Llyn Dinas lake nestled in the wooded foothills of Snowdonia is the UK’s second-best hidden gem, according to new research.

Sixteen months of travel restrictions have meant adventures have felt like a distant dream.

As lockdown has lifted and we tentatively venture further from home, people are discovering they don’t need to explore beyond UK shores to fulfil their wanderlust.

Research by MINI has led to the creation of the Big Days Out Index, a list of the best wild locations in the UK.

"We’ve searched high and low to find Britain’s best kept secrets," a spokesperson for MINI said.

"The long list of 100 was judged against two sets of criteria, which were used to measure both their visitor rating score (what the general public think) and wildness (lesser-known adventure spots).

"The average of the two determined a final score out of 100 and gave us a treasure trove of places to explore."

Llyn Dinas came second in the list, receiving a visitor rating score of 106 and a wildness score of 100.

"The shores of Llyn Dinas might have you believing you’ve stepped right into the world of Tolkien," MINI explain in the Big Days Out Index.

"Rolling misty hills and endless lakes encapsulate the best of Wales and the adventures it holds.

"With that in mind, it’s no wonder Llyn Dinas is so highly rated by visitors, with five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.

"But the best bit? We found particularly low locations tags, so chances are you’ll get to enjoy its splendour in peace and quiet.

"Protected by the National Trust, these stunning shores sit in northern Snowdonia.

"Take a drive to the area itself, then prepare to stretch your legs. The footpath provides magical views and can take you all the way to Beddgelert.

"If you’d prefer to drive, take one of the best in the UK and head down the A498 which passes by the lake, surrounded by the wild hills of Gelli Lago."