20 Most Underrated UK Towns You Should Visit

Not every great destination in the UK makes it into glossy travel guides or Instagram hit lists - but that's exactly what makes these places special. From colourful coastal hideaways to quiet market towns with centuries of history, we've rounded up 20 of the UK's most underrated towns. Whether you're after cobbled streets, windswept walks, or somewhere with just the right amount of bustle, these hidden gems deserve a spot on your travel radar.

So if you're looking to escape the crowds and explore somewhere a little different, here are our favourite overlooked towns across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - each with its own unique reason to visit.

Settle, North Yorkshire

20. Settle, North Yorkshire

A market town framed by limestone scenery and the starting point for the scenic Settle â€“ Carlisle railway.

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Lewes, East Sussex

19. Lewes, East Sussex

A historic town with a castle, quirky shops, and famously fiery Bonfire Night celebrations.

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Beaumaris, Anglesey

18. Beaumaris, Anglesey

A charming coastal town with pastel cottages, a moated castle, and views across the Menai Strait.

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17. Deal, Kent

A charming seaside town with a pebbled beach, smugglers' history, and a handsome Georgian seafront.

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Crickhowell, Powys

16. Crickhowell, Powys

A picturesque town in the Brecon Beacons with independent shops and riverside walks.

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Southwell, Nottinghamshire

15. Southwell, Nottinghamshire

A charming, historic town known for Southwell Minster, Georgian buildings, and the origin of the Bramley apple.

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Malvern, Worcestershire

14. Malvern, Worcestershire

Nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, it's ideal for scenic walks and Victorian charm.

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Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

13. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

A creative, bohemian town set in a steep valley, known for its independent shops, arts scene and beautiful Pennine walks.

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Lavenham, Suffolk

12. Lavenham, Suffolk

A perfectly preserved medieval wool town with crooked timber-framed houses and a storybook charm.

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Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross

11. Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross

A peaceful riverside town with a grand cathedral, forest trails and Highland scenery on the doorstep.

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Peebles, Borders

10. Peebles, Borders

A handsome market town on the River Tweed, combining independent shops, riverside strolls and easy access to hill walks.

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Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

9. Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

A harbourside town famous for Dunnottar Castle and its dramatic coastal clifftop views.

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Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

8. Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

A colourful and classy Welsh town where Georgian charm meets boutique shopping and historic parklands.

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Whitehead, County Antrim

7. Whitehead, County Antrim

A pretty Victorian seaside town with a colourful promenade and scenic coastal path to Blackhead Lighthouse.

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Frome, Somerset

6. Frome, Somerset

A stylish and independent-minded town with cobbled streets, artisan markets, and creative energy.

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Cushendun, County Antrim

5. Cushendun, County Antrim

A peaceful coastal village with whitewashed cottages and dramatic sea caves, Cushendun feels like a step back in time on the Causeway Coast.

★★★☆☆ (3.0)

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

4. Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

A lovely island town between two lakes, with a castle, waterways, and outdoor adventures.

★★★☆☆ (3.0)

Newcastle, County Down

3. Newcastle, County Down

A seaside resort at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, perfect for walkers and beachgoers alike.

★★★☆☆ (3.0)

Alnwick, Northumberland

2. Alnwick, Northumberland

A historic market town famed for its majestic castle and magical gardens.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

1. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

England's northernmost town, full of fortified walls, sea views, and borderland history.

★★★★☆ (4.0)