The Best Holiday Parks in the UK: Win a Holiday!
Looking to make unforgettable memories or a place that has it all? Then read our blog on the best...
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
Thinking about places to spend your next getaway? These destination dupes show how you can enjoy the feel of travelling abroad without leaving the UK!
With travel trends shifting, more people are choosing to stay closer to home. In fact, 63% of Brits are planning a UK break this year, with 34% saying it will be their main holiday in 2025. Whether it’s to save money, reduce stress or simply keep things simple, staycations are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to overseas travel.
From coastal spots that mirror the Mediterranean to landscapes that rival some of Europe’s most well-known scenery, there are plenty of places in the UK that feel like they’re abroad.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, take a look at these UK destination dupes and start planning a getaway that offers something a little different.
Keep scrolling to explore the best UK destination dupes…
A destination dupe is a place that offers a similar experience to a popular, often more expensive, location. In 2024, the BBC reported that destination dupes were on the rise as people searched for lesser-known, more budget-friendly options that offer similar experiences. We’ve noticed a similar trend in our own research, with 38% of people saying they prefer UK breaks because they are easier, and 35% also saying they are less stressful and more affordable than going overseas.
With this in mind, and with the destination dupe trend showing no signs of slowing down, we’ve pulled together a list of the very best places in the UK that feel like abroad. So dive in and find your UK destination dupe today, which one will surprise you the most?
Set just off the coast of South Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount is one of the most iconic landmarks on the south coast of England. With its hilltop castle, tidal causeway and surrounding sea views, it’s often compared to Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy… and it’s easy to see why.
At low tide, visitors can walk across the stone path from the mainland, while high tide sees small boats ferry people back and forth. The island itself is home to a historic castle, subtropical gardens and a small harbour, with views stretching out across Mount’s Bay.
It’s smaller and less crowded than its French counterpart, but that’s part of the appeal and makes it one of the best things to do whilst in Marazion. Easy to reach from across Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount offers a taste of something truly unique without the need to travel abroad.
Often compared to the French Riviera, Salcombe is one of the most picturesque coastal towns in the UK, known for its turquoise waters, sandy coves and sailing culture. While it may have a reputation as a luxury destination, there are still plenty of free things to do here that let you enjoy its charm without the price tag.
Spend your time wandering along the estuary, relaxing on North Sands or South Sands beaches or following the South West Coast Path for some of the best views in the area. The town itself is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with narrow streets, independent shops and plenty of spots to sit and watch the boats come and go.
For those looking for to get that French feel, Salcombe offers a touch of continental style right here in the UK without needing to leave the country or stretch your budget.
Our next destination dupe is tucked away on the coast of North Wales. Portmeirion is a village unlike anywhere else in the UK.
Designed in the style of an Italian seaside town, it blends Mediterranean colours with classical architecture, creating a setting that wouldn’t feel out of place on the Amalfi Coast.
Bright façades, domed towers and lush gardens give the village its Riviera-like charm, while palm trees and sea views add to the illusion. It’s a popular spot for day-trippers and photographers, with cafés, boutiques and woodland walks all within easy reach.
Built in the mid-20th century by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion has long drawn visitors looking for something different. It may be set in Snowdonia, but for many, it feels much further away.
Carved into the cliffs above Porthcurno Beach, the Minack Theatre is one of the most dramatic open-air venues in the UK and had to feature on our guide to the best destination dupes.
With its stone terraces, sea views and sub-tropical planting, it draws natural comparisons to the ancient theatre in Taormina, perched high above the Sicilian coast.
The backdrop here is the Atlantic rather than the Mediterranean, but the effect is just as striking. Performances take place throughout the spring and summer, with waves crashing below and seabirds overhead, creating an experience that feels more like southern Europe than south-west Cornwall.
Built by hand in the 1930s, the theatre is now one of the county’s most visited attractions. Whether you’re watching a play or simply passing through, it offers a setting that’s hard to forget and one that feels a world away from home.
Set on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, Ardtoe Beach is known for its wide sands, clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, making it one of the best beaches in Scotland.
Its unspoilt setting and rugged scenery have drawn comparisons to the coastline of New Zealand’s South Island, particularly around places like Fiordland and the West Coast.
Framed by rolling hills and often backed by mist or low cloud, the landscape feels wild and expansive. The beach itself is rarely busy, offering long stretches of sand and quiet walking routes, with views out towards the Small Isles on clearer days.
It’s this sense of space and isolation that undoubtedly makes Ardtoe a place in the UK that feels like abroad. While it may take a little longer to reach than other beaches, the reward is a coastal setting that feels far removed from everyday life.
Sitting on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth, Culross is one of Scotland’s best-preserved historic villages. With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and distinctive ochre-coloured palace, it shares a strong resemblance to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most well-known medieval towns.
Walking through Culross feels like stepping back in time, with narrow lanes, steep rooftops and period buildings that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The village has also been used as a filming location for historical dramas, adding to its timeless appeal.
Smaller and quieter than its German counterpart, Culross offers a similar sense of history without the crowds. It’s an easy day trip from Edinburgh, making it a simple way to experience a slice of old-world Europe a little closer to home.
Located on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most distinctive coastal spots and is one of the best beaches in the UK. Known for its turquoise waters, white sand and striking rock formations, it’s often compared to the beaches of Sardinia, where clear seas and rugged cliffs define the landscape.
At low tide, the cove opens up to reveal hidden caves, islands and stretches of sand, making it a popular place for exploring, coastal walks and wild swimming in Cornwall. The contrast between the bright water and the dark, serpentine rock gives it a look that feels more Mediterranean than British.
Despite its popularity, Kynance Cove still feels relatively unspoilt, particularly outside of peak season. With its unique scenery and remote setting, it offers a coastal experience that wouldn’t feel out of place much further south in Europe.
Lying off the north coast of mainland Scotland, our next destination dupe, the Orkney Islands are known for their rugged coastline, open landscapes and rich history.
With dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches and ever-changing light, they’re often compared to Norway’s Lofoten Islands, where sea and land meet in equally striking ways. Not only that, but it’s also one of the cheapest UK holiday destinations, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a truly unique location for a lower-than-average price.
The scenery here feels remote and untamed, shaped by the surrounding North Sea. From towering sea stacks like the Old Man of Hoy to wide, windswept shores, there’s a strong sense of space that defines the islands. Wildlife is also a big draw, with seals, seabirds and even orcas spotted in the waters around Orkney.
While the terrain is less mountainous than Lofoten, the atmosphere is much the same. Peaceful, expansive and a little off the beaten path, it’s a destination that feels far removed from the mainland.
Located off Scotland’s west coast, the Isle of Skye is known for its dramatic landscapes, shaped by volcanic history and coastal erosion. With its jagged peaks, waterfalls and wide open spaces, it’s often compared to Iceland, where similar terrain creates some of Europe’s most striking scenery.
Across the island, you’ll find a mix of natural landmarks, from the Old Man of Storr to the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools, each offering a different view of Skye’s rugged terrain. The shifting weather and low-lying cloud only add to the atmosphere, giving the landscape a raw and untamed feel.
While it’s easier to reach than Iceland, Skye delivers a similar sense of scale and isolation. Remote in places yet accessible for visitors, it’s a destination that feels far removed from everyday life and for this reason had to feature on our guide to places in the UK that feel like abroad.
Found along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the UK. With its sweeping bay, clear waters and dramatic limestone arch, it’s regarded as one of the UK’s most exotic beaches and often compared to the coastline of Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, known for its striking cliffs and bright blue sea.
The views from the clifftop are a big part of the appeal, with a steep path leading down to the beach below. On calmer days, the water takes on a vivid blue tone, while the curved shoreline and surrounding cliffs create a setting that feels more Mediterranean than southern England.
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durdle Door draws visitors throughout the year, whether for coastal walks, sea views or simply to take in the scenery. It’s a place that feels both familiar and unexpected, offering a UK take on one of Europe’s most famous beach landscapes.
Found in the north west of England, the Lake District is known for its sweeping valleys, still waters and rugged fells. With its combination of mountain scenery and lakeside views, it’s often compared to the Swiss Alps, offering a similar sense of scale and natural beauty closer to home.
Across the national park, you’ll find a mix of dramatic peaks and quieter spots, from the heights of Scafell Pike to the shores of Windermere and Ullswater. Walking routes range from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging hikes, while towns and villages provide easy access to the surrounding landscape.
While the Lake District’s mountains may be less imposing than those in Switzerland, the overall experience feels familiar. Scenic, peaceful and easy to explore, the Lake District offers a UK alternative to one of Europe’s most iconic alpine regions.
Stretching along the Sussex coast, the Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs known for their rolling shape and bright white faces. Overlooking the English Channel, they’re often compared to the cliffs at Étretat in northern France, where similar formations rise above the sea.
The landscape here is defined by open grassland, steep coastal paths and uninterrupted sea views. The walk between Seaford and Eastbourne is considers one of the best walks in the UK. It offers some of the best vantage points, with each peak revealing a slightly different perspective of the coastline.
Less built-up than its French counterpart, the Seven Sisters feel quieter and more natural. With fresh sea air, one of the best beaches in Sussex and a sense of space throughout, it’s a coastal setting that captures much of the same appeal.
Set within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Llyn Padarn is a glacial lake surrounded by mountains and woodland. With its calm waters and dramatic backdrop, it’s often compared to Lake Bled in Slovenia, known for its peaceful setting and striking alpine scenery.
Considered one the UK’s best wild swimming spots the lake is backed by the region’s beautiful mountain range, including views towards Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It also offers a mix of walking routes, waterside views and quieter spots to take in the landscape. The nearby town of Llanberis adds to its appeal, with easy access to trails, boat trips and local cafés.
While it doesn’t have an island church at its centre, Llyn Padarn shares the same sense of stillness and scale. This UK destination dupe is a place that feels calm and scenic throughout the year, offering a UK alternative to one of Europe’s most recognisable lakes.
Data insights in this article are based on internal booking data from Sykes Holiday Cottages or data from the Sykes 2025 Staycation Index, which includes supporting consumer research conducted by OnePoll with 2,000 UK adults in April 2025.
We know these destinations dupes are a great way to save money, but for more information on how to save money check out our how to book a staycation on a budget guide. Or, if you’re interested in seeing where our customers love to book the most, take a look at the most popular UK holiday destinations.
Image Credits: Michal Klajban – (CC BY-SA 4.0)
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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