Places in the UK That Look Like They Are Somewhere Else
Are you looking for sandy beaches, lush palm trees and colourful sites to visit this summer? No need to travel abroad. The UK has many places where you can pick up an international vibe. Plan a visit to some of the locations listed here, and you'll feel well-travelled without leaving the country's borders. These places in the UK are both fantastic and have their look-alikes somewhere else in the world.
1. Henrhyd Falls, Wales
Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales, is not at all dissimilar to some of Indonesia's popular lush, subtropical falls such as Nungnung and Tegenungan. It's fairly easy to access, and after exploring the environment and admiring the gorgeous cascade of flowing water, you can have a go at wild swimming inside. This hidden gem in the Brecon Beacons has also earned its own popularity by being used as a filming location for the third Batman movie: The Dark Knight Rises.
2. Isle of Barra, Scotland
The north coast of the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides looks very much like it's somewhere in the Caribbean. With its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, this small but gorgeous island will give you the very much wanted tropical feel.
3. Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Another place that resembles the Caribbean (and a popular holiday destination) is the Isles of Scilly in Cornwall. Apart from the smooth sandy beaches and dancing palm trees, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also home to the Tresco Abbey Garden, where you can completely immerse yourself in a subtropical paradise.
4. St Michael's Mount, Cornwall
There's a good chance you've heard of Mont-Saint-Michel, a tidal island and very popular tourist attraction in France, so you surely already know which is its UK sibling. St Michael's Mount in Cornwall has very apparent similarities to its French counterpart. They both have a building on the top of the mount, and they are both accessible by a causeway. Only, St Michael is about four times smaller.
5. Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
If diving into endless purple carpets of lavender is your dream location for a day out, why not plan a visit to the fragrant Hitchin Lavender field in Hertfordshire. Provence is lovely, no doubt, but if France seems too far for a picnic, Hertfordshire's purple fields are just as gorgeous.
link: https://www.hitchinlavender.com/
6. Portmeirion, Wales
Longing for a walk along the Italian Riviera? Maybe visiting the village of Portmeirion in North Wales is where you ought to head off instead. This whole small town hanging on the edge of Snowdonia National Park was intentionally built to resemble an Italian village, and by looking at its distinctive architectural features and colourful houses surrounded by palm trees and beautiful flowers, that's exactly how it feels.
7. Chapel Down winery, Kent
It might not be France, but sipping wine in the beautiful Kent countryside while walking among the vines and being kissed by the late afternoon summer sun feels pretty international. Visit Chapel Down, one of the many vineyards in Kent, and taste some world-class, award-winning wines produced in England. Keep the trip to Bordeaux on your list, but don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy good wine locally. The best part is, you can buy wine directly from the winery and take some of that elixir of life home with you.
link: https://www.chapeldown.com
8. Cockington Village, Devon
Another French doppelgänger, Cockington, is a picturesque village in South Devon that not only resembles Normandy's village of Veules-les-Roses but also feels like it stood in time. This jewel laid on the English Riviera has a very distinguished quaint feel - thatched houses lined along narrow lanes, hundreds of acres of gorgeous country park and a striking artistic and creative vibe. With many shops, restaurants and delicious Devon cream teas, in addition to the lots of attractions and events going on throughout the year, Cockington is an excellent location for a holiday.
9. Royal Pavilion, Sussex
Can you think of a better place to immerse yourself in Indo-Gothic architecture than the Royal Pavilion in Brighton? This exotic palace, built as a seaside pleasure residence for King George IV, features unmistakable visual styles from India and China. If you have a strong desire to visit Delhi or Mumbai, pop down to Brighton and spend a day in this stunning piece of a colourful historical monument. It might turn out to be the next best thing.
link: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/
10. Little Venice, London
Last but not least, London's Little Venice is a popular canal area with lots of charming cafés, restaurants and bars at the waterside. This tranquil place can be found to the north of Paddington, where the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent's Canal. Spend the day here to breathe in the fabulous atmosphere typical for the Italian floating city.
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