August 24th 2024.
The town is filled with charming, colourful houses that give it a unique and vibrant atmosphere. It's a sight to behold and one that many people may be missing out on. As we go about our daily routines, tens of millions of us pass through the UK's busiest train stations each year. These include popular destinations such as London Liverpool Street, London Victoria, Birmingham New Street, Leeds, and Manchester Piccadilly. However, there are also some lesser-known locations that passengers rarely travel to and from.
According to the experts at Trainline, two of the least visited towns in the UK are Aberaeron in Wales and Melrose in Scotland. These destinations have seen a low number of Trainline passengers in the past year, with only one to 100 people purchasing tickets to these locations. It's a surprising statistic, especially when you consider the beauty and charm that these towns have to offer.
Let's take a closer look at these overlooked spots and discover why they may be getting passed over. Spoiler alert: we're all missing out! Aberaeron, located on the Ceredigion Coast, is often referred to as the 'gem of Cardigan Bay'. It's an incredibly picturesque town, with its colourful houses and bustling centre filled with independent shops, restaurants, and bars. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including a stroll around the harbour or a visit to Aberaeron South Beach where you may even spot a porpoise or bottlenose dolphin.
If you're a fan of architecture or interiors, Aberaeron is also home to the impressive Llanerchaeron Estate, a National Trust property. This 18th-century Georgian villa is set in a beautiful wooded valley and boasts a stunning walled garden, farm, and lake on its grounds. And no visit to Aberaeron would be complete without trying some of the fresh seafood at Y Seler, a popular restaurant overlooking the harbour. Don't forget to grab some honey wine from the nearby New Quay Honey Farm and Meadery or treat yourself to some delicious ice cream from The Hive.
Now, you may be wondering how much it costs to visit this charming town. Well, the price of a train ticket to Aberaeron varies depending on where you're travelling from and when you want to depart. Currently, on Trainline, tickets from London Paddington can be purchased for as little as £37 without a Railcard or £24.40 with one. However, peak time journeys can cost up to £99 without a Railcard. The trip takes just under six hours and involves changing trains along the way.
Moving on to Melrose, a small town in the Scottish Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom. This town also made Trainline's list of least visited destinations, even though it has a lot to offer. It's the birthplace of Rugby Sevens and hosts the annual Melrose Sevens tournament, which brings a carnival-like atmosphere to the town. But if sports aren't your thing, don't worry, there's still plenty to see and do in Melrose.
The town offers breathtaking views of the triple peaks of the Eildon Hills, and at the foot of the hills, you'll find the beautiful valley of the River Tweed and the haunting ruins of Melrose Abbey. History buffs will be interested to know that the Abbey is also the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. And for those with green thumbs, a visit to the Priorwood Scottish Gardens, run by the National Trust, is a must. The rustic walled garden is located in the Abbey precinct and is home to over 90 different types of apples.
Similar to Aberaeron, the cost of train tickets to Melrose can vary greatly. Some journeys from London King's Cross can cost over £200, with the cheapest tickets we found being £79.40 without a Railcard or £52.40 with one. The journey takes over five hours and involves changing trains and taking a bus from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Melrose.
But don't let the price of tickets discourage you from visiting this beautiful town. It's no surprise that Melrose is one of the top tourist spots in the Scottish Borders, and it's especially popular with rugby fans. In fact, Melrose is just one of the many least visited UK towns that Trainline shared with us. Other locations include Lakenheath in Suffolk, Thornton Abbey in Lincolnshire, and Sandplace in Cornwall.
On the other hand, there are also some popular UK towns that don't even have a train station, such as Gosport in Hampshire, Witney in Oxfordshire, and Haverhill in Suffolk. It's fascinating to see the contrast between the least and most visited destinations, and it shows that there's always more to explore and discover in the UK.
Speaking of popular destinations, did you know that London isn't the UK's favourite city? According to a recent YouGov survey, York takes the top spot with a 74% approval rating, followed by Edinburgh at 71%. This may come as a surprise to some, especially considering London's prestigious reputation and numerous awards. But it seems that Brits have spoken, and York is their top pick.
In conclusion, Aberaeron and Melrose may be among the least visited towns in the UK, but they have so much to offer. From charming houses and picturesque harbours to historical landmarks and beautiful gardens, these hidden gems are waiting to be explored. So, why not plan a trip to one of these towns and see for yourself what you've been missing out on? And if you've been to any of these least visited UK towns, we'd love to hear about your experiences! Share them with us in the comments below.
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