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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Andrew Smart

Hidden gem locations in Scotland top list of best 'underrated corners' in the UK

TWO locations in Scotland have topped a list of the best "underrated corners" in the UK.

The list, which was compiled by The Telegraph, featured places across the country including The Malverns in Worcestershire and Herefordshire as well as Exmouth in the South West of England.

Introducing the ranking, the newspaper said: "Despite our tendency to neglect them, fleeting weekend breaks within the UK can be among our greatest trips away.

"They are often an afterthought, and not planned as far in advance, but can be just as pleasurable as the large, overseas holiday. And it’s rather delightful that, away from the more bustling, popular spots, there are still lesser-known gems to be found.  

The National: Dundee was praised for its many creative spotsDundee was praised for its many creative spots (Image: Getty)

"Here are some of the unsung corners of our nation that deserve more tourists in 2024, from the coast of Northern Ireland to the Calder Valley."

See the two Scottish spots named among the best 'underrated corners' in the UK

Dundee and Queensferry were the two Scottish locations named among the best "underrated corners" in the UK by The Telegraph.

Discussing Scotland's fourth largest city, the publication said: "Art lovers already know that the UK has hidden pockets of creativity, like the Tate at St Ives or the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. It’s Dundee, however, that boasts an outpost of the V&A, which next year has exhibitions on the history of the kimono and urban photography.

"If visitors don’t get their fill, there’s also the Victorian McManus Galleries, or the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, both of which are situated right in the heart of the city.

"For history, follow the winding Maritime Trail to the preserved HMS Unicorn, or explore textile-mill-turned-museum Verdant Works. 

"Perhaps most remarkable, though, is the ease at which one can get to a genuinely wild landscape.

A short drive will take you to Tentsmuir Forest, a wander through which will deliver you to a secluded stretch of beach. The majestic Angus Glens are similarly accessible, which, if you tire of the urban creatives, provide a marvellous escape."

The National: Queensferry is said to occupy 'a crucial place in British history'Queensferry is said to occupy 'a crucial place in British history' (Image: Getty)


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Commending the town of Queensferry near Edinburgh, the newspaper added: "Queensferry occupies a stretch of coast northwest of Edinburgh but sees nowhere near the number of visitors. It’s a haven for engineering buffs, framed by the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.

"On its borders, you’ll find Hopetoun House, a tranquil stately home with majestic grounds.

"The town also occupies a crucial place in British history. Military buffs will want to visit to see where the Royal Navy set off for the Battle of Jutland; in the Battle of Britain, the town incurred German bombings that are now largely forgotten. 

"For those looking for something weirder, visit in the summer and parade through the streets with the Burryman, a ceremony in which a local is covered in, unsurprisingly, burrs and flowers. It’s quite the sight."

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