Professional hiker John Millen, who has walked over 10,000 miles through National Parks and walking routes in the UK, recommends visiting the remote village of Cowden in Yorkshire if you want to escape the busyness of Christmas. Cowden, located in Upper Swaledale, has just over 100 residents, one pub, a tea shop, and a campsite, making it a peaceful and picturesque destination. The village is known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Cowden Beach, a flat sandy beach close by. Visitors can also enjoy nearby Hornsea Beach, just a 10-minute drive from Cowden, and book a stay at Cowden Holiday Park for a range of facilities.
Cowden boasts a single pub, Cross Keys Bar and Restaurant, serving pub classics and a variety of drinks, next to the Cowden Holiday Park. The village, situated in East Riding of Yorkshire, is praised for its remote and gorgeous natural surroundings. While access to Cowden Beach is difficult from the village, visitors can reach the beach from neighboring Mapleton. The beach features old WW2 bunkers, but caution is advised as unexploded bombs may still be present. Cowden Holiday Park, set within 40 acres of landscaped parkland, offers activities such as fishing, an adventure playground, a coffee shop, and an on-site bar. Previous visitors have spoken highly of the park, describing it as their happy place and a great family site with something for everyone.
Visitors to Cowden can also explore the surrounding area, such as Hull, which is a 25-minute drive away. Sun Travel’s Hope Brotherton visited Hull and shared her experience earlier this year. Additionally, there are other secluded villages in the UK worth exploring for a relaxing staycation. These villages offer a variety of attractions, from medieval castles and National Parks to coastal cliffs and charming pubs. From Dunster in Somerset to Reeth in North Yorkshire, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover off the beaten track in Britain.
In addition to Cowden, John Millen leads hiking expeditions across the UK and Europe as a guide for Walker’s Britain, a company that has been organizing hiking tours since the 1970s. His experience walking the Coast to Coast Path multiple times has given him insight into some of the country’s most remote towns and villages, such as Cowden. His praise for the village’s beauty and tranquility highlights the appeal of escaping to a rural destination like Cowden for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and everyday life.
