10 places you wouldn’t believe are in the UK

Local needn’t mean lacklustre. There are so many exotic and beautiful places right on your doorstep when you choose a staycation. Here are 10 places you might not believe are in the UK:

1. The village of Portmeirion, North Wales

From the picture, it may be hard to believe that this quaint little place is in fact, North Wales. The village is owned by a charitable trust and offers visitors all the picturesque beauty of being in Italy but in the UK. With its own spa, historic cottages and award-winning restaurants, there’s plenty for you to do here. Learn more about this unique village with free walking and train tours- the visitor centre open all year round. Keen television fans may also recognise this village from the hit ITV series Cold Feet. Entry tickets are cheaper when bought online before your visit, take a look at the Portmeirion website for more information.

Stay: Hotels in North Wales

2. Royal Pavillion, Brighton

If you saw those spires and thought you were looking at the Taj Mahal in India, you could hardly be blamed. This exotic looking palace dates back to the early 19th Century and is now a museum. There are special tours for the kids to enjoy and learn more about the history of this impressive building, and a family friendly tearoom for after your exploring. There are also many exhibitions and events throughout the year so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Stay: Hotels in Brighton

3. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

This secluded island in the sea can quite easily be mistaken as a doppelgänger for the French Mont St Michel however, this mount is situated a little closer to home in Cornwall. The way onto this island depends entirely on the tide. If the tide is in then the only way to get across is by boat, but when the tide subsides, a hidden path is revealed where you can walk across. Once you make it across, there’s so much island history and legend to explore from the sub-tropical gardens to discovering the heart of the mount- a heart shaped rock hidden on the island. Many people believe that the heart holds spiritual value and can even grant wishes. The heart shaped stone can be discovered on the island path so keep an eagle eye out for it.

Stay: Hotels in Cornwall

4. Chinatown, Liverpool

This elaborate oriental display may look like it’s at the entrance to a street in China, however, this archway is in fact situated in the UK city of Liverpool. This traditionally crafted Chinese archway landmarks the city’s Chinatown area and commemorates the twinning of the two cities of Liverpool and Shanghai. The archway is also the largest Chinese arch outside of China, standing at an impressive 15 metres tall. Discover this impressive archway for yourself and see if you can spot all of the 200 dragons adorning the structure.

Stay: Hotels in Liverpool

5. Glencoe, Scotland

Nestled deep in the Scottish highlands, the peaks of Glencoe could be mistaken for the peaks of the Himalayas. With its famous scenic trails, most visitors come to this Scottish glen for an adventurous hiking or mountaineering trip. However, Glencoe offers something for even the most leisurely visitors with lots of stunning scenery and hidden gems to discover. If you’re not the mountaineering or hiking type, then golf and fishing are on offer as well as Segway tours and Land Rover safaris so you can see the glen off the beaten track. Glencoe has also provided the backdrop to some very well known film and TV productions including Harry Potter and Monty Python.

Stay: Travelodge Fort William hotel

6. Babbacombe, Devon

This picturesque district in Torquay, Devon is part of the affectionately named “English Riviera” and looks just like its French counterpart. Babbacombe is notable for its quaint model village, cliff railway, and the renowned Babbacombe Theatre. The area is also a perfect pick for dog lovers who can enjoy a walk around the local area. The cliff railway, built in 1926, boasts stunning views across the bay and serves as a vital service for locals and visitors wanting to visit Oddicombe Bay below. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is the Cary Arms where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or indulge in some freshly caught seafood while enjoying the splendid views. At Oddicombe Bay, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some summer locals, Sammy the seal as well as a few dolphins.

Stay: Hotels in Devon

7. Minack Theatre, Cornwall

At first glance, this impressive sight looks like it belongs in Greece, however you can see this place for yourself in Cornwall. Perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean, this world famous and unique theatre puts on a full programme of drama, musical and opera productions every year as well as hosting live music, comedy acts and story-telling. Once you’ve experienced a show, explore the exhibition centre where you can find out more about this impressive theatre’s story, or take a look around the gardens where you can spot some exotic plant life.

Stay: Hotels in Cornwall

8. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

This impressive sight is among the Mendip Hills of Somerset and boasts wonderful views as well as millions of years of history to discover. This outstanding natural landmark offers something for everyone both above and below ground. Go underground into Cheddar caves to discover some prehistoric wonders. Put your hard hat on as you explore secret caverns, rock formations and chambers that were all created over 500,000 years ago by the river that passed through. The exploration doesn’t stop at the caves, head above ground for cliff top walks which are perfect for dog walkers. You can also learn more about the story of Cheddar Gorge and see some prehistoric artefacts at the museum.

Stay: Hotels in Somerset

9. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Home to a breathtaking waterfall as well as stunning fairy pools and picturesque scenery, the Isle of Skye on Scotland’s North West coast is the perfect place for the more adventurous holidaymaker. The Isle itself holds a lot of history and is home to lots of fantastic wildlife such as red deer, otters, seals and dolphins. The fairy pools are a great place for some wild swimming and there are plenty of opportunities to explore via bike and horseback. Boat trips around the Isle offer visitors a more laid back way to explore.  

Stay: Travelodge Fort William

10. Camel Valley Vineyard, Cornwall

Known as Cornwall’s largest Vineyard, this Cornish wine landmark could also be mistaken for the stunning French Loire Valley. If the sun is out, why not take a tour around this picturesque location and indulge in a glass of wine on the terrace.

Stay: Hotels in Cornwall

Book a Travelodge hotel for the perfect base for your getaway.