The places we DON’T want to travel to: The unloved English destinations that people aren’t booking

Walking around London, you’ll no doubt pass by a crowd of tourists holding up selfie sticks, trying to get the perfect picture of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben or Buckingham palace.

But now, forget the usual tourist traps – Brits are missing out on some quieter corners of the UK.

According to new data from KAYAK, a travel search engine, the UK’s least-searched or ‘Not Hot’ destinations, have been revealed. 

While many will head to usual tourist traps such as Edinburgh, Bath, and the Lake District, these underrated gems are quietly serving up castles, coastlines, culture and cracking local food.

What’s more, many of these locations promise just as much culture – without the crowds to contend with.

From sipping local cider in Worcester, to visiting Bolton, aka the ‘Hollywood of the North’, KAYAK’s UK ‘Not Hot’ list reveals the places Brits are overlooking.

These are the unloved English destinations that people aren’t booking – but could be worth a visit…

Worcester, West Midlands

Worcestor Cathedral, dating back to 1084, is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to the city – but there’s lots more to do, as well

Easily accessible by train, Worcester is a perfect spot for a weekend staycation.

Worcester Cathedral, dating back to 1084, is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to the city – but there’s lots more to do, as well.

From a stroll along the River Severn to the many galleries, parks and cafes on offer, the city has all the makings of a perfect British day out.

Salford, North West England

Salford’s often overlooked in favour of its neighbour, Manchester

Salford’s often overlooked in favour of its neighbour, Manchester. 

But that’s a mistake.

With Salford Quays, an entertainment hub with waterside dining, a fab outlet shopping centre and the Imperial War Museum North often hosts family events, there’s plenty to appeal to the British traveller here.

Lancaster, North West England

Lancaster boasts pretty streets and quaint shops to explore at your leisure

The medieval Lancaster Castle is the big tourist attraction here, but there are other reasons to visit too.

Lancaster boasts pretty streets and quaint shops to explore at your leisure. 

With beautiful countryside and a spectacular coastline nearby, it’s a great option for a summer break.

Telford, West Midlands

Telford, a town in the county of Shropshire, located about 30 miles northwest of Birmingham, is usually overlooked

Telford, a town in the county of Shropshire, located about 30 miles northwest of Birmingham, is usually overlooked. 

It’s situated near the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site, a key reason to visit.

But there’s also great shopping choices and a pretty town to explore, for a relaxed day out. 

Hastings, East Sussex

The three-mile seafront of Hastings is a huge attraction, especially in the summer months

Hastings is best-known as the site on which the Battle of Hastings was fought.

But it’s more than just a historical day out – it’s a great travel destination, too. 

The three-mile seafront of Hastings is a huge attraction, especially in the summer months.

Caernarforn, North Wales

But its castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should be an attraction to lure in more visitors

With a population of just 9,852, it’s no surprise few have heard of Caernarforn in Wales.

But its castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should be an attraction to lure in more visitors.

With a pretty waterfront and quaint narrow streets, it’s a quieter alternative to other towns you might have on your radar. 

Shrewsbury, West Midlands

Located in Shropshire, in western England, Shrewsbury is inside a loop of the River Severn

Located in Shropshire, in western England, Shrewsbury is inside a loop of the River Severn.

With Tudor-style houses, a castle and cathedral, it’s a surprise it isn’t better-known among UK-based travellers.

It’s definitely worth a visit – as it boasts more than 600 listed buildings, cobbled streets and a charming ambiance. 

Doncaster, Yorkshire and the Humber

Best known for its sporting and railway links, Doncaster could actually be a great option for your next staycation

Best known for its sporting and railway links, Doncaster could actually be a great option for your next staycation.

You could visit Doncaster Racecourse, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum during your stay. 

Like most English cities, there’s also a historic centre for you to explore.

Colchester, Essex

You could spend hours trawling the city centre, shopping and dining at your own pace among locals – and without tourist crowds

Colchester is known as Britain’s first Roman city.

Its appeal continues today, though, and is home to a 900-year-old Norman castle.

You could spend hours trawling the city centre, shopping and dining at your own pace among locals – and without tourist crowds. 

Bolton, Greater Manchester

But the town located between Manchester, Blackburn, Wigan, Bury and Salford could be a better spot than you think

Bolton’s rarely the place that springs to mind when organising a UK city break.

But the town located between Manchester, Blackburn, Wigan, Bury and Salford could be a better spot than you think.

A historic market town, there are lots of corners and streets for you to explore.