We all love the romance of a European getaway. But between creeping travel costs (putting off 56% of Brits), nightmare airport queues (70%) and the ever-present threat of flight cancellations (61%), dragging your suitcase overseas is feeling less like a holiday and more like an endurance test.
So, instead of battling the crowds at overseas hotspots, savvy holidaymakers are swapping long-haul pressure for strikingly similar locations right here in the UK.
According to a new poll of 10,000 travellers, 94% of Brits say they’d happily stay in the UK if the scenery rivals a famous international destination. And looking at the options, it’s easy to see why almost half (44%) of travellers have already made the switch over the last 12 months.
If you’re ready to skip the departure lounge without sacrificing the views, here are 10 UK holiday spots giving Europe a serious run for its money.
1. Port Isaac, Cornwall & Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’re dreaming of the glorious Italian Riviera but want to skip the airport queues, look no further than Port Isaac. Tucked away on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, this historic fishing village serves up a masterclass in seaside charm. Just like its Mediterranean counterpart, Port Isaac boasts dramatic cliffs, providing breathtaking panoramic viewpoints at every turn.
Home to winding coastal roads reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find a picturesque jumble of historic, pastel cottages tumbling down the hillside toward a cosy harbour. Spend a lazy afternoon getting lost in the narrow, cobbled alleyways before emerging at the water’s edge to admire the turquoise coves. Paired with incredible, freshly caught local seafood, it’s a slice of La Dolce Vita right here on British shores.
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2. Derwentwater, Lake District & Lake Como, Italy
Dreaming of lakeside glamour but can’t stomach the flight prices or the summer crowds? Discover the gorgeous Cumbrian Lake District. Derwentwater, nestled in the northern Lake District, is stepping up as Britain’s breathtaking answer to the Italian lakes. With its elegant lakeside scenery, grand heritage properties peeking through the trees and a remarkably tranquil atmosphere, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into Lombardy rather than just down the road from Keswick.
The real magic, however, is in the dramatic landscape. Derwentwater boasts sweeping mountain backdrops reminiscent of Lake Como, framing the waters with an undeniably cinematic romance. Whether you’re hopping on a canoe to cruise around the lake’s wooded islands or simply enjoying a drink on the terrace of a waterside eatery, this Cumbrian gem proves that world-class alpine beauty is waiting right on your doorstep – no passport required.
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3. St Ives, Cornwall & Cadaqués, Spain
If you’re drawn to the bohemian, sun-bleached shores of Catalonia, St Ives on the rugged northern coast of Cornwall is our top pick. Much like the Spanish seaside gem of Cadaqués, which famously captured the heart of Salvador Dalí and other 20th-century artists, St Ives has long been a magnet for painters and sculptors inspired by the incredible natural light.
With its maze of narrow, winding lanes and charming fisherman’s cottages, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped off a plane in the Mediterranean rather than arriving in the West Country. St Ives boasts spectacular beaches, pretty harbour views and a relaxed coastal feel reminiscent of Cadaqués. Between taking a dip in the turquoise waters, exploring world-class galleries like Tate St Ives and sampling fresh seafood right by the harbour, this vibrant town proves that a picturesque, art-infused beach getaway is waiting right on your doorstep.
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4. Kendal, Lake District & Grindelwald, Switzerland
When you picture a quintessential alpine retreat, Grindelwald in Switzerland and its towering peaks and mountain charm might spring to mind. But before you shell out for a costly flight to the Bernese Alps, consider steering your compass toward Kendal. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Lakes,’ this historic Cumbrian market town is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Lake District National Park, serving up sweeping valleys and rugged fells that easily rival a Swiss vista.
Instead of Swiss chocolate, you can fuel your hikes with the town’s world-famous Kendal Mint Cake, before heading out to conquer the nearby ridges. With its impressive limestone architecture, cosy tearooms and immediate access to world-class trails, Kendal boasts dramatic landscapes and alpine-style scenery, offering the feel of a Swiss mountain escape closer to home.
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5. Elgol, Isle of Skye & Norwegian Fjords, Norway
If you’ve been dreaming of navigating the colossal, icy waterways of Scandinavia but want to skip the airport queues, the Isle of Skye is your best bet for a UK staycation. You’ll find the tiny fishing hamlet of Elgol tucked away at the end of a dramatic single-track road and best believe it serves up scenery that could easily pass for the Arctic Circle. Sitting on the shores of Loch Scavaig, Elgol offers front-row seats to the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains as they plunge directly into the dark, sea-loch waters.
