With holidays abroad at risk and two million seats axed from May flights, more people than ever are seeking a UK staycation. While big-name attractions like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge come to mind, there are plenty of unusual sites across the country. Venturing off the beaten track can lead to intriguing—and sometimes utterly absurd—destinations.
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey, Cornwall
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among the UK's most popular gardens, home to unconventional outdoor attractions. Once privately owned, the house served as a base for American troops during World War II. After falling into disrepair, volunteers refurbished the gardens in the 1990s. Today, visitors can see exhibits like the Mud Maiden, a living moss-covered statue, and a giant 6-metre sculpture of a leaping fox carved from a 150-year-old red rhododendron.
Fairy Glen, Uig, Isle of Skye
The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye may lack attached mythology, but its magic is undeniable. Green hills and a jagged landscape formed by an ancient landslip create a mystical glen, dating back over 100,000 years.
Rock House, Kinver Edge
Rock House at Kinver Edge was formed 250 million years ago, when England was underwater and located further south. Over time, the rock-carved structures were converted into homes, now owned by the National Trust. The caves act as a living museum, displaying life with fireplaces and dramatic views.
Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker, Essex
Built during the Cold War, Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker could accommodate 600 military personnel, civilians, and a Prime Minister. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary bungalow, but a tunnel leads to a three-storey bunker the size of 33 UK homes. It houses one of the world's largest Cold War museums, with living quarters, offices, a BBC studio, a kitchen, and a medical room.
Little Italy, Gwynedd, North Wales
Italy-mad chicken farmer Mark Bourne spent 25 years recreating Italian landmarks next to his 19th-century cottage. The collection includes over 30 landmarks, such as a 6ft Rialto Bridge, a mini Duomo from Florence, and a smaller Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Prince Albert's Pyramid, Balmoral, Scotland
At 41 feet high, Prince Albert's Pyramid was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1862 to commemorate her husband's death. One of 11 structures representing Victoria's life, it sits amidst countryside in Balmoral.
Margate Cave
Underneath Margate's Northdown Road lies a network of chalk caverns once known as Vortigern Caves, a popular Victorian attraction. Myths abound, including an 1863 fake news story of a man falling inside when the ground gave way. Today, visitors can explore the abandoned chalk mines for just £2.50.
House in the Clouds, Thorpeness, Suffolk
Originally built as a water tower in 1923, the House in the Clouds was designed to blend in but now stands out. After the 1980s, it was converted into a five-bedroom house available to rent on Airbnb from £700 a night, described as a truly unique place to stay.
A House for Essex, Manningtree
Created by artist Grayson Perry and architect Charles Holland for Living Architecture, this geometric house with a gold roof and red door hardly blends in. Perry noted how alien it looks in the landscape yet fits in.
Lennox Castle, Kirkintilloch, Scotland
Built between 1837 and 1841, Lennox Castle became a hospital for people with learning disabilities housing 1,200 residents. By the 1980s, it fell into disarray amid negative reports. It closed in 2002 and was further damaged by a fire in 2008.
These attractions feature in the new book Weird Guide by Dave Hamilton, published by Wild Things Publishing.
