April 27, 2024
There are numerous unusual places in the UK that we are probably unaware of and definitely worth a visit.
North of England
Mother Shipton’s Cave, North Yorkshire
Said to be one of England’s oldest visitor attractions.
This cave is where the famous Yorkshire prophetess Mother Shipton is reported to have been born.
It’s right by the Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon which never fails to impress visitors, as its water appear to turn objects to stone. The park that is home to Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough and a fascinating place to visit.
Address: Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
Alnwick Poison Garden, Northumberland
Run by the Duchess of Northumberland, Jane Percy, this garden rests behind large black iron gates.
The Alnwick Garden is home to the small but deadly Poison Garden with the black iron gates only open on guided tours. Visitors are strongly forbidden from touching, smelling or tasting any of its 100 toxic and narcotic species.
Address: Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1YU
Eyam Plague Village, Derbyshire
During the bubonic plague outbreak of 1665-1666, the inhabitants of Eyam quarantined themselves, in a famous act of self-sacrifice, to prevent the spread of the plague.
Despite its morbid history, the village makes for a fascinating day out in the Peak District.
The museum is a great place to begin your visit and groups are usually welcome.
Address: Eyam Village Derbyshire
World Worm Charming Championships
Each year in Cheshire in June , people of all ages compete to try and extract as many worms from the soil as possible. Each participant gets a three-metre square plot of land and the record to beat is 567 charmed worms in 2009.
Competitors (and it draws a big crowd each year) use a variety of techniques, from vibrating the ground to playing music.
But digging is against the rules. Prizes are awarded for the single heaviest specimen and the largest quantity of worms. Afterwards, the worms are released back into the wild.
Address: Willaston Primary School Derwent Close, Willaston, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6QQ
The Singing Ringing Tree
Designed by Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, the Singing Ringing Tree is a musical structure, constructed with galvanised steel pipes and is a wind-powered sculpture which produces a tuneful song that carries across the vast landscape of the Forest of Burney.
This award-winning unusual attraction comes highly recommended for its distinctive presence in the unspoilt countryside. A special place to visit.
It adds to the sense of tranquillity with its delightful music.
Given the National Award for architectural excellence in 2007 by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Address: Crown Point Rd, Burnley BB11 3QZ
The Legend of Thor’s Stone
Located in the Wirral Peninsula, in the quiet seaside village of Thurstaston, you will find this historic monument, Thor’s Stone.
The stone itself stands as tall as the average house and local legend states it was believed to have been the origin of a Viking worship festival to celebrate the Nordic god, Thor. Other legends speculate that the colour of its red sandstone was due to the sacrifices made atop.
If you decide to visit, the popular seaside village of West Kirby is a short drive away and is home to a large white sandy beach and circular pier which is often used as a walking spot for the locals.
Address: 5 School Ln, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HH
Life and History at The Beatles Story
This is a magical tour of the band’s journey through their childhood beginnings, right through to the end.
You’ll discover how they got started and became one of the most influential bands in the world.
If you’re looking for some bonus spots in Liverpool, visit:
The Cavern Club – where the band began their performances in the early stages of their career
The Pier Head – where four life-size bronze statues were erected in commemoration of the famous Scousers
20 Forthlin Road – the Grade II listed house Paul McCartney lived at for many years with his family
Address: Britannia Vaults Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
The White Scar Caves
The White Scar Caves can be found on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and is a fun and unusual UK attraction that is well-worth visiting.
Boasting the longest cave show in England, reaching a total of one mile, its guided tour lasts approximately 80 minutes and details the formation of the cave over 200,000 years ago and its beautiful stalactites.
A short while after entering, you’ll find the first waterfall, which cascades down into a rocky pool, first discovered in 1923. With eight other surprises as you make your way through the cave, keep an eye out for the witch’s fingers, the judge’s head and the devil’s tongue.
Address: White Scar Cave, Carnforth LA6 3AW
South of England
Pluckley, Kent
A picturesque village in Kent, Pluckley was named Britain’s ‘most haunted village’ in the Guinness Book of Records in 1989.
That was thanks to the 12 ‘official’ apparitions that roam the place. There are a number of spots around the village that have a distinct “feel” to them. It is also known as the location where the Darling Buds of May TV series was filmed.
Address: Pluckley Kent
Puzzlewood
The inspiration for JR.R.Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
This enchanted forest in the Forest Of Dean has been used as the filming location of many popular movies and TV series in recent years.
