A tiny town in the UK has been revealed as having the ‘best hidden gem’ with a gorgeous beach that looks like it’s come straight out of a storybook
Brits planning a summer staycation may want to head to Northumberland, where they could find a breathtakingly beautiful beach that’s been dubbed one of the UK’s best hidden gems.
The small village of Embleton isn’t a big holiday hotspot; in fact, it boasts a handful of restaurants and hotels. However, for those who enjoy a break away from the crowds and like to go off the main tourist track, the picturesque spot is well worth visiting if only to check out the breathtaking Embleton Bay.
This dune-lined bay which can be reached from the Northumberland Coastal Route looks like something out of the Caribbean with its miles-long wide sandy beach, and postcard-worthy surroundings. Visitors never fail to be impressed by the gorgeous setting, although they have warned that it can be a little tricky to reach for those with mobility issues. Still, those who do make the trip have often praised the spectacular views.
One happy holidaymaker even described it as “probably one of the most beautiful bays anywhere in the world”. Another added: “Beautiful, quiet dog friendly beach with great views. A castle at one end of the bay and a pub at the far end up at Low Newton By The Sea. Embleton Beach is pretty amazing. We were lucky enough to be staying in a cottage overlooking the bay and walked the dog on the sands every morning, often with nobody else in sight!”
The area is also popular with birdwatchers, as you can find a variety of both seabirds and shorebirds, courtesy of the nearby Newton Pool Bird Reserve. Still, the beach remains one of the biggest draws for tourists.
Another Brit who visited in September described it as a ‘hidden gem’. They explained: “Embleton bay is a hidden gem on the Northumberland coast. The beach is powdery white sand and the sea is clear and safe for bathing. Dunstanburgh castle makes a dramatic backdrop and it is a pleasant walk along the coast to Craster.”
With the positive reviews from beachgoers, it’s therefore no wonder that research from the outdoor experts at Millets uncovered it as England’s top hidden gem. The team explained: “This quiet and unspoiled beach is backed by low dunes and watched over by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Just minutes from the historic village of Embleton, it offers a peaceful escape. Reviewers on TripAdvisor have called it ‘perfection in the form of solitude’ and a ‘must-visit’.”
In fact, Embleton Bay beat out a number of breathtaking spots in the likes of Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire and Yorkshire – you can check out the top 15 destinations in the rankings below.
England’s top 15 hidden gems:
- Embleton Bay, Northumberland
- Porth Joke, Cornwall
- Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
- Barricane Beach, Devon
- Kingley Vale, West Sussex
- Norsey Wood, Essex
- Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxfordshire
- Portheras Cove, Cornwall
- Lantic Bay, Cornwall
- Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
- RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve, Cumbria
- Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
- Runswick Bay, Yorkshire
- Box Hill, Surrey
- Heartwood Forest, Hertfordshire
Do you think there’s a hidden gem in the UK that deserves more attention? Email us at [email protected].