Top 10 Hidden Gems of Britain and Ireland
As someone from England, I have been fortunate enough to visit much of the UK and Ireland including all of the major countries, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and of course England.
Thanks to the relatively small distances between all of those cities, it is easy to explore all that is on offer via the UK and Ireland’s vast rail and road networks, but it is becoming increasingly easy and popular to explore the region via ship.
As a small group of islands, with a long seafaring past, it is perhaps not too surprising as ports can be found all around its coastline but one thing that often gets overlooked is that many itineraries call into destinations that many may never have heard of and even those who live in the region may never have visited.
If you want to visit the UK and Ireland to explore all that s on offer away from the more touristy areas, this is the list for you as we take a look at cruise ports in the UK and Ireland that whilst they may not come instantly to mind before you visit, are places you will never forget.
Our Top 10 Hidden Gems of Britain and Ireland
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides but with a population of around 7,000 and a remote location, that’s not saying too much but that is actually the reason to visit the historic town.
The Western Isles sit just off of the mainland of Scotland, but they offer a completely different experience that is well worth seeing for yourself.
Stornoway is home to many stunning buildings and those heading out on excursions can visit the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish, Lews Castle, Lewis Lighthouse and many other sights of interest.
Stornoway is also a great place to pick up some local gifts to take home with you as it is home to both Harris Tweed and Harris Whiskey.
The island can be easily reached onboard a wide range of cruise ships and cruise lines including many mainstream ones and expedition-style ships.
Lerwick, Shetland Isles, Scotland
Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Isles, an archipelago just off of the north-east coast of mainland Scotland, that is known for its strong links to its Viking past.
The islands offer a unique style which can be especially seen in Lerwick where many of its largest buildings around the port and throughout the town are built of a dark-grey stone.
Lerwick is somewhere that has kept alive its long-held unique culture and has managed to keep alive many of the traditions of the past, so it is perhaps no surprise that many of the highlights of Lerwick are historical sites of interest.
That includes Scalloway Castle, the Jarlshof Ruins, Fort Charlotte and Mousa Broch- an iron age round tower.
If you love horses, you will likely have heard of Shetland Ponies, which have become popular around the world but the only place to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is in the Shetland Islands.
Despite the remote nature of Lerwick, many ships call in their although most will need to tender, including some of the biggest ships in the world heading to places such as Norway, Iceland and of course on British Isles cruises.
Derry (Londonderry)
The port of Foyle services the city of Derry (Londonderry) that straddles the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and whilst there are only a limited number of ships visiting there, normally small luxury ones or expedition-style cruises, it is well worth visiting.
You start your entry into the port with a cruise along the stunning Lough Foyle before either docking close to the town centre or tendering in for larger ships but no matter hoe you get ashore, this is a port to just walk off of the ship and stroll around the town.
Derry is full of history as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the island of Ireland but much of the most interesting places to visit in the city are based on it smore recent past.
During the euphemistically ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, the city saw the worst of the actions from both sides but that in turn saw the best of many of the local population who came to help those in need.
With so much more now known about what happened during those dark days, there are many places to visit around the city that gives you a firsthand insight into what happened in Derry, whilst a hop-on-hop-off tour bus takes you around the sights with a guided commentary.
The city’s walls are impressive and are well worth taking a walk around and its Guild Hall is both an impressive building from the outside and an interesting museum on the inside but a must visit is the Peace Bridge, both for the views from it and also due to the meaning behind it.
Douglas, Isle of Man
If you are a fan of motorcycle racing, you may know the small island of the Isle of Man from the famous TT race that takes place there, but many will likely have never heard of it.
The island sits between England and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the middle of the Irish Sea.
It is a Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom, so whilst it has strong ties to the mainland, it also has a history and culture all of its own.
Cruise ships visit the port of Douglas on the east coast of the island which makes it easy for visitors to explore the capital city of the Isle of Man and enjoy its attractions such as a huge promenade, a tramway and a historic steam railway.
The whole island is easy to explore from Douglas with many enjoying a trip to the iconic Laxey Upper Wheel when on shore.
Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey, Wales
The port of Holyhead has long been established as a leading ferry port in the UK and has acted as a link between London, Wales and Ireland, with both road and rail links between the port and London and then ferry services across the Irish Sea.
There are now a number of cruise ships that allow you to explore the Isle of Anglesey and Northern Wales, and that includes the impressive Snowdonia National Park (Eryri National Park).
Anglesey is small enough to explore on foot and offers plenty for visitors to experience but Holyhead also acts a great gateway for those heading off on excursion to see some of the numerous castles in the region, head to seaside towns such as Porthmadog or enjoy a ride on the historic Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland Railways.
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
This is one of the harder ports to visit on this list but in my opinion, it is well worth the effort to find a cruise itinerary calling in there.
You will likely have to sail on a smaller ship and probably with a more luxurious line, but your welcome will make you glad you put the effort in.
The historic Portree harbour features beautiful, brightly coloured houses and you are surround by many of the other islands of the Inner Hebrides whilst in town offering incredible views no matter which way you look that are dominated by the Cuillin mountain range.
The island is home to some of the best scenery in Scotland and its old town is one of the most photogenic which makes it a great place to visit for those who love to show off photos of their adventure when they get back home.
Wildlife lovers will also be all set for a great time on shire as the island is home to red deer, salmon and golden eagles amongst many other beautiful local species.
Falmouth, Cornwall, England
The county of Cornwall has long been a go to region for Brits wanting to enjoy the warm, sunny summers and beautiful coastline found in the far southwest of England, but it has now become easier for those from across the globe to explore all that is on offer there.
The county has a long history that has developed its own language and culture which makes it a unique county to visit in England.
Its leading port of Falmouth, perhaps better known as a naval port, now acts as a gateway to Cornwall for those cruising around the British Isles or heading between Northern Europe and the Med, the Canaries and on trans-Atlantic journeys.
The town itself is easy to explore on foot and has lots for visitors to offer but many will also head out on excursions to places such as Tintagel Castle, the Minack Theatre, Land’s End and the Eden Project.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
What’s the story in Tobermory, wouldn’t you like to know? Should have been the question asked in the opening theme to the popular children’s television programme called Balamory as the programme was actually filmed in the town of Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
The island sits just off of the west coast of mainland Scotland and offers a stunningly entry but that also continues as you arrive at the Tobermory waterfront which is home to the beautiful brightly coloured houses made famous by the aforementioned tv programme.
There is lots of historical sights to see on the island but for many simply walking around the historic streets of Tobermory makes for a great day on shore.
Fort William, Scotland
The Highlands of Scotland are well known around the world for its stunning natural beauty, beautiful historic towns and friendly locals and all of that and more can be visited when arriving at Fort William on a cruise ship.
The town has lots to offer and incredible views throughout but for many it acts as a base for exploring the southwest Highlands and the nearby Glen Coe, Aonach Mor, Glenfinnan and the famous Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland.
The town itself is the second largest in the Highlands, behind Inverness, and has a fascinating history full of battles and uprisings but in the modern era, it is the relaxed nature of Fort William that attracts so many.
Sitting at the southern end of the Great Glen, the town provides many great hiking opportunities but for me, the best way to explore the region is to take a train ride on the West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world and home of the Deerstalker, a Caledonia sleeper service between Fort William and London.
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, a small archelogy sitting just off of the north-east coast of Scotland that boasts a long history dating back to at least 1046, when it was named in the Orkneyinga Saga.
The town has become a hugely popular one for cruse lines, with many offering a range of ships from some of the biggest in the region, to smaller expedition-style ships, all giving their passengers the chance to explore the history and culture of the Orkneys.
A lot of that is linked to its Viking past, as they ruled the islands between the 9th and 13th centuries, with the modern-day local accent still having a Norwegian twang.
Amongst the attractions awaiting those visiting Kirkwall are Skara Brae, Scapa Flow, the Viking era St Magnus Cathedral, the Ring of Brodgar and the stunning Balfour Castle.
