Stranger Things is finally back! To celebrate the long-awaited release of the US show’s third season, we’ve hand-picked some of the UK’s greatest, yet strangest sights for you to visit on your next road trip.
These road trip ideas are for those into the stranger side of life – and up for an adventure. Make sure to let us know if you visit any on our social channels, too!
England
Puzzlewood, Coleford England
Get lost in this mysterious woodland located in the Forest of Dean, less than a mile south of Coleford. This mystical woodland was the inspiration for Lord of the Rings and is a great day out for all the family. With mazes to get lost in, farm animals to visit and an outdoor playground – it’s not just about the winding, yet wonderful woodland. Overnight accommodation is also available for those wishing to explore the rest of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Alnwick Poison Garden, Northumberland
Get your fill of thrills and flowers at this strange botanical garden which only exhibits deadly or narcotic flowers. Opened in 2015 by Duchess Jane Percy, this may be the strangest botanical garden we’ve heard of yet. You’re not allowed to touch or smell the flowers though because - as to be expected – some are poisonous.
The Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spare, East Midlands
This eerie but entertaining cinema is located in the forest of Woodhall Spa. Though the kitsch Kinema in the Woods might project movies in an old farmhouse, and is one of the last cinemas left to use back projection, they show the latest releases all year round – so not everything about this place is strange.
Dreamland, Margate
Dreamland is the oldest amusement parks in the UK. Vintage rides, a roller disco, even a mini zoo – this nostalgic attraction has a strange little something for everyone. Margate’s the perfect spot for your next staycation too, as the seaside town boasts a ton of restaurants, pubs, vintage shops and even a world-renowned art gallery: The Turner Contemporary.
Scotland
Finnich Glen and the Devil’s Pulpit, Drymen
This 100-foot deep gorge in the west of Scotland looks like it could be a gateway to another universe... much like the Upside Down. Like something out of your favourite sci-fi film, rocks cut through the surface of the water here to create mind-blowing whirlpools and eddies. It’s as out of this world as you can get – on this world anyway.
Fingal’s Cave, Isle of Staffa
Fingal’s Cave is magical. Not literally of course – but this geometric cave’s unique and almost alien structure has inspired many a British legend, from Pink Floyd to Queen Victoria. The cave lies on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa, so you’ll need to get a boat from the nearby Isle of Mull, accessible from the mainland town of Oban – the crossing from Oban is known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’.
Wales
The Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park
This amazing natural attraction spans the area of Brecon Beacons National Park. Misty mountain-top air, magical views and – you didn’t read it wrong – black mountain faces (in the right light) make this destination truly remarkable... and rather strange. The 20-mile section of road in Wales is great for drivers who love to get off the beaten track. Visit some of the inns along the route from Gwaun-cae-Gurwen to Llandovery, either for some well-deserved food or a restful overnight stay in the heart of this breathtaking location.
Ireland
Loftus Hall, County Wexford
On the isolated road that runs down Hook Peninsula in Country Wexford, you’ll find Loftus Hall – built in the mid-1300’s, and said to be the most haunted building in Ireland. If the paranormal is your thing, then take the guided tour that takes you through the eventful, troubled history of the hall: from invasion to plague and famine, all said to lead to the hall’s supposed haunting. The ghost of one of the hall’s owners daughter's is said to roam the halls, who – according to legend – witnessed the devil during a game of cards... and never recovered.
Did you already visit these weird wonders, or are you planning to on your next UK road trip? We can't wait to hear about it – so leave us a comment on our blog and social to let us know.
