It’s the dilemma of the staycation: to follow suit and stick with some of the best spots in England (Cornwall coves, the Kent coast, dreamy Devon hills) but more often than not, mass crowds and beach bathing queues can be so off putting it calls the question of where are the alternatives? So, it’s time to look elsewhere. To the lesser-known corners of England – the spots that are up-and-coming or a little less trod on, and definitely quieter than their sung-about neighbours. Here are seven spots – from villages, counties, neighbourhoods and cities – we are eying up now, plus, they’re just as good in the summer as all year round.
Stroud, Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds – that long stretch of escarpment and rolling hill countryside that stretches from Chipping Camden down to Bath is most often choc-a-bloc up in its northern territory. But pulling away further south, to the more jaw-dropping peaks of Stroud and its crafty little sister Nailsworth is where lots of art excitement is happening: artist Damian Hirst once had his studio in Chalford and interiors maverick Jasper Conran channelled his love for farm-fresh produce when he set up the farmers market in the nineties. Fans of the circus will find Gifford’s Circus parked up at Fennells Farm for months during the summer while a revival in folk dancing sees girl group Boss Morris take to the valley for equinoxes and green man festivals.
Herefordshire
On the edge of the Brecon Beacons and the wildly wonderful wares of Wales but also tucked carefully between the Shropshire and Malvern Hills is this black-timber and arts and crafts-filled county. Swapping Ludlow for Ledbury, interiors fans stock up on fun fabrics from Tinsmiths while campers who like an eye for design should book in to Cote de Folk decorated The Quist Treehouse for an up-in-the-air stay. For a food fuel up, there’s been one spot in particular popping up on the scene: The Bulls Head Inn in the Black Mountains cures their own meats and have cosy cabins to crash into after hiking the Cat’s Back on the border of England and Wales.
Totnes, Devon
A quick car ride from seaside favourite Salcombe is the fiercely local and independently spirited riverside market town of Totnes. And while this stretch of English coastline should be immediately added to your summer beach hopping plans, those in favour of a bit of creative flair will feel more satisfied inland. Eco warriors rejoice at zero-waste and refill pantry Earth.Food.Love, they’ll also be happy to know that hot water and heating at The Bull Inn – a pretty salmon pink building on the high street – is all solar powered. Regulars know that the sourdough at The Almond Thief can’t be beaten, but best to pick up just-baked morning buns to pile in the car for a trip to Blackpool Sands.
Northumberland
Big sky country – this long stretch of shoreline and wide open plains goes well beyond its stargazing aura and title as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just look at Slaggyford, a pint-sized village that’s seen interior design house Studio Fantoush give crumbling local pub Kirkstyle Inn more than just a lick of paint. Just next door, The Old Rectory is the only place to spend the night in this corner of the county. Walkers should head on a long cheek-warming hike through the North Pennines, beat the tides to the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne, or pop into sweet Alnwick for a mosey through Barter Books – a stuffed-to-brim book shop in an old train station. The food-obsessed might rather pile in the car for a booking at Restaurant Hjem, a Scandi-meets-Tyne-Valley minimalist space with a Michelin star.
Newcastle
This destination might seem obvious, but zooming in a bit further, we are looking at the cool kids neighbourhood of Ouseburn at the edge of the city. Within a five-block radius, this industrial part of town lures in late-night music fans to The Cluny, pastry eaters to Northern Rye, coffee connoisseurs to The Kiln, The Biscuit Factory Gallery for an art hit and Two by Two Brewing for craft beer. On your way out, pick up provisions from Ernie, they’ll come in handy for taking on Hadrian’s Wall – the 84-mile coast-to-coast trail that marks the route the Romans once took – or a beach walk at Whitley Bay.
Salisbury and South Wiltshire
With bordering county Somerset often hot off the press for new openings and foodie flockings – Batcombe’s latest pub, Hauser and Wirth, dare we mention Bruton – Wiltshire has seen a spurt of news putting its pretty villages more in the secret spotlight. Tisbury welcomed Messums (a 13th-century tithe barn and country outpost of the London gallery) in 2016 while over in Salisbury (the city rejoiced when scaffolding on its beloved cathedral came down at the end of 2023) the Chickpea Group – also behind much-loved pubs in Pitton and Zeals amongst others – recently opened The Market Tavern which dishes out wood-fired pizzas. Sleep at their sister property The Pembroke Arms just on the outskirts of town in Wilton.
Norwich, Norfolk
It’s just under two hours by train from London to reach this capital of Norfolk. And Norwich, a literary hub, is a destination in its own right. A growing culture of solo creatives, cooks and coffee connoisseurs are making their stamp on the city: Brick Pizza became so popular they started selling freezer wood-fired pies to bring home, Kofra Coffee dishes out the strongest flat white in the city while second-hand vintage fans make a beeline to Norwich Retro for the latest drop. Adventures to be had should start with Norwich Cathedral, or plan ahead and book a sailing trip along the salt marshes with the Coastal Exploration Company.