Like the Norwegian Fjords, Elgol is known for its impressive natural beauty. You can even hop on a local boat trip straight from the village slipway, crossing the tranquil loch to explore resident seal colonies and the hidden, glacial depths of Loch Coruisk. It delivers all the jaw-dropping scale and untamed atmosphere of Norway, completely passport-free.
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6. Llandudno, Wales & French Riviera, France
If your travel mood board is pinned with images of the Côte d’Azur, look no further than the sweeping crescent of Llandudno Bay. Known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts,” this stunning coastal town swaps the Mediterranean for the Irish Sea, offering a surprisingly convincing alternative to the Côte d’Azur. Llandudno’s sweeping, crescent-shaped bay is framed by two dramatic headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme, providing a topographical drama that rivals the rocky coastline between Nice and Monaco.
But the real magic is in the architecture. Llandudno’s Victorian promenade and grand, pastel-painted seafront give it a distinct Riviera-style atmosphere without leaving the UK. Instead of millionaire yachts in Saint-Tropez, you get the historic Llandudno Pier stretching out into the water, complete with traditional arcades and breathtaking views back toward the mountains of Snowdonia. You might need to swap a chilled glass of rosé for a hot cup of tea on a breezy day, but the timeless seaside elegance remains the same.
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7. Cambridge, England & Venice, Italy
If you are craving the romantic atmosphere and architecture of Italy, East Anglia is calling your name. Waterways, bridges and punts make Cambridge a natural British alternative to Venice, offering a perfectly English take on the classic gondola experience. Drift along the peaceful River Cam and glide past centuries-old stone architecture and the immaculate, sweeping lawns of the university’s most prestigious colleges.
The Italian connection even extends to the city’s landmarks. Cambridge boasts its very own covered Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College, which was built in 1831 and named directly in honour of the famous Venetian structure. Whether you hire a guide or try your hand at punting yourself, floating beneath its historic arches provides a picture-perfect escape without the need for a passport.
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8. St Davids, Pembrokeshire & Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you’ve always wanted to experience the historic magic of Dubrovnik but dread the big crowds and premium price tags, head to the western tip of Wales. Dubrovnik’s massive popularity has made it one of Europe’s busiest spots, but you can find that same blend of ancient architecture and sea air much closer to home. Compact, coastal and historic, St Davids offers a peaceful city-break feel reminiscent of Dubrovnik. As the UK’s smallest city, this Pembrokeshire gem trades bustling Adriatic promenades for a far more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Instead of queuing shoulder-to-shoulder in a walled city, you can freely wander the atmospheric ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Palace or take in the breath-taking sight of the 12th-century St Davids Cathedral, famously nestled deep into a lush valley. While the temperatures might be a bit brisker than the Mediterranean, St Davids delivers spectacular access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, sweeping vistas over the Irish Sea and gorgeous curving shores like Whitesands Bay.
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9. Staithes, North Yorkshire & Positano, Italy
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media during the summer, you’ve likely sighed over pictures of Positano, with colourful Italian townhouses that sit on dramatic cliffs to meet the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s the ultimate Amalfi Coast dream, but scoring a quiet spot on its famous pebble beach is no easy feat. Fortunately, you can capture that same vertical magic without the crowded hillside stairs by heading to the rugged Yorkshire coast.
Tucked away between towering cliffs, Staithes is a steep harbour village with postcard cottages and dramatic coastal views, offering a Positano-style escape right here in the UK. Its winding, cobbled alleys weave down a deep ravine to a sheltered harbour, giving it that familiar, gravity-defying stacked appearance. While you might be swapping Amalfi gelato for exceptional fish and chips, the romantic atmosphere and stunning coastal walks along the Cleveland Way make this North Yorkshire gem a spectacular stand-in for the Italian Riviera.
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10 . Canterbury, England & Bruges, Belgium
Craving the medieval magic of Bruges but want to skip the Eurostar or the ferry? Canterbury, in the heart of Kent, is your Belgian dupe. With its gothic architecture, winding lanes and centuries of history, Canterbury is the ultimate alternative. It’s a walkable cathedral city with heritage streets and historic charm reminiscent of Bruges, offering that same fairy-tale atmosphere without the need for a passport.
Instead of navigating the busy Belgian canals, you can take a peaceful punt down the River Stour, floating past leaning half-timbered houses and weeping willows. Swap the crowded European plazas for the independent boutiques of the King’s Mile and trade Belgian beers for a pint of local ale in a cosy, centuries-old tavern.
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