Italianate villages in Wales and cross-Channel heritage festivals: look in the right places and you’ll find our sweeping isle has more to offer than first meets the eye.
Many of us flock to continental Europe every spring and summer in search of pretty piazzas, quaint villages, ornate architecture and — needless to say — the feeling of being somewhere completely different from home. But convenience, rising air travel costs and the realisation that we have a plenitude of captivating destinations here in the UK have set staycations on an upward course that’s building more steam.
For those still craving the romance of rolling country hills or historic architecture that tells centuries-old stories, there are plenty of stunning spots in the UK bearing just enough resemblance to the continent to let you live out your Euro summer dreams.
These are the five best UK staycations that’ll feel just like holidaying in Italy or France — weather not guaranteed.
Portmeirion
Dupe for: Portofino or the Amalfi Coast
With its Italianate architecture, colourful buildings and ornamental gardens, Portmeirion is often described as being closer to the Italian Riviera than a small town in North Wales. It was built by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and influenced by a mix of styles including neoclassical, British seaside and art deco. The design may have prompted some scepticism at the time (around 1925-1975), but the result is exquisite. Whimsical buildings, ornamental gardens and the Dog Cemetery — which dates back to the early 1900s — have all made it a popular holiday destination and a filming location for productions such as Doctor Who and CBeebies’ Gigglebiz. Traverse piazzas lined with pastel buildings and cross the renowned red bridge in the Japanese Gardens for an otherworldly stroll.
Read more: 5 spring-day trips less than two hours from London by train or car
Cornwall
Dupe for: Brittany
Sharing an ancient history, both Cornwall and Brittany are firmly established as part of the Celtic world. Back in the early Middle Ages, Cornish settlement in Brittany led to the establishment of the Breton language, which is why you might notice a similarity in place names today. Now, their rugged Atlantic coastlines, pretty fishing villages, granite houses and shared seafood cultures tie them together ever stronger — counterparts in their culture and maritime traditions. Today, there are festivals and gatherings that celebrate their history, such as the Lorient Inter-Celtic festival in Brittany — which often has a large Cornish presence — as well as AberFest, which alternates between Falmouth and Brittany. Upon even closer inspection, go for St Ives as an alternative to Saint-Malo or Dinard, and Mousehole for smaller Breton port areas.
The Cotswolds
Dupe for: rural France
Anyone craving Provence’s slow, bucolic life — rolling fields, tiny villages and farm shops — might consider the Cotswolds as an appealing alternative. Just as they do for Provence, visitors travel far and wide to sample the Cotswolds’ farm-to-table dining delicacies; if you’ve seen Clarkson’s Farm you’ll understand. Between such dining experiences and farm shop visits, you’ll encounter miles of green hills, decadent country houses, charming towns lined with antique shops and markets, and quaint villages such as Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water. For scenic drives and rural charm with a distinctly affluent edge — it’s home to a surprising number of celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Kate Moss and the Beckhams — the Cotswolds are well worth a visit for any Europhiles.
Read more: Explore the New Forest in spring: walks, villages, pubs and places to stay
Bath
Dupe for: Florence
A rich Roman history that lingers in the city’s architecture means Bath is often compared to a handful of Italian cities. Warm honey-coloured stone buildings, elegant boulevards, cafe culture and the shared historical significance of the cities make Florence and Bath each other’s logical peers. The Roman Baths, built around natural hot springs and established in the first century CE as the centre of the Roman settlement of Aquae Sulis, are akin to Florence’s Basilica of San Lorenzo — an intricate marriage of Roman and gothic architectural styles. And Bath’s Pulteney Bridge is reminiscent of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio and Venice’s Rialto Bridge, giving the city stunning views and oodles of historic architecture to ponder. That’s not to mention Bath’s museums, galleries and festivals that celebrate its Roman links in all their glory.
Read more: Worried about the ongoing jet fuel crisis? Avoid the chaos with these European ferry and cruise trips this summer
Whitstable
Dupe for: northern French coast
Easy to get to from London, the north Kent seaside towns of Whitstable and Margate have become increasingly popular destinations for day and weekend trips in recent years. Spend a little longer in one of Whitstable’s old-fashioned cottages to recreate the feel of a peaceful stay along the northern French coast. The town’s intrinsic seaside charm and old harbour atmosphere make it a fitting substitute for French coastal communes such as Honfleur or Deauville. Fresh oysters abound — the town is famous for them — in myriad restaurants and seafront dining spots. Wander around the pastel-coloured streets to browse independent shops, local cafes and art galleries teeming with local artists’ work; Tracey Emin moving to nearby Margate in 2016 did wonders for the Kent art scene.
Feature image: Portmeirion/Unsplash
