April 6, 2026
There can be many reasons why we aren’t able to travel overseas – time constraints, money, or a global pandemic. Even if far-flung exotic destinations are out of reach for a while, fear not the UK does have you covered as long as the weather behaves with a UK staycation that makes you feel like you’re abroad!
stunning uk destinations that could be overseas!
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Across the British Isles, there are many beautiful locations that make you feel as though you’re hundreds of miles from home. Here are my best picks and some UK staycation suggestions you may want to try this year:
Love Lake Como?
Try The Lake District
Lake Como is renowned for its elegant resorts, incredible food scene, and epic mountain walks. The Lake District may be rugged but it’s just as magical.
Enjoy walks through the stunning countryside, marvel at the dramatic lakes, and explore charming villages, towns, and historical trails. And let’s not forget the culinary delights on offer in this region, don’t leave without trying at least one of the following – Grasmere gingerbread, Kendal mint cake and the king of desserts, a sticky toffee pudding from Cartmel.
Check Lake District accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to the Lake District check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
TRAVEL OPTIONS TO LAKE DISTRICT
Alternatively, you can book these small group tours:
- Lake District: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour
- From Manchester: Lake District Tour
- From Liverpool: Lake District Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip
Love Mont St Michel?
Try St Michael’s Mount
Normandy’s Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most visited attractions in Northern France. Why not avoid these crowds and instead visit Cornwall’s very own tidal island, St Michael’s Mount.
Make the 15-minute crossing via a paved granite causeway, which can only be done at mid or low tide. Instead of a monastery explore the medieval church and castle, and admire the sub-tropical garden with exotics from Mexico, the Canary Islands, and South Africa.
Check Marazion accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to the St Michael’s Mount check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, why not book a UK staycation to visit both Devon and Cornwall on a 5-day tour from London.
Read Next: Why You Should Visit Marseille
Love Taj Mahal?
Try Brighton Pavillion
Avoid the long-haul flight to India and hop on a train to Brighton instead if you want to taste of the exotic. So the Royal Pavilion in Brighton might be smaller in scale but still very majestic with its regency grandeur mixed with some incredible Indian influences.
READ MORE: How to Eat Your Way Through Brighton.
Check Brighton accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to Brighton check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book these small group tours:
- Brighton: Royal Pavilion Admission Ticket
- London: Guided Day Trip to Brighton and Seven Sisters
- Brighton: Walking Food Tour
Love Barcelona?
Try Portmeirion
You’re probably thinking about what an Italian inspired village in Wales has in common with the vibrant Spanish city of Barcelona. Well, look no further than the quirky architecture and beautifully coloured buildings of Portmeirion.
Designed and built by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the idea was to show how a naturally stunning location could be developed without being spoiled. Today Portmeirion is one of Wales’s biggest attractions and is featured in many books, films, and TV series.
Check Portmeirion accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to Portmeirion check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book a small group Portmeirion, Snowdonia, and Castle Tour from Llandudno.
Love Dubrovnik?
Try St Ives
The sandy white beaches, narrow winding market streets, and cafes of St Ives on a sunny day will make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean.
Similar to the walled old town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, which has always been popular with holidaymakers. Long before Game of Thrones took over, believe it or not.
READ MORE: Bedruthan Hotel & Spa Review: Family-Friendly Retreat in Cornwall
Check St Ives accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to St Ives check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book a Devon and Cornwall 5-day tour from London.
Love The Algarve?
Try Devon
A trip to the English Riviera, as it’s known will show you holidays don’t always have to be abroad. Devon is home to many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and makes for a perfect UK staycation.
Fancy a city break? Head to Exeter and Plymouth and explore the rich Roman history. The Riveria experience can be found in Torquay and Paignton, whilst surfer dudes should head up to North Devon. On a sunny day, the picturesque Ladram bay looks very similar to the Albufeira rock formations in the Algarve.
Check Devon accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to Devon check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book a Devon and Cornwall 5-day tour from London.
Love Norway?
Try Shetland
The similarities between Norway and Shetland can be traced back to the 15th century when it was under Norwegian rule. Centuries of influences still remain with Scandinavian place names and timber buildings. You’ll be forgiven to think you’re at the fjords rather than the Highland glens.
In January there is even an Up Helly Aa fire festival where locals dress as Viking warriors in a torchlit procession, marking the end of the Yule season.
Check Shetland accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to Shetlan check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Love Budapest – Try Bath
Budapest is known for its hot springs, spa, and wine. Only one place can compare in the UK – the beautiful city of Bath. The city with World Heritage Site status is also famous for its hot springs, Roman baths, and gothic architecture.
‘And what about the wine?’ I hear you say. Well, located in the county of Somerset an English wine-producing region the historic city of Bath has it all!
Check Bath accommodation, availability and reviews
For the best travel deals to Bath check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals
Alternatively, book these small group tours:
- Bath: Roman Baths and City Walking Tour
- City of Bath and Stonehenge with 2-Course Lunch Tour from London
- Bath and Stonehenge: Small-Group Tour With Oxford Professor
Love to know if there are any other places in the UK that make you feel like you’re abroad. Let me know in the comments box below.
PIN AND SAVE FOR LATER
Lucy says:
I loved this post! These are some great ideas for staycations, I’ve been to Bath and it’s beautiful, somewhere I will hopefully visit again soon! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thanks Lucy. Hopefully it’s inspired some more staycations. And I agree Bath is gorgeous.
Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes says:
Thanks for sharing, I have been to some of these places, they all beautiful, with lots of things to do in them perfect for staycations 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Which has been your favourite so far Nic?
Angie Silver says:
I’ve still never been to the Lake District. I’ve always wanted to!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
On the list for 2020 I reckon Angie.
Kacie says:
Enjoyed reading this! 🙂 I can definitely see the resemblance between a few of these places. I love the Algarve and a trip to Devon sounds lovely for this year (fingers crossed!)
Sima Sthanakiya says:
You’ll have to go and hunt down the spot Kacie.