Remote gems to escape the bank holiday crowds

Each year, as the May bank holiday weekends come around, it can feel like the whole of the UK has the same idea. Coastal hotspots become unbearably crowded, the most renowned national parks are packed, and that sense of escape can quickly fade away. But step just slightly off the well-trodden path, and there’s a quieter side of the UK to discover. From wild peninsulas and forgotten moorlands to under-the-radar countryside, these remote gems offer space, stillness, and some much-needed seclusion, even during the busiest long weekends.

Our curated list of remote UK gems spans across England, Scotland and Wales so that, depending on your starting point, you don’t need to spend too long on the road. For each destination, we’ve selected one of our favourite cottage picks ranging from romantic hideaways for two to expansive properties primed for groups or families. However, we have many more to choose from in our collection of remote and secluded cottages.

Remote gems in England

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Tucked away in the far north of England, Kielder Forest feels a world apart. Vast, uninterrupted and quietly dramatic, this is one of the most remote landscapes in England. Expect dense forest opening onto broad expanses of moorland.

There’s a sense of scale here that’s sometimes hard to find in England. This is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination with miles of forest trails for cyclists and walkers and a range of water sports on the expansive Kielder Water. Best yet, even on a bank holiday, it’s entirely possible to spend hours without crossing paths with another soul.

Place to stay:

Aptly named, The Hideaway is a charming modern property that has been built in a traditional manner. With fabulous views enjoyed from its vantage in Netherton village, this cottage feels remote and utterly tranquil.

Forest of Bowland, Lancashire

Often missed by travellers heading to the Lakes or Dales, the Forest of Bowland is a quiet gem of rolling hills, winding lanes and hidden valleys.

It’s a place of understated beauty, less dramatic than some landscapes on our list, but no less captivating. Walks here feel peaceful and unhurried, with plenty of opportunities to pause in small villages or country pubs along the way.

Place to stay:

This 1-bedroom cottage in Newton in Bowland offers a quaint hideaway for two. Highlights include a jacuzzi, wood burning stove, and spectacular views from the great expanses of glass.

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

Cornwall may be synonymous with busy beaches, but head inland to Bodmin Moor, and you’ll discover a very different side of the county. Wild, open and steeped in folklore, it feels rugged and remote.

Granite tors rise from the landscape, quiet walking trails stretch for miles, and there’s a sense of history woven through the land. It’s atmospheric, slightly untamed and wonderfully uncrowded compared to the coast.

Place to stay:

For a unique romantic escape, book this 1 bed lodge in Boscastle. Small but perfectly formed, this lodge boasts a wood-fired hot tub, a fire pit, and a wood-burning stove. The location is a real advantage - set on an organic farm and with easy access to nearby beaches.

Romney Marsh, Kent

Close to the southeast yet often overlooked, a visit to Romney Marsh can feel a little like stepping back in time. Wide skies, flat landscapes and scattered villages create a sense of stillness that’s rare in this part of the country.

It’s perfect for slow exploration. Enjoy long walks well-suited to all ages (given the level terrain), gentle cycle rides, and exploration of the unique shingle landscape on Dungeness National Nature Reserve. Rewarding yourself with some of the area’s renowned seafood is a must!

Place to stay:

This 3-bedroom cottage in Ashford is packed full of character with beamed ceilings, a warm country kitchen (including an Aga), and a wood-burning stove. With pets allowed, this is a good family option.

Remote gems in Wales

The Llŷn Peninsula

While Snowdonia draws the crowds, the Llŷn Peninsula remains one of Wales’ best-kept secrets. Stretching out into the Irish Sea, it feels both remote and timeless, with sleepy villages, hidden coves and long stretches of empty coastline.

There’s a strong sense of place here, with Welsh still widely spoken and a slower, more traditional rhythm of life. Walk the coastal paths, discover tucked-away beaches, or simply pause to take in the sea views - chances are, you’ll have them mostly to yourself.

Place to stay:

Ty Bwlcyn is a characterful traditional cottage with expansive mature gardens that is well positioned to access the secluded white sand beaches.

Cambrian Mountains, Mid Wales

For true off-grid appeal, the Cambrian Mountains are hard to beat. Often described as one of the UK’s last great wildernesses, this vast expanse of rolling hills and open skies feels almost untouched.

Centred around the beautiful Elan Valley, this is a landscape of picturesque reservoirs, winding roads and big, uninterrupted views. It’s not a destination for ticking off attractions; instead, it’s about slowing down, switching off and embracing the stillness.

Place to stay:

Llwynderw Hall is an impressive property set within a 1,200-acre working farm. Sleeping up to 10, this is perfect for groups or families looking for a rural escape far from the madding crowds.

Remote gems in Scotland

Galloway Forest Park

In the southwest of Scotland, Galloway Forest Park offers Highland-style scenery without the crowds. Often overlooked, it’s a place of thick forests, quiet lochs and spectacular starry skies.

Walking trails weave through ancient woodland and open hills, while the sheer sense of space makes it easy to feel completely removed from everyday life. Even during a busy weekend, it remains blissfully peaceful.

Place to stay:

This 3 bedroom cottage in Lockerbie offers a quaint base for local exploring. With miles of walking trails, salmon fishing, and golf nearby, this is ideal for an outdoorsy getaway.

Whether you’re drawn to wild coastlines or remote countryside, these destinations prove that even on the busiest bank holiday weekends, there’s always space to escape; you just need to know where to look. We’ve got all kinds of off-grid escapes on our books. Browse our coastal cottages and properties in the countryside today.