Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery with Geniefie, explore hidden gems in UK where every unboxed location promises a new and captivating adventure.
The pandemic has emphasised the importance of appreciating the travel opportunities available in our own vicinity. While we were accustomed to boarding planes in pursuit of adventure, the current scenario, even with foreign travel back on the menu, has led many people to choose vacations.
In the age of exploration, discovering hidden gems and unboxing unique locations has become a thrilling pursuit for avid travellers. With the Geniefie app innovative Unbox Location feature, unlocking the treasures around you has never been more exciting. From enchanting landscapes to cultural hotspots, this app serves as your personalised guide to unveil the wonders that might be just a stone’s throw away. Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a traveller exploring a new city, let the Geniefie trip planner app lead you to the unexplored, creating unforgettable experiences right at your fingertips.
Gasping at the Gaping Gill Cave, North Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales boast expansive meadows bordered by stone walls, interspersed with pockets of water, castles, abbeys, and villages scattered across the breathtaking landscape. However, one of the most notable features in this region is the Gaping Hill Cave. While the name may be familiar to many, only a few have had the opportunity to visit. It’s essential to act promptly, as public access to the cave is limited and facilitated via a winch, available during specific times of the year. Access is permitted from May to June with the Bradford Pothole Club and in August with the Craven Pothole Club.
When to go: May or August, when local caving clubs organise a winch event where the public has the opportunity to be airlifted down the 360ft shaft.
How to get there: The best route is definitely by driving, located a short distance from the M1 and M6. You can also walk from the nearby town of Clapham.
Zebras, flamingoes, wolves, and monkeys in the heart of Watford? It may sound like a joke, but it’s actually a well-kept secret mostly known among Watford’s locals. Tucked away in Cassiobury Park, renowned as one of the best parks in the UK, lies Cassiobury Farm and Fisheries. Concealed along a lengthy track in the midst of a wood, its existence may elude you until you encounter the stream of visitors on one of its rare open days. Be sure to plan accordingly, as this hidden gem unveils itself only six days a year – but the experience is undoubtedly worthwhile.
When to go: Check the website for opening dates.
How to get there: Watford Junction train station is easily accessible from most parts of the country. The M25 junction is also just ten minutes away if you are travelling by car.
Go Wild on The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Step aside, Route 66 – this breathtaking coastal route stands as one of the longest and most spectacular in the world. Spanning 1600 miles from County Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula in Ulster to Kinsale, County Cork, on the Celtic Sea coast, you’ll traverse dramatic inclines across nine counties. To fully savour the journey, plan for at least two weeks, preferably three, and pack up your car (or motorhome) for an unforgettable adventure. Along the route, you’ll encounter 150 ‘Discovery spots,’ with an additional 15 highlighted as ‘Signature Discovery Points,’ so it’s advisable to decide in advance where you want to make stops. The Atlantic Drive has earned recognition as one of the most scenic stretches of coastline globally, featuring rocky headlands, towering cliffs, and blow holes where you can witness water shooting out.
When to go: The summer showcases the landscape at its best.
How to get there: There are daily ferry services between Ireland and the UK. Or you could fly into Cork airport from most major cities.
Zone out in Boscombe, Dorset
Often overshadowed by its renowned neighbour, Bournemouth, Boscombe beach is a gem that is frequently underestimated. However, it presents a more exquisite and relaxed alternative for a brief seaside getaway. The expansive stretch of beautiful sand is perfect for children, providing an ideal space for building sandcastles and flying kites.
Yoga enthusiasts can indulge in the daily schedule of activities during the warmer months, while surfers can make the most of the waves from October to March. With cars permitted on the promenade for just one hour a day, visitors are encouraged to park atop the cliffs and descend on foot. While the food options are somewhat limited, featuring a small beach cafe and a handful of eateries at the promenade’s end, bringing a picnic allows you to relish the beauty of Boscombe.
The nearby Chine Botanical Gardens – including a mini golf course – are a delight too.
When to go: May – September.
How to get there: Take the M3 and M27 from the north or the A30/35 from the west. Pokesdown is the nearest train station, which is accessed from Waterloo and Woking.
Treasure the moment on St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland, Scotland
Scotland has consistently earned the title of the most beautiful country in the world, and it’s not difficult to see why. The largest natural tombolo, connecting the west coast of Shetland to the picturesque island of St Ninian’s, is a prime example. Visitors can stroll along the 500m golden sand causeway to access the island, featuring stunning cliffs and the remnants of St Ninian’s Chapel. This site gained fame for its ‘treasure’—unearthed bowls, weaponry, and jewellery—discovered during excavation in the 1950s.
When to go: April – October for the dryer weather. However, if you want a chance to see the Northern Lights then the best time to visit is between October and March when the nights are darkest.
How to get there: Get the ferry to Shetland and then enjoy the 500m walk across the sand pathway.
The Dark Hedges: A road fit for a king in County Antrim
Certainly, most fantasy enthusiasts will immediately recognize The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, thanks to its brief but significant appearance in that TV series featuring dragons—yes, the one with the nudity and vibrant weddings. However, even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, chances are you’ve come across an image of this remarkable avenue of ancient beech trees, as it’s a frequently used location in TV shows and advertisements. To make it even more appealing, it’s just a 20-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway, providing an additional reason to visit. Just be on the lookout for the ghostly presence of the Grey Lady.
When to go: If you want to experience the Dark Hedges without the crowds arrive before 9am. Weather patterns around Lough Neagh suggest mid-spring to early autumn is best for trips to the area.
How to get there: You can fly to Belfast from most major cities or get the car ferry from Liverpool.
Stacks of Duncansby: Scotland’s sentinels
Every year, swarms of tourists from across the globe make their way to John O’Groats, a small Scottish village in the highlands renowned as Britain’s most north-eastern point. When a place becomes a near-obligatory stop for every tour bus in the highlands, it’s easy to adopt a cynical attitude and overlook the destination. However, you should reconsider.
Perhaps not solely for the town itself (though there’s still plenty to explore here), but as the starting point for a trek to Duncansby Head. During your walk, you’ll traverse rugged beaches, cross turf and bogs, pass through kissing gates, and pause at the lighthouse to gaze out over the waves below before reaching your final destination. Pictured above, the Stacks of Duncansby emerge from the ocean floor, standing like sentinels at the end of the world. Witnessing them evokes a newfound appreciation for Mother Nature.
When to go: August or September is a great time.
How to get there: By car, travel from Inverness on the A9 to Latheron in Caithness and then take the A99 to ‘the end of the road’. The nearest airport is Wick or Inverness, where you can get a bus to John O’Groats.
After uncovering the hidden gems in the UK, it’s time to take your exploration to the next level with the Geniefie trip planner app. If you find yourself in the UK or plan to visit soon, Geniefie has the perfect solution to enhance your travel experience. Introducing the “Unbox” feature, this innovative tool allows you to discover the unexplored wonders near you. Seamlessly integrated into the app, Unbox opens the door to lesser-known destinations, unique attractions, and local treasures that may not be on the typical tourist radar. Let Geniefie trip planner app be your guide as you embark on a journey to explore the hidden gems that make the UK truly extraordinary. Unleash the adventurer in you, and let Geniefie turn your travel dreams into reality.