An 'amazing hidden gem' in the north of England named the most underrated UK attraction - top 5

Plymouth revealed as top UK staycation
GB NEWS
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 13/07/2025

- 04:00

The most underrated attractions in the UK have been shared, with cathedrals proving particularly impressive to Britons

Planning a staycation around iconic British landmarks is a great idea, and there are plenty of famous sights to cast your eyes upon in this country.

For inspiration, research has found the five underrated landmarks that could be worth visiting this summer.


Perhaps surprisingly, it found a Victorian wagonway in Newcastle is your best bet for something different.

This is according to QR Code Generator, who analysed TripAdvisor reviews for the top 50 experiences in the UK. A total of 40 keywords and phrases were tracked to give each attraction a percentage.

\u200bThe Victoria Tunnel

The Victoria Tunnel was voted the top underrated attraction

OUSEBURN TRUST

The 5 most underrated attractions in the UK (underrated percentage)

  1. The Victoria Tunnel (126.2%)
  2. Lincoln Cathedral (113.6%)
  3. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World (111.6%)
  4. Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta (110.7%)
  5. Durham Cathedral (108.4%)

Out of 2,865 reviews, there were 3,617 comments about it being underrated for The Victoria Tunnel. The experts added: "The top five keywords were 'interesting,' 'excellent,' 'fascinating,' 'amazing,' and 'friendly,' with over 2,000 mentions.

"The Victoria Tunnel is a guided tour through a preserved 19th-century wagonway turned WWII air-raid shelter. Visitors walk underground through the narrow tunnel while learning about its industrial origins and wartime use, brought to life with sound effects and storytelling. Some 143 reviews called it a 'hidden gem'.

"Lincoln Cathedral is second, with an underrated percentage of 113.6 per cent. Over 1,000 reviews called the site 'beautiful' and 'breathtaking,' while others called it 'awe-inspiring' and 'majestic'."

This was followed by Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford, which was most commonly praised for being "friendly". Visitors also said they "loved it" and highlighted it was "value for money".

Rounding off the top five list were Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta, and Durham Cathedral, highlighting a keen desire for cathedrals as a tourist attraction.

Lincoln Cathedral

Cathedrals ranked well on the list, with Lincoln Cathedral taking the number two spot

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL

CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L, Marc Porcar, commented: "Just because an attraction is world-famous doesn’t mean it delivers a world-class experience.

"At the end of the day, people want their time and hard-earned money to be respected. They're seeking unique, enriching experiences, not overcrowded spaces or overpriced tickets.

"Interestingly, the most memorable experiences often come from places without the hype. The Victoria Tunnel may not be a global icon, but it offers something many big-name sites can’t: intimacy, character, and a real sense of place.”

For more staycation inspiration, consider the UK's top-rated beach, which is a remote gem "boasting white sands and blue-green waters".