There’s so many beautiful things to see right here in the UK (stock image) (Image: Getty)
You don’t need to venture to an exotic overseas destination to see some truly breathtaking scenery – there’s plenty to see right here in Britain. However, one travel influencer has suggested that some of the UK’s most celebrated tourist spots may not live up to the hype — and has put forward several lesser-known alternatives that are equally impressive, if not superior.
Apryl, who boasts 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she goes by aprylwanders, highlighted three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – alongside three alternatives worth exploring instead. In the caption accompanying her post, she wrote: “Unpopular opinion… some of England’s most famous spots aren’t actually the best ones. These are just based on my experience, and what I’d do differently if I planned my trip again.”
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She further noted: “England is full of beautiful places… but I’ve realised there’s almost always a better, quieter alternative.”
The first destination she’d give a miss? Stonehenge. The ancient megalithic monument on Salisbury Plain is renowned worldwide, attracting more than one million visitors annually, all captivated by the enduring mystery surrounding its construction, reports the Mirror.
Apryl, originally from Manchester, remarked: “Looks iconic, but disappointing in person.” She further noted that visitors “can’t get close”, that tours and tickets are costly, and that there is “always a crowd”.
Instead, she recommended visitors travel just 25 miles north to Avebury, home to the world’s largest stone circle. Apryl noted the site is “older than Stonehenge”, and visitors are free to wander amongst the stones. She added that entry is free, and there are “no crowds”.
The second location Apryl advised avoiding is the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The picturesque village is renowned across the globe for its iconic architecture and stunning Gloucestershire surroundings.
Apryl said: “Charming, but can feel overcrowded.” She added it’s the “busiest spot in the Cotswolds” and is “very touristy” and “hard to enjoy at slower pace”.
Instead, she suggested that Cotswolds visitors ought to head to the neighbouring villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. She described the villages as “quieter” and “just as scenic”, adding that visitors can enjoy “a relaxing walk”.
Apryl’s third recommended spot to bypass is the breathtaking Seven Sisters and Beachy Head cliffs in East Sussex, forming part of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Specifying the destination should be avoided during spring, she cautioned that it features “longer hikes than people expect”. She further noted it is “very weather dependent” and “not the easiest to access”.
Instead, she recommended visitors should venture slightly further up the coast to Birling Gap. She explained this alternative provides views of the same cliffs, is “easier [to] access”, requires no lengthy walk, and remains “just as stunning”. In the post’s description, she noted she would still suggest the Seven Sisters lighthouse walk “in calmer weather”.
People expressed varied opinions in the comments. One remarked: “I thought Stonehenge was super cool!! Yes it’s crowded and you can’t walk up to them normally, but I thought the audio guide was really interesting and the museum and all the information was really cool, so I loved it!
“Also I did Seven Sisters both ways! Parked at Birling Gap and then walked to the lighthouse along the cliffs and loved it! I thought that’s what you were meant to do to reach it??”
Another commented: “I loved Stonehenge. Yes there were a lot of people but honestly it never felt crowded. So awe inspiring.”
A further user offered an alternative proposal. “I suggest you don’t skip these spots,” they stated. “Just go off season. We had Bourton on the water to ourselves in December.”
