Top 15 ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Places for Easter getaways
Locations in OS Maps app showcase best but lesser-known areas of the Great British outdoors.
The national spread of locations was selected based on analysis of walking route data in the popular OS Maps app, obtaining expert tips from the network of OS outdoor ambassadors and online reviews.
Locations range from spectacular dog-walking spots and historical caves to picturesque bays and wildlife hotspots.
The list follows research by detailing how nearly a third of UK adults (30%) have explored little of Britain to date – the equivalent to 16 million people – yet 80% want to see more of the country.
The study found 24% of Brits have never visited Scotland (13 million) and 17% (nine million) have never been to Wales. This is despite the two nations being home to many of Britain’s finest outdoor and picturesque spaces, with many city dwellers constantly looking for fresh air and an escape to the countryside.
Nearly half (49%) believe that Britain has the best outdoor spaces in all of Europe. However, taking the road less travelled matters to the majority, with 52% wanting to avoid popular tourist hotspots, and 57% aspiring to explore more ‘unexpected places’.
Fifteen best Easter locations
ENGLAND:
Dungeness – Kent
A tiny fishing town with a surreal landscape including abandoned boats, fishing huts and even a disused railway. The vast shingle beach stretches for miles and is often referred to as Britain’s only desert.
OS Grid Reference: TR 08901 16953
Wistman’s Wood – Devon – England
Woodland featuring old moss-covered trees, granite boulders and a surreal ambience.
OS Grid Reference: SX 61447 77874
Gaping Gill Cave – North Yorkshire
A hidden cave in the Yorkshire Dales.
OS Grid Reference: SD 75130 72733
Old Winchester Hill – South Downs
A nature reserve and iron age hillfort in the South Downs National Park with its own herd of Herdwick sheep, a breed usually only found in the Lake District.
OS Grid Reference: SU 64077 20578
Blakeney Point – Norfolk
A magical place home to England’s largest grey seal colony with over 4,000 pups born each winter.
OS Grid Reference: TG 01075 45966
WALES:
Watkins Path Pools – Snowdonia – Wales
A waterfall and plunge pool on Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon’s) Watkins Path. Great for wild swimming.
OS Grid Reference: SH 62645 51654
Chartists Cave – Powys
It’s a challenging walk here from the village of Llangynidr which takes in the best of the Welsh countryside. Chartists Cave has deep historical significance to Welsh democracy.
Three Cliffs Bay – Swansea
A pristine bay framed by limestone cliffs. The beach boasts beautiful sand dunes and a salt marsh to wander and explore at low tide.
OS Grid Reference: SS 53498 87797
Porthgain Blue Lagoon – Pembrokeshire
Accessible on foot or by sea, the Blue Lagoon has a great walk across the cliffs nearby that offer breath-taking views.
OS Grid Reference: SM 79483 31496
Montgomery Castle – Powys
Located in the small town of Montgomery, in Powys, Montgomery Castle is one of the best places to visit if you want to discover beautiful views over the Welsh countryside.
OS Grid Reference: SO 21883 96830
SCOTLAND:
Tallest tree in the UK – Douglas Fir
A Douglas Fir in Reelig Glen, near Inverness, is now Britain’s tallest tree at 217.10ft (66.4m).
OS Grid Reference: NH 55727 42941
Talisker Bay – Isle of Skye
Talisker Bay has a quiet secluded beach best visited at low tide. To reach it, there’s a pleasant 20-minute walk through green fields. When the tide is out beyond the rocks, you’ll marvel at its black volcanic sands.
OS Grid Reference: NG 30755 30447
Eilean na Moine – Loch Eilt
For fans of Harry Potter, the island of Eilean na Moine is a must-visit. It provided the location for Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore’s grave and can also be seen as the backdrop to gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid’s hut. It’s located on Loch Eilt, a stunning freshwater loch surrounded by mountains.
OS Grid Reference: NM 79000 82647
Schiehallion – Perth and Kinross
A peaceful hike up Schiehallion offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
OS Grid Reference: NN 71382 54788
North West Iona – Inner Hebrides – Scotland
Reachable by ferry from Fionnphort on the Island of Mull. With its slow-paced lifestyle, and only 170 residents on the island, the northwest coast is a great place to step back in time.
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