'Embrace the beauty of UK' with 'breathtaking but often forgotten' staycation dupes

The Cotswolds' honey-coloured villages have long been one of Britain's favourite staycation destinations. However, growing interest fuelled by TV shows and the chance of celebrity sightings means many of its picturesque streets are expected to be packed with visitors this summer.

For travellers hoping to enjoy charming market towns, historic cottages and scenic countryside without the crowds, there are plenty of alternatives with a similar feel.

Research by Parkdean Resorts has highlighted five destinations that capture the appeal of the Cotswolds while providing a quieter escape.

Grassington, North Yorkshire (dupe for Stow-on-the-Wold)

Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Grassington is often described as one of Yorkshire's prettiest villages.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Its bustling cobbled market square, independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs give it much of the same character as Stow-on-the-Wold. While the stone buildings have a different colour palette, both villages share winding streets and a timeless English village feel.

Bakewell, Derbyshire (dupe for Bourton-on-the-Water)

Famous for its namesake pudding, Bakewell offers much more than sweet treats. Sitting on the River Wye in the Peak District, the town features a historic stone bridge and riverside setting reminiscent of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds' busiest tourist hotspots. Visitors can enjoy similar scenery while exploring a destination that is generally less crowded.

Boscastle, Cornwall (dupe for Castle Combe)

Cornwall's Boscastle may be set within a dramatic coastal valley rather than the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, but it shares much of Castle Combe's postcard appeal. Stone cottages, narrow lanes and a stream winding through the centre create a village that feels steeped in history and is best explored on foot.

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

• 'I'm cabin crew — here's how to avoid the common mistakes everyone makes before a holiday'
• World-famous European beach named best-value family holiday destination for 2026 – top 10
• Popular Mediterranean holidays have dropped in price — cheapest breaks to book right now

Rye, East Sussex (dupe for Tetbury or Broadway)

With its cobbled streets, medieval buildings and thriving independent shops, Rye offers the same relaxed charm that attracts visitors to Tetbury and Broadway. Its location close to the Sussex coast also makes it an appealing base for those wanting to combine a countryside break with time by the sea.

Culross, Fife (dupe for Lacock)

History lovers looking for an alternative to Lacock could head north to Culross in Fife.

Home to fewer than 400 residents, the remarkably well-preserved Scottish village is known for its cobbled streets and period buildings, making it a regular filming location for television and film productions. Like Lacock, it offers visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.

A spokesperson at Parkdean Resorts said: “The trend of visiting iconic filming locations, referred to as ‘Set Jetting’, is one of the biggest travel trends of the year. Disney+’s Rivals has been loved by fans, making it no surprise that many people now want to visit these historic and untouched locations that really do feel like you're stepping into the set of a period drama.

"This summer is being widely regarded as the ‘summer of staycations’ as people embrace the beauty of the UK, which is why we’re seeing such a surge in interest for these destinations.

"Aside from the famous Cotswolds, the UK is also home to a host of breathtaking locations and picturesque villages that can often be forgotten, meaning that it sometimes takes a TV show or film to raise awareness.

“The locations identified as dupes for The Cotswolds all make perfect day trip destinations and can be reached from many of our 65 holiday parks, like Boscastle, located near our eight Cornwall parks or Rye, which can be reached in around 10 minutes from our Camber Sands Holiday Park.”

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter