you can enjoy coastal walks and wildlife spotting in peace and tranquillity.”

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A woman has shared her pride after a stunning Welsh beach was named the best beach in the UK by TripAdvisor – and the stunning footage shows exactly what makes it special

A stroll along the beach is a brilliant way to boost both physical and mental well-being, making it an ideal weekend activity, provided it’s not absolutely chucking it down. A Welsh woman, Sian, expressed her pride upon discovering that the beach named the best in the UK by TripAdvisor is located in her homeland.

Rhossili Bay, situated on the westernmost point of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, consistently ranks amongst the finest beaches in the UK and Europe, and Sian believes it’s “not hard to see why”. Captioning her TikTok clip, she wrote: “Rhossili Bay has been voted TripAdvisor’s best beach in the UK. Honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Endless golden sands, wild Atlantic waves, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks.”

Sian then showcased a video montage featuring various snippets she’d captured of the stunning beach, from the entrance to the hill offering panoramic views over the beach, and a breathtaking sunset she had the fortune to witness.

In the comments section, users were swift to praise the beach as “very special,” and noted that people “don’t call it God’s country for nothing”. This nickname is often bestowed upon Wales due to its dramatic landscapes and spiritual historical significance.

Another user chimed in: “This is one of my all-time favourite places”.

What does TripAdvisor have to say?

Many others on TripAdvisor share the same sentiment. The beach boasts an impressive 4.8 out of five rating on the site, which says: “Rhossili Bay lies at the western end of the beautiful Gower peninsula. Three miles of golden sands, iconic landscapes including Worms Head and Rhossili Down and history everywhere, from neolithic through to the more recent, including home to Edgar Evans.

“It’s a haven for walkers, with trails in all directions, including the Welsh Coastal Path. The beach welcomes dogs throughout the year, and the entire area is stunning regardless of the weather.”

“Today, the National Trust looks after two of the three miles of the beach, Rhossili Down, and most of the coastline between Rhossili and Port Eynon (26 miles of Gower coastline in total). The landscape is free. The village of Rhossili also hosts other private businesses. The car park is free to NT (National Trust) members during the day.

“Non-members are currently charged £5 per day (car). There is no overnight parking/camping. All profits from the car park go towards maintaining the area’s beauty. Please note that the toilets are owned and operated by Swansea Council.”

Public reviews also sing praises of the stunning beach. One visitor wrote: “During our trip to the Gower Peninsula, we also visited the beautiful Rhossili Bay. The stretch of beach there is rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales.”

Another visitor enthused: “One of the most beautiful views you will see – in the UK or even in Europe. It is well-maintained. There are walks, but the views are reasonably accessible for those with mobility issues. Highly recommended.”

However, not everyone was smitten, with one critic labelling it as: “Pitiful, boring, uninspiring. Total waste of time and money.” But they were in the minority.

A third person recounted: “We were blessed with a warm sunny day when we arrived here for a look around. We parked in the NT car park (free with membership) and had a lovely walk along the coastal path, enjoying the fresh air and the views over the bay.

“There are walks of varying lengths, and it is well worth a visit. There are toilets and a few cafes to have a drink and some food too!”

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The 120-acre National Trust site near Masham features 18th-century grottos, waterfalls and ruins hidden within ancient woodland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

In North Yorkshire, near the market town of Masham, lies an expansive woodland haven brimming with hidden gems that stretch back to the 18th century.

Hackfall Woods stands as a magnificent 120-acre expanse of ancient forest, attracting visitors with its enchanting atmosphere and stunning views. The Woodland Trust-owned site holds grade 1 listed status, owing to its 18th-century remnants and historic garden features.

Perched on the fringe of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Hackfall nestles within a dramatic and rugged gorge carved by the River Ure.

Following years of neglect and deterioration, the woodland has been carefully restored to its original splendour, now welcoming keen walkers and explorers across Yorkshire.

History

Whilst today Hackfall appears as an untouched wilderness, it was actually carefully crafted to achieve this wild aesthetic by a renowned landscaper in 1731.

John Aislabie bought the estate and, working with his son, reimagined it as a seemingly natural landscape dotted with decorative features for visitors to admire.

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The design was cleverly conceived to showcase the pre-existing panoramas and natural characteristics, amplifying the area’s inherent beauty.

Yet following their considerable efforts, Hackfall endured decades of abandonment and disrepair, before being purchased in 1932 by an owner who stripped the site of its trees. The structures had fallen into disrepair, and flooding had worn away the once-stunning water features.

In 1989, the Woodland Trust stepped in to save the site, securing it on a lease of nearly 1,000 years, with support from organisations including the Hackfall Trust and English Heritage.

Since that time, this magnificent woodland has been formally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, alongside recognition as ancient semi-natural woodland.

It continues to attract visitors from throughout the country, eager to witness the waterfalls, sculptures and historic ruins.

One visitor recounted their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “Hackfall is a beautiful and peaceful woodland brimming with nature, trees, plants, birds, wildlife, streams, ponds, castle ruins, great views on a hillside alongside the River Ure. It’s a super place for peace and quiet, for individuals, for families, suitable for all ages to explore and get away from it all.”

Wildlife

Nature enthusiasts are guaranteed a memorable experience at Hackfall, renowned for the remarkable diversity of species that inhabit the area.

From bird life to flora and insects, the woodland is bursting with biodiversity, and countless sightings have been documented here, particularly by dedicated birdwatchers.

The website showcases an extensive array of creatures visitors might encounter, from kingfishers to dippers, grey wagtails and woodpeckers. Guests can also anticipate spotting stoats, foxes, badgers, butterflies and little lemon slugs.

Access

Given the challenging landscape, featuring numerous steep footpaths, Hackfall is only suitable for those confident navigating steps and inclines, as wheelchair access isn’t available.

The woodland offers up to four entry points, with the two most frequented located at the top of the site and featuring the steepest routes.

To access these, you’ll need to start from the minor road linking Grewelthorpe to Masham. The entrance has no barriers, and as you follow the trail, you’ll quickly discover it’s a gentle gradient with a handful of steps.

Free parking is available nearby at the Woodland Trust car park, situated roughly half a mile before Grewelthorpe Village. Some walkers alternatively opt to park in the village of Masham.

Bear in mind there are no toilet facilities within the woodlands themselves, with the closest public toilets located back in Masham. While this is typical for most woodland rambles, visitors will be delighted to learn that not only are they welcome, but their dogs are too.

Tbut there are still some places where you can get a drink for less than £5.

The cost of a pint continues to creep upwards. Tracking down a boozer flogging pints for under a fiver has become nearly impossible, yet certain spots still won’t leave your wallet crying.

A report from takepayments has uncovered which UK cities offer the most wallet-friendly drinking experience. The research examined 34 major UK cities against 16 affordability measures, encompassing housing, transport, wages, and discretionary spending (such as the cost of a pint).

Each location received a score out of 10 for overall affordability, identifying where Brits can enjoy the cheapest tipple.

Derby emerged as the nation’s most affordable city for a beverage, with pints priced at a mere £3.60. That’s a bargain when you fancy unwinding after a day discovering what the city has to offer – and there’s loads to see.

Situated in the East Midlands within Derbyshire and hugging the River Derwent, Derby serves as an ideal starting point for venturing into the picturesque British countryside, boasting numerous walking routes and cycling trails, reports the Express.

Among the finest is the Vicar Wood & Mackworth loop accessible from Markeaton Park. This 6.1km ramble takes roughly 90 minutes, beginning at the Mundy Playcentre car park.

Winding through farmland and parks, it’s ideal for families. There’s also Calke Abbey – a dilapidated stately home boasting sprawling gardens and a remarkable natural history collection.

Originally an Augustinian Priory, the property was acquired by Sir Henry Harpur in 1622. The estate remained in the family for generations, and from 1924 onwards, Calke was left largely untouched, though it underwent gradual modernisation.

Today, the National Trust has preserved the house much as it was, offering a fascinating glimpse into life from a bygone era.

After exploring the residence and grounds, visitors can stop by the on-site cafe and gift shop – ideal for picking up mementos.