Around 1 million existing bookings on domestic and European routes from London, Gatwick and City airports have been cancelled according to BBC News and between cancellations, delays and queues, airports are in chaos.
And there are no signs of improvement. British Airways plans to cut 10,300 short-haul flights from its schedule by the end of October, meaning nearly 30,000 flights will have been removed just between April and October this year.
Yet, searches for “last minute holiday” are 138% higher than at the beginning of May when the tidal wave of delays and cancellations began to unfold, according to Google Trends. Thus, amidst all of the chaos and uncertainty, Brits are still craving a getaway.
So, domestic holiday provider Independent Cottages has rounded up six UK alternatives to some of the most popular tourist destinations around the world that offer all of the appeal of their overseas counterparts – but without the airport pandemonium!
Visit the Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye, instead of the Waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lake National Park is truly breathtaking and among the most popular national parks in the world. The mesmerising beauty of the lakes and waterfalls is enough to attract millions of visitors every single year.
Yet, UK holidaymakers don’t need to be jetting abroad to see spectacular waterfalls, as you can retreat to the enchanting Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye and what’s better, you can actually swim in their waters!
The picturesque landscape of the island is famous for being home to these magnificent rock pools that hold turquoise waters fed by stunning waterfalls and are said to carry magical powers. The heavenly setting is the perfect place for a quick dip in a scene of nature at its very finest.
Independent Cottages features a range of holiday homes available on the Isle of Skye.
Visiting the Lavender fields in Norfolk rather than in Provence, France
World-renowned for its lavender, Provence in France boasts rolling fields of purple during the summer season that have tourists flocking far and wide to view. But here in the UK, they can find an equally gorgeous landscape hidden in Norfolk, which is also famous worldwide. With nearly 100 acres of lavender being cultivated, visitors can have a leisurely stroll around the lavender fields and gardens situated near the West Coast of Norfolk.
The recommended visiting times to see the lavender at its best are between mid-June and mid-August, although the fields are open all year round.
Independent Cottages offers a range of self-catering accommodation in Norfolk for your next summer staycation.
Boating in the Lake District instead of Lake Como, Italy
One of the most famous lakes in the world and arguably one of the most picturesque, Lake Como is set at the foothills of the Alps and is the third-largest lake in Italy, lined with quaint villas and villages where tourists can relax at their leisure. Boat hires are a popular option for visitors, allowing them to soak up the scenery from the water.
The UK has the perfect alternative to this Italian escape – the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, which is already one of the most popular holiday breaks for UK tourists. Its ethereal lakes are encircled by the mountainous landscape and charming market towns including Keswick, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside which border the edge of the lakes.
Boating on the lakes is a popular holiday activity, whether it be a quiet boat cruise, self-drive or even rowing boats, UK residents can enjoy a trip across the water on their next staycation.
Independent Cottages feature holiday homes in towns and villages around the Lake District.
Portmeirion, Wales as opposed to Portofino, Italy
Best known for being a small fishing settlement, Portofino is set amongst the hills and located on the Italian Riviera coastline. Its harbour is where boats drop anchor and the tourists roll in to experience this charming village.
Portofino’s counterpart would undoubtedly be Portmeirion. Located in North Wales, Portmeirion is a tourist village that was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the style of an Italian village between 1925 and 1975. The village is stunning and vibrant and remains popular with UK holidaymakers.
Independent Cottages offers accommodation in Porthmadog, which is only a ten-minute car journey from Portmeirion.
The English Riviera rather than the French Riviera
The Mediterranean coast of Southeastern France, better known as the French Riviera, is one of France’s most popular holiday destinations, with tourists staying at beautiful seaside destinations along the coastline every year.
But the English Riviera has the hearts of UK residents. Steeped in history, with incredible landscapes and wonderful beaches, those looking to explore England’s coastline this year will find the English Riviera to be the ideal holiday at home.
Independent Cottages has holiday accommodation available in Torquay, set in the heart of the English Riviera.
Visit The Vineyards Of Sussex instead of Rioja
Rioja has made a name for itself on the world stage of wine. Globally renowned for producing some of the finest grape juice you can find, these vineyards are certainly a magnificent sight to see.
However, the refreshing sparkling wine of Sussex has also gained much recognition in recent years, having won the International Wine Challenge in 2015 and earning six gold medals for their bubbly beverages. There is also nothing more refreshing than a glass of fizz, especially given the skyrocketing temperatures.
Never has there been a better time to wander through the glorious vineyards of Sussex than in the month that they have been recognised as a Protected Destination of Origin (PDO).
Visitors can book their last-minute stay with any of Independent Cottages’ available East and West Sussex properties.
