Off the Beaten Track - Hidden Gems and Secret Histories
28 June 2023
Part of the magic of travelling by coach is the ability to venture beyond the usual tourist spots and really get to know the soul of a location by discovering the hidden gems waiting just off the beaten path. Here, we take a look at just a small list of the secret places that can be found as part of our hassle-free escapes:
Bournemouth
Bournemouth has been home to many heavy-hitters of the written word throughout its history, including JRR Tolkien and Enid Blyton. The town certainly left an impression on some of these figures, however, some also left their mark on the town in return. Robert Louis Stevenson resided in Bournemouth while writing
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and as a dedication to him, the site of his former home was transformed into Skerryvore Garden which is open to the public and can be visited today. Elsewhere, in an unassuming plot, in a small churchyard at the centre of the town, the grave of one of literature’s greatest titans, Mary Shelley, author of
Frankenstein, has become an easily-accessible (but blink-and-you’ll-miss-it) landmark and a pilgrimage site for horror fans the world over.
Featured break: Bournemouth & the Isle of Wight by Hovercraft
Charlestown
If we’re talking hidden gems, there’s one historic Cornish town that is so small that it might be missed altogether, however, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in impact, as it is arguably the most filmed location in the entire county. Charlestown and its incredible plucked-from-another-time scenery pops up in TV series and films such as Hornblower, Poldark, Bait, The Three Musketeers, Alice in Wonderland, The Postman and many, many more! On top of this, Charlestown remains a working port and is the last open Georgian harbour in the UK. Add to that the incredible sea views, wonderful restaurants and the sight of regularly visiting tall ships docked in the harbour, this tiny town certainly makes a little go a long way.
Featured break: Newquay, Cornish Ports & Bodmin Jail
Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Though hardly hidden, there’s no route more off the beaten path than the causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne on England’s northeast coast. Only accessible at low tide, Lindisfarne’s dream-like atmosphere encapsulates everything that is captivating about the Northumbrian landscapes. The crowning jewel is the dramatic Lindisfarne Castle that looms large (figuratively and literally) on the high peak of Beblowe Crag, where it can be seen for miles. This 16th-century castle has a storied history too; it has defended itself against Viking raiders, played host to Jacobite rebels in the 18th century and underwent an unexpected transformation into a family home in 1901. Spectacular, rugged and mysterious in equal measures, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a rare destination that is well worth the journey.
Featured break: Northumberland, Hadrian's Wall, Holy Island & Alnwick Castle
Isle of Wight - EVERYWHERE!
It may feel like a cheat to claim an entire island as being a hidden gem, BUT, the Isle of Wight holds a particular secret history just below the surface, one that gives rise to its unofficial nickname, ‘Dinosaur Island’! There has been an abundance of fossil discoveries on the Isle of Wight over the years, encompassing a great number of separate species, from tiny ammonites to plant-eating Iguanodons and even the carnivorous Neovenator, the first discovery of which was made on the island. Take a stroll across one of the Isle of Wight’s many sandy beaches and who knows what piece of prehistory you’ll discover…
Featured break: Isle of Wight 'Royals & Rails'
Explore with Just Go! Holidays
Have you visited all of these hidden gems before? If not, why not browse our selection of
coach breaks to England and get your next adventure booked in the diary today!