The best 'hidden gem' staycation spot is a 'charming and picturesque' village - full list
Robin Hood's Bay was voted the best hidden gem
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There is plenty to explore and discover in the UK, including a rich culture, scenic walks and sandy beaches.
Research has discovered the quieter spots that could be worth adding to your list for an autumn or winter staycation.
The data, gathered by finance experts at credit card brand Aqua, looked at the hidden gems that made the list of best staycation spots, but that had the fewest social media tags.
It said: "While it can be exciting to see social media hotspots in person, sometimes we want to simply relax and explore somewhere a bit more off the beaten path.
Robin Hood's Bay is in North Yorkshire
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"With this in mind, we delved deeper to explore which destinations are the ‘hidden gems’ in our list, with the fewest Google searches and Instagram posts."
The top hidden gem staycation destination
- Robin Hood's Bay
- The New Forest
- Malvern
- Padstow
- Yorkshire Dales
- Ilfracombe
- Broadstairs
- Salcombe
- Dartmouth
- Swanage
- Scottish Highlands
- Brecon Beacons
- Southend-on-Sea
- Tenby
- Anglesey
- Falmouth
- Whitstable
- Lyme Regis
- Poole
- Portmeirion
- Rye
- Weston Super Mare
- Northumberland
- Eastbourne
- Margate
- St Ives
Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, ranked highest on the must-see hidden gems, according to the experts.
They noted: "With just 2,400 monthly searches and 107,859 Instagram posts, this picturesque village is something of a staycation secret.
"Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming destination, offering a variety of shops, cafes and pubs to enjoy during your stay. In addition to its vibrant local scene, the area is surrounded by scenic walking and cycling paths.
"Its convenient location near the popular coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough makes it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure."
The New Forest came in second place with just 5,300 month searches and around 69,000 Instagram posts.
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New Forest came in second place GETTYThe experts commented: "With free-roaming horses and a plethora of walking trails in the most beautiful settings, the New Forest is the perfect hidden gem for tourists looking for some peace and quiet, serenity and a reconnection with nature."
Discussing the third place spot, Malvern, they added: "Located in Worcestershire, this charming town sits at the bottom of the Malvern Hills, a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is a popular place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with a range of habitats and species to explore.
"Malvern has only 20,000 searches per month, and 492,046 Instagram posts tagged ‘#malvern’."
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