The UK is home to some of the world’s top hidden natural beauty spots, according to new research.In fact, the study, which ranked destinations based on visitor ratings, scenic beauty and a bespoke, found three stunning British locations worth visiting. Luxury travel specialists Bailey Robinson put together the “Hidden Nature Gem Score”, which named the Hidden Lagoon in the Philippines and Garibaldi Lake in Canada as sharing the top spot, both scoring 96 out of 100.Three UK locations made it into the global top 10. Cornwall’s Kynance Cove tied for sixth place, while Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight came eighth, and Pedn Vounder Beach, also in Cornwall, secured ninth position.Kynance Cove, Cornwall, was the highest-ranking location in the UK | GETTYThe findings show a broader shift in how Britons approach their holidays. Nearly three in five people now prefer lesser-known destinations over traditional tourist hotspots, and this appetite for discovery is growing fast.Global Google searches for “hidden gem travel” have shot up by a staggering 5,095 per cent over the past year alone.Sustainability is playing a role too, with almost three in 10 travellers saying environmental concerns are shaping where they choose to go. Destinations across the world made the list, but for those who’d rather skip the long-haul flight, the UK’s three entries prove that stunning secret spots are right on our doorstep.Kynance Cove and Pedn Vounder Beach both sit along Cornwall’s rugged coastline, while Steephill Cove offers a charming escape on the Isle of Wight.The research evaluated destinations using visitor ratings, scenic beauty metrics and a specially designed scoring system to identify spots that remain relatively undiscovered despite their remarkable appeal.Top 10 hidden nature gemsHidden Lagoon, Philippines (joint first)Garibaldi Lake, Canada (joint first)Morinj Beach, MontenegroKoh Hong Lagoon, ThailandKalanggaman Island Beach, PhilippinesLalaria Beach, Greece (joint sixth)Kynance Cove, UK (joint sixth)Steephill Cove, UKPedn Vounder Beach, UKWhitehaven Beach, AustraliaHidden Lagoon, Philippines, came in joint first on the list | GETTYPedn Vounder Beach on Cornwall’s rugged coastline is ranked highly | GETTYHidden Lagoon, nestled among Coron’s dramatic limestone islands, achieved a perfect 100 for its hidden appeal. Meanwhile, Garibaldi Lake in British Columbia impressed with its stunning natural beauty and near-perfect hidden score.Montenegro’s Morinj Beach took third place with 94.9 points, while Thailand’s Koh Hong Lagoon and the Philippines’ Kalanggaman Island Beach rounded out the top five.Personal travel advisor at Bailey Robinson, Stephanie Carthy, said: “For years, travellers have been encouraged to tick off the world’s most famous landmarks, but we’re increasingly seeing a shift away from ‘must-see’ destinations towards places that feel more personal and undiscovered.”What makes these destinations stand out isn’t just their beauty. It’s the sense of discovery they offer. In an age where every corner of the world feels documented on social media, travellers are placing greater value on experiences that feel unique, authentic and genuinely surprising.”The easiest way to find hidden gems is often to stop following the crowd. Travellers tend to focus on the headline attractions, but some of the most extraordinary places sit just beyond the main tourist trail.”We recommend using famous destinations as a starting point rather than the end goal. Explore the surrounding region, seek local recommendations and don’t be afraid to choose the lesser-known alternative. In our experience, those are often the places travellers remember most long after they return home.”Our Standards:
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