Two British destinations have been named the ‘most underrated’ in the world to visit in 2025

Britain is pretty beautiful. Okay, not all of it, there are some decidedly un-picturesque places (including Slough, according to Rightmove) but there’s also a lot of really impressive scenery. Condé Nast Traveller named Sussex amongst their top destinations for 2025, and the Scottish Highlands was featured in National Geographic’s list, but those places are used to getting love. That’s where AFAR’s list comes in.

AFAR, a travel magazine, knows its stuff when it comes to the cool places that you might not have considered, but should definitely visit. It has come up with a list of the world’s most underrated destinations, and two of them are in the UK, alongside beaches in Mexico and penguin-spotting in Argentina.

So there’s two bucket-list spots right under your nose, but where exactly are they? 

North Wales makes the list, thanks to being home to a centuries old pilgrimage, taking you through the mountains, some relics and ruins, and a very old (functioning) cafe. This route is called the North Pilgrims Way, and was lost for centuries until volunteers decided to bring it back in 2011. According to AFAR, ‘this 135-mile trail… cleaves its way through the foothills of Snowdonia’s mountains and along the sandy beaches and towering cliffs of the Llŷn Peninsula.’ Sounds pretty cool, and pretty different to a regular holiday, if that’s what you’re after.

The other place they mention is Oxfordshire, where they recommend going ‘beyond the confines of the famous university to find pastoral beauty, fashionable inns, creative dining, and literary icons.’

Okay, we’ll admit, it’s no secret that Oxford is a beautiful city, but you might not have considered the rest of the county worth a visit, and that’s what AFAR are recommending. They recommend several smaller towns including Henley-on-Thames, Buford, Witney, and Agatha Christie’s hometown of Wallingford. Each has its own specific draws, from luxury manors fit for royals (literally), to excellent restaurants, and adorable boutiques. 

You can read more about why AFAR chose what it did on the website here. Until then, add ‘Welsh pilgrimage’ to your list of New Year’s resolutions.

Staycations according to Time Out

If those don’t take your fancy, why not have a look at our favourite UK road trips, and some of what we at Time Out consider to be the most beautiful places in the country. We’ve also got guides to the most romantic locations in the UK, and some pretty cool castles you can stay overnight in.

‘I went on the UK’s most glamorous train – with a five-course Christmas dinner and lovely vintage loos.‘

Plus: three of Europe’s most desirable islands to visit in 2025 are in the British Isles. 

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