A stunning Scottish village on the eastern banks of Loch Long has been named one of the best-hidden gems in the country. Arrochar in Argyll was the only Scottish entry on the 24-strong shortlist and placed just outside the top 10.
Located in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which is famed for its epic lochs and breathtaking scenery, the tiny lochside village scored highest for its welcoming pubs and of course, beautiful surroundings.
With thousands of people already having enjoyed a summer trip to this wonderful national park, it seems that Arrochar could be the place to visit for a staycation if you're looking for something extra special.
To help people find those destinations that deserve a little more recognition, Holiday rental company HomeToGo has pinpointed and ranked the top 24 hidden gem villages across the UK with its 2022 UK Hidden Gem Index. Each area was ranked based on a number of factors including climate, rainfall, how many pubs are in the area and how hidden the village is.
All of the locations included in the study are situated in National Parks and have plenty of things to do in them, and, according to HomeToGo, none appear on the list of the top 500 most-searched destinations.
Taking the top spot was Dunwich in Suffolk, second was Studland in Dorset and third Bosham in West Sussex. Arrochar came in at number 11 on the list.
An hours drive north from Glasgow – and just over two from Edinburgh – Arrochar lies close to some spectacular locations such as the incredible viewpoint at the Rest and Be Thankful.
A popular basecamp for people looking to set out to enjoy the Arrochar Alps and the Cobbler Peak, also known as Ben Arthur, the village is a top destination for hikers and walkers in the summer months.
The area is also popular for wildlife spotting, walking and other outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking.
Top 24 hidden gem villages from around the UK
There are 24 villages on the list - although in the research three scored equally for the 'eight' slot.
- Dunwich, Suffolk
- Studland, Dorset
- Bosham, West Sussex
- Worth Matravers, Dorset
- Blockley, The Cotswolds
- Bibury, The Cotswolds
- Patterdale, Cumbria
- Brancaster, Norfolk
Branscombe, Devon
Abbotsbury, Dorset - East Prawle, Devon
- Challaborough, Devon
- Arrochar, Loch Lomond
- Rosedale Abbey, North York Moors
- Salthouse, Norfolk
- Cawsand, Cornwall
- Solva, Pembrokeshire
- Burnsall, Yorkshire Dales
- Strangford, Strangford Lough
- Ravenscar, North York Moors
- Glaisdale, North York Moors
- Helford, Cornwall
- Polruan, Cornwall
- Porthgain, Pembrokeshire
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