From wild camping on remote Scottish beaches to film-inspired weekends in northern England, travellers across Britain are increasingly seeking quieter destinations away from traditional tourist centres, according to a collection of reader recommendations published by the Guardian.

The suggestions reflect continued interest in domestic tourism focused on natural landscapes, cultural heritage and smaller towns offering alternatives to heavily visited cities and resort areas. Many of the featured destinations combine outdoor activities with links to television, film and literary history.

One recommendation focused on the cathedral city of Wells, described as a compact and walkable alternative to larger tourist destinations such as Bath. The city gained renewed visibility among film fans after serving as a principal filming location for the 2007 comedy-action film Hot Fuzz, starring Simon Pegg.

Visitors highlighted the city’s medieval architecture, including Wells Cathedral, known for its gothic design and one of Britain’s oldest working clocks dating to the late 14th century.

Nearby attractions include Bishop’s Palace and the surrounding Mendip region, which includes Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves.In western Scotland, travellers recommended the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula, which contains the westernmost point of mainland Britain at Corrachadh Mòr.

One visitor described wild camping near Sanna Bay, an area known for shell-sand beaches, machair grasslands and coastal wildlife.The region has become increasingly popular among outdoor travellers seeking low-cost and nature-focused experiences.

Visitors to the peninsula frequently travel to Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, where sightings of dolphins and seabirds are common during warmer months.Another recommendation centred on North Berwick, a coastal town east of Edinburgh that has benefited from rising demand for short domestic rail trips.

Travellers highlighted the area’s beaches, harbour and views across the Firth of Forth toward Bass Rock, a volcanic island known for one of the world’s largest northern gannet colonies.The nearby Scottish Seabird Centre has become a major attraction for wildlife tourism in the region, particularly during spring and summer migration periods.

In southwest England, readers recommended the village of Beer as a family-friendly destination offering coastal walks and rock-pooling activities. One traveller described staying at YHA Beer while exploring the Jurassic Coast with children.The nearby clifftop walking route connecting Beer and Seaton was highlighted for its coastal views.

Travellers also recommended Woozie’s Deli for picnic supplies and locally prepared food.Film and television tourism also featured prominently among the recommendations. One visitor described travelling to Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas connected to the BBC crime drama Happy Valley.

The trip included visits to filming locations in nearby Sowerby Bridge and walks through the Yorkshire moorland landscape surrounding Hardcastle Crags. Visitors also travelled to Heptonstall to visit the grave of Sylvia Plath.

The area’s independent cultural venues, including Hebden Bridge Picture House, continue to attract visitors seeking smaller-scale tourism experiences outside major urban centres.

Tourism analysts in Britain have noted sustained growth in domestic travel since the pandemic period, particularly in rural and coastal regions offering outdoor activities and short-stay accommodation.

Smaller destinations with strong transport links and cultural recognition from television or film productions have increasingly benefited from travellers seeking alternatives to crowded international hotspots.