12 places to visit in the UK that could be mistaken for a holiday abroad
With uncertainty around foreign travel, many Brits will be looking to stay in the UK for a summer holiday this year – and these 12 places could all be mistaken for a foreign country
The possibility of foreign travel this summer has been increasingly uncertain over the past few months, with Brits not knowing if we’ll be able to make a trip abroad or not.
But that shouldn’t stop us from making the most of the UK and all the beautiful destinations it has to offer that are right on our doorstep, no passport needed.
To help you make the most of this summer we’ve put together a list of these luxury destinations that will make you feel like you’ve escaped to a foreign country.
Let’s continue to enjoy the UK summer holidays and the much-needed break we all deserve.
1. Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales
Travelling to Wales may be the closest we get to travel across the sea this year and with Portmeirion, Gwynedd it can immediately transport you to Italy.
On a sunny day the buildings show off their Italian style architecture, colours fill the small village and quirky cobbled streets add an Italian atmosphere.
Snowdonia is also just a 40-minute drive away from this pretty village, another stunning destination in the UK which you can climb at a whopping 3,560ft.
A challenge, but one that will certainly be worth it when you reach the top and see the spectacular views, alternatively you can catch the train to the top if you prefer for a leisurely journey up!
2. Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Transporting you to southern Asia without the long haul flight, you will find the beautiful Royal Pavilion located in the centre of Brighton.
The historic Pavilion was originally an 18th-century lodging house, later transformed into an Indian style home for George IV with the work completed in 1823.
The Pavilion was also used as a hospital during World War I for Indian servicemen. Full of Indian, Chinese, Victorian and Mughal architecture influences, this Pavilion is one to be admired as one would if visiting the Taj Mahal.
The Pavilion can be admired from the outside or you can purchase a ticket and explore the inside decor and furnishings, including the banqueting room, the great kitchen and the music room.
3. St. Michaels Mount, Cornwall
Cornwall is always a popular destination in the summer for many to visit and St. Michaels Mount brings a sample of France straight to us.
Similarly to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, both include an island surrounded by a tidal sea that reveals a path at low tide and a single steep hill on the island.
Small boats are available to transport people from the mainland to the mount, or if you’re lucky when you visit and the tide is out, you can walk the path.
But be sure not to cross when the tide is coming in otherwise you’ll end up swimming half the way!
4. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Wander around the Mendip Hills, taking in Britain’s largest limestone gorges and exploring the Cheddar caves, New Zealand suddenly feels a lot closer to home.
Keep an eye out for a herd of feral goats, take long walks to discover the quarry views and discover the 450ft cliffs during a clifftop walk.
Alternatively, you can walk along the bottom of the gorge for a relaxing stroll looking up at the cliffs and admiring the scenery around you. Cheddar Gorge also offers shops where you can taste the locally made cheese and pair it with a locally brewed beer.
5. Kyoto and Fukushima gardens, London
The gardens are in Holland Park with 22-hectares of traditional Japanese inspired surroundings, tranquil waterfalls, peaceful ponds, stone lanterns, maple trees and occasionally some peacocks can be seen wandering the gardens.
The gardens also include an open-air theatre, cafe, restaurant and sports facilities acting as a large park for many locals and visitors.
It was originally opened in 1991 and was a gift from Kyoto, Japan to honour and celebrate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain.
6. Chinatown, Liverpool
With the oldest and largest Chinese community in the UK, Liverpool is stooped in history and Chinatown is no exception.
The traditional Chinese arch standing at 13.5 metres high, the biggest in Europe, celebrates the twinning of the two cities, Liverpool and Shanghai. It was imported from Shanghai and constructed by experienced Chinese craftsmen.
Throughout Chinatown, you’ll find an assortment of delicious, traditional Chinese dishes that will leave your tastebuds tingling for more.
7. Little Venice, London
The canals, narrowboats and bridges in West London will instantly take you to Venice, or even Amsterdam.
Walk along the canal where the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent’s Canal and explore unique waterside cafes, restaurants, local pubs and other floating businesses, including a floating hotel.
Little Venice has its own independent theatre venues for some entertainment, so you can enjoy the Canal Cafe Theatre or a puppy show at the Puppet Theatre Barge. You certainly won’t feel like you’re in London anymore!
8. Minack Theatre, Cornwall
The famous open-air theatre in Cornwall is beautifully carved into the rocks with an overlooked setting of the Porthcurno Bay.
Theatre shows take place in the summer months from May to September, showcasing drama, musicals and opera with a spectacular setting.
The theatre portrays similar architecture to the famous theatre of Dionysus and on a clear, sunny day with the blue sea in front of you it would be hard not to think you were in fact in Greece!
9. Little Switzerland, Devon
The scenic landscape in and around Lynton and Lynmouth, in Devon, has been nicknamed Little Switzerland due to its resemblance to an alpine paradise.
In the early 1800s, when the Napoleonic Wars made travel to mainland Europe impossible, holidays in Little Switzerland became very popular with upper class Brits.
Today visitors can explore independent shops, narrow lanes, coastal paths and the pretty village of Lynmouth sitting at the sea’s level. Follow rivers, coastal paths, lanes, hills and the beach, this is any walker’s dream.
10. Bath
The largest city in the county of Somerset, Bath offers the famous Roman baths, Georgian townhouses, large parks and the well known Pulteney bridge.
Spend your days walking around the city shopping, try food from independent restaurants or cafes, relax in the thermal spa baths or opt for an open-top roof bus tour.
There’s plenty to explore around the vibrant city of Bath which is surrounded by history.
11. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall
Another Cornwall destination but one that will transport you to Sydney, Australia.
Located on the beachfront of Summerleaze Beach, the pool is partially man-made and natural, offering swimming in the lido between the rocks at Summerleaze.
The pool is topped and refreshed by the tide each day, being available for everyone to use every day of the year, for free. The perfect spot on a sunny day when visiting Cornwall, making the most of the beach and lido.
12. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The iconic landscape of Scotland is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, offering outstanding landscapes, wildlife, villages and medieval castles.
The Isle of Skye is known for the famous Fairy pools – crystal clear pools of water found within rocks and waterfalls, a tempting location for a dip.
In some parts of the Isle of Skye, you can even witness the Northern Lights, a magical spectacular appearing in the sky illuminating different colours.
The stunning scenery will transport you straight to Iceland.
Source:https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/uk-ireland/12-stunning-uk-destinations-make-24324658
Andy is a camping expert with over 20 years of outdoor experience. He shares his expertise through his blog that features on his very own e-commerce camping gear store. He aspires to use his knowledge and experience to help disabled families get the most out of every trip they take.
