The UK is brimming with spots perfect for a family day out and Brits have expressed their surprise at learning about a ‘hidden gem’ which looks like the Grand Canyon
As the weather perks up, you might be tempted to explore one of Britain’s gorgeous outdoor spots in the imminent future.
Whether it’s a vigorous hike, a tranquil walk, soaking up the sun or enjoying a picnic, there are countless places across the UK that offer the perfect setting for a family day out. And recently Brits have been marvelling over the hidden gem that is Kinver Edge in Staffordshire.
Kinver Edge is home to stunning vistas, teeming with wildlife, and remarkable rock-hewn houses. The site is notable for its striking red sandstone cliffs, bearing an unexpected resemblance to the iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
This impressive landscape features a labyrinth of cave homes etched into the faces of three rocks—Nanny’s Rock, Vale’s Rock, and Holy Austin. According to the National Trust, these unique rock houses have a history dating as far back as 1777 and were among the last troglodytic living spaces occupied by families until the 1960s in England.
Bella, a local from Birmingham who loves to share her favourite walking locations, travel hacks, and gastronomic finds, recently paid a visit to Kinver Edge, which is just a 45-minute drive from Birmingham. Reflecting on her findings, she shared: “The West Midlands surprisingly has more hidden gems than you think. This is Nanny’s Rock in Kinver.”
Recounting her adventure, Bella shared with excitement: “We did a circular route following the purple arrows and taking about two hours. This took us past Nanny’s Rock and also the National Trust rock houses. The area that we’re exploring here is totally free but the rock houses do cost, I think £7.50 and there’s a little café too.”
She hailed the route as “amazing”, drawing attention to its walker-friendliness. The medium-difficulty, 6.4km path beckons nature enthusiasts all year round, imposing only one rule: keep the pooches leashed.
Adding tips for fellow explorers, she advised: “The parking is great because it’s free here on Compton Road or on Kingsford Lane.”
Taken by surprise, an admirer of the trail declared: “Wow, I can’t believe this is in the UK, what a great place.”
Others quickly joined the laudatory chorus with remarks such as “looks great,” and expressions of disbelief like “so beautiful, can’t believe I never knew about it,” followed by a ponderous note: “Amazing what nature is giving us”.
One commenter fondly reminisced about their DOFE [Duke of Edinburgh award] exploits at the site, promoting it with enthusiasm: “This is where I did my DOFE. It was amazing, I would recommend.”
Praising a more recent excursion, another said: “Ahh did this a few weeks ago. Lovely little walk. The rock houses are sooo cute! Have the veg soup and the kids had scones which were delicious at the cafe.”
In a separate clip, Sarah of @stufftodowestmidlands fame was awestruck by the landscape, enthusing: “It’s like the Grand Canyon.”
She rounded off her impressions with a bold claim that Kinver Edge offers “the best view in West Midlands”.