These include Merlin, Doctor Who, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Huntsman: Winter’s War.
During the early 19th century a landowner planted a myriad of pathways through its unruly trees and shrubbery, making Puzzlewood the bewitching forest we know it as today and an unusual place to visit.
Address: Perrygrove Rd, Coleford GL16 8QB
London
Highgate Cemetery, London
Opened in 1839, over 170,000 people have since been buried in Highgate Cemetery and attracts plenty of visitors.
These include philosopher Karl Marx, novelist George Eliot and writer Douglas Adams.
Rumours of occult meetings, Satanists and witches gathering in the cemetery have persisted for years.
Admission is by timed ticket which you can purchase online.
Address: Swain’s Ln, London N6 6PJ
Gods Own Junkyard
More than four decades ago, late owner, Chris Bracey started making signs for Soho strip clubs and his incredible talents led him to create props for directors including Stanley Kubrick and Tim Burton, as well as some of the globe’s most iconic signs.
His unusual Aladdin’s cave of more than 1,000 neon lights is a museum to his life and the history of neon art, as well as an art gallery.
There are pieces you can buy or rent – and it is home to The Rolling Scones cafe and bar.
https://www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk
Address: London E17 9HQ
Incredible Hindu Temple… in Neasden
The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is a 70 feet high, Hindu Temple carved by 650 artisans from 8,000 tonnes of Indian and Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone. It’s well worth a visit.
This magnificent mandir is the largest Hindu temple outside India.
There are free guided or audio tours, you can watch the Arati Puja ritual or Abhishek worship and stroll the formal gardens. Parking is also free. Remember to check the modest dress code requirements and remove your shoes before entering.
Address: NW10 8HW
Sleepover at London Zoo
Something to enjoy with grandchildren a sleepover at London Zoo.
Use night vision goggles to spot the lions in their natural habitat through the trees during the special after-hours tours of the zoo.
Gather around the self-made fire and toast marshmallows like it’s a real camping experience, before settling down in your lodge cabin for the evening tucked under a multitude of blankets.
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY Contact: 020 7449 6200
Northern Ireland
The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The trees were planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century, and now they form an ethereal tunnel that has become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed destinations. Game of Thrones fans will recognise it as the King’s Road from the hit TV show.
Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX
Scotland
The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh is Mary King’s Close, a 17th century street that has become a popular tourist site.
Once home to hundreds of inhabitants, Mary King’s Close was emptied and sealed up at the beginning of the 20th century.
It was later rediscovered by workmen who were digging on the street above and accidentally punched down into the winding streets.
Address: 2 Warriston’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
Fairy Pools Isle of Skye
Accessible only by a foot hike through the Glen Brittle forest, the series of small waterfalls that make up the so-called Fairy Pools.
These are some of the most pristine swimming holes in the world. On a sunny day, the turquoise waters of the natural pools are so clear, one can readily see each moss-covered stone at the bottom.
The waters of the Fairy Pools might be bone-chillingly cold, but their near supernatural atmosphere has made them one of Scotland’s most enduring natural wonders.
Update – There have been several reports reflecting the disappointment of their visit. This is because the number of visitors has increased dramatically, more than double in the past three years.
Address: Isle of Skye IV47 8TA
The Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr towers over the Sound of Rasaay at an elevation of more than 2,300 feet.
A hike up the grassy mounds toward the group of curious pinnacle rocks that surround the Old Man provides magnificent, panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mainland. There and back from the car park takes about 1hr 15 minutes.
Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr was a giant who resided on the Trotternish Ridge. When he was laid to rest upon his death, his thumb—the “Old Man”—remained partially above ground.
Old Man of Storr to Fairy Pools is 27 miles.
Address: just off the A855 Portree to Uig road, 6.8 miles north of Portree and 27 miles from Uig
Isle of Mann
The Mann Cat Sanctuary
It might be called the Isle of Man, but six acres of it are ruled entirely by cats and it’s purr-fect if you’re feline like a dramatic change of scenery.
The sanctuary was created in 1996 to provide a safe and peaceful haven for unwanted, disabled and traumatised cats.
The army of cats roam freely and the feral community even has a luxury home within the grounds.
Visitors are welcome to hang out with the cats every Sunday to Wednesday in the summer between 2 and 5pm.
Address: Main Road, Santon, Isle of Man IM4 1EE
If there is anywhere you would like to add to our list, please do let us know.
If you fancy a weekend break, here are some suggestions
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