The UK has stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and miles of coastline to enjoy. But for anyone with children or those travelling during peak times, the prices of holidays skyrocket.
However, with some good planning, you can make sure you have a holiday to remember for all the right reasons on our very own shores, according to expert Jane Hawkes.
Boating in the Lake District instead of Lake Como, Italy
Jane said: "The picturesque Lake Como is set at the foothills of the Alps and is lined with quaint villas and villages where tourists can relax at their leisure and hire a boat 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 with its mountainous landscape, charming market towns and glacial lakes. A week at a 3* hotel in Lake Como plus economy flights will set you back £3,300 per adult.
Swap Lake Como for the Lake District GETTY"Alternatively, you could stay at the adorably named Duckling Cottage on the banks of Pullwood Bay, Ambleside for £150 a night for a two-bed cottage and parking for a car."
York instead of Rome
"York was founded by the Romans and could potentially be more Roman than Rome. There's plenty of archaeological evidence that Neolithic tribes had already settled in the area before Rome was founded in the 8th century BC. Two Roman Emperors ruled from York for a time, and each died there. Today, visitors to York can discover an equal wealth of history and culture to that of Rome, with so much to see and do.
"A two-night stay in Rome with economy flights (but excluding airport parking) will cost at least £1,000 for two adults in early June with prices moving towards £1,500 for a more luxury hotel.
"In York, for £450 for two you can stay in the Grade I listed The Judge’s Lodgings hotel in the centre of the city."
Snowdonia instead of the Swiss Alps
The expert said: "Snowdon is Wales' highest mountain, standing at an incredible 1085 m (3559 ft) high. In comparison to the Eiger (The Eiger is a 3,970-metre or 13,020 ft) or Matterhorn (4,478 meters or 14,692ft) Snowdon is small in comparison but both boast beautiful scenery and a mountain railway to help you get to the top. So, you don't need to be an experienced climber, like you do for many of the Swiss peaks, to tackle it.
"Spending £2,500 will get you a week in Pontresina in a 4* hotel bed and breakfast with early morning standard class flights, including transfers.
"For a more affordable £989 you can have a week at the Y Branwen adults-only, dog-friendly hotel by Harlech beach, just a short drive from Portmeirion and only three three-minute walk from the Royal St David Golf Club."
The English vs French Riviera
"The Mediterranean coast of Southeastern France is one of France’s most popular holiday destinations, with tourists staying at beautiful seaside resorts along the coastline every year. However, the English Riviera is steeped in history, with stunning landscapes and gorgeous beaches, so holidaymakers looking to explore England’s coastline this year could well find the English Riviera the ideal closer alternative.
"Prices on the French Riviera vary dramatically, but for a week in June for two people, you’re not going to get much change out of £2,500 for a room-only deal in a 3* hotel away from the beach.
"But a week in Torquay – and forget Fawlty Towers now – you can stay in the 4* Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa for £1,035, booking directly on the hotel’s website, including breakfast and unlimited spa access."
Bath instead of Paris
She said: "Bath is the ideal place to enjoy a romantic city break without leaving the UK. Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times, and as one of the most romantic cities in the UK, there’s no shortage of things to do. Visit the original Roman Baths, walk the Georgian Royal Crescent and bathe in natural thermal waters with incredible views over the city.
"For £1,100 you can get a deal with Eurostar for three nights in a 4* hotel and standard class train, staying at the Hotel La Lanterne in September.
"But avoiding the dramas of the train (particularly if you don’t live in the South East) you can stay at the magnificent 5* Macdonald Bath Spa for £767, which is only a short walk from the centre of Bath yet set in magnificent countryside.
"You could even indulge in a break at The Gainsborough, a Leading Hotel of the World, whose spa features the original thermal waters, for £940."
Liverpool instead of Barcelona
"How about Liverpool as an alternate to Barcelona? With its impressive history, urban flair and the best nightlife and music, Liverpool is one of the UK’s most interesting and lively cities - definitely worth a visit.
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Chester is an hour from Llