Many Brits are booking staycations this summer to avoid the hassle of travelling abroad and any uncertainties around air travel with the ongoing jet fuel crisis.
With the Strait of Hormuz being closed since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, jet fuel prices have soared, creating havoc for the industry, with AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes describing the situation as ‘worse than Covid’.
As a result, interest in staycations across the UK have surged with many booking trips to beloved spots like the Yorkshire Dales and Cornwall.
But, just because you’re staying in the UK doesn’t mean you have to miss out on stunning landscapes, dreamy beaches and blue skies.
There are plenty of destinations across the country that feel just like you’ve stepped off a plane.
From the French Riviera of the UK to Italian-like lakes in Cumbria, read on to discover the best staycation swaps.
Swap the South of France for Exmouth
The South of France is loved for its sweeping landscapes and vineyards…
But Lympstone Manor in Exmouth, Devon offers a similar retreat with its own vineyard and woodland
Located in Exmouth, along the Devon coastline, Lympstone Manor is reminiscent of the vineyard estates and coastal retreats of southern France.
The abode overlooks the Exe Estuary and is set within 28 acres of woodland, gardens, vineyard and estuary foreshore.
Long afternoons spent wine tasting and enjoying lunches are a dream here, and the two Michelin Key hotel is owned by acclaimed chef Michael Caines MBE.
There are 21 rooms and suites to choose from as well as shepherd’s huts on-site too, situated at the foot of the vineyard.
Swap the French Riviera for Salcombe
Don’t travel to the beautiful French Riviera this summer…
And instead go to the town of Salcombe, in Devon, where you can find beautiful beaches
One of Devon’s many beautiful spots, Salcombe has stunning turquoise waters and sandy shores.
Paired with its sailing culture, the area feels just like the French Riviera, but you don’t have to catch a flight to reach it.
Holidaymakers can wander along the estuary, relax on North Sands or South Sands beaches or even go on a coastal walk.
The Daily Mail’s deputy travel editor Hayley Minn picked Salcombe as one of the UK’s best staycations in our roundup.
Swap Lake Como for Windermere
Lake Como, in Italy, might boast beautiful views and charming buildings…
But so does Lake Windermere, home to Langdale Chase – a glamorous lakeside hotel
Hordes head to Lake Como, Italy, each year for its dramatic Alpine scenery and picturesque villages.
But closer to home is Langdale Chase, a glamorous lakeside hotel on Windermere that boasts a newly restored boathouse with a terrace that overlooks the dreamy lake – adding a taste of Italy.
Dating back to 1896, the property has plenty of character and charm to offer, as well as an abundance of outdoor sports like paddle boards, hiking and guided wild swimming.
It’s a Grade-II listed building with 30 rooms and seven spacious suites, as well as five dog-friendly rooms.
Swap Mont Saint-Michel for St Michael’s Mount
Swap Mont Saint-Michel in France…
For the iconic St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, which boasts similar sea views and a hilltop castle
They have similar names and are often compared for their physical resemblance too – St Michael’s Mount is an iconic landmark in Cornwall.
With its hilltop castle, tidal causeway and surrounding sea views, it’s easy to see how it could be mistaken for Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy.
At low tide, it’s possible for visitors to walk across the stone path from the mainland, while high tide allows for relaxing boat trips.
The island is also home to subtropical gardens as well as a small harbour, with views stretching out across Mount’s Bay.
Swap the Étretat Cliffs for the Seven Sisters
Swap the iconic Étretat cliffs in France with their breathtaking backdrop of the English Channel…
For the equally impressive Seven Sisters chalky cliffs in West Sussex
Those seeking out the cliffs of Étretat in northern France can look closer to home – towards East Sussex.
Home to the Seven Sisters, the dramatic white landscape is ideal for scenic coastal walks and stunning views.
The iconic cliffs form part of the South Downs National Park and are home to an abundance of wildlife.
Swap the Italian Riviera for Portmeirion
The Italian Riviera might have colourful buidlings and coastal views…
But so does Portmeirion in Wales and it was even designed in the style of an Italian seaside town
It may be located in Wales but Portmeirion feels just like being on the Italian Riviera.
The colourful spot was designed in the style of an Italian seaside town and has everything from domed towers to lush gardens.
Visitors can explore woodland walks nearby too, as well as sea views and palm trees which create a Riviera-like charm.
It’s an enchanting village with a rocky headland background with plenty to enjoy.
Swap the Picos de Europa for Ullswater
Switch the Picos de Europa mountain range in Spain for…
For Ullswater in Cumbria, home to The Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge
You don’t have to catch a flight to bask in views of dramatic mountain scenery like you might find in Spain.
Ullswater, in Cumbria, is home to just that – and The Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge offers the type of lake-and-mountain trip many people seek out from northern Spain’s Picos de Europa.
The hotel is located along the banks of the River Eamont and with its long, glacial shape, steep green fells and shifting light, Ullswater bears a striking resemblance to northern Spain’s Lakes of Covadonga.
Swap Bavaria for Scotland
Swap the cobbled streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in Bavaria, Germany…
For the colourful and historic village of Culcross in Fife, Scotland
If exploring historic villages is your thing, Culross in Fife is just like one of Germany’s most well-known medieval towns – Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
The well-preserved Scottish village boasts cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and distinctive ochre-coloured palace.
Walking through the village feels like stepping back in time with narrow lanes, steep rooftops and characterful buildings.
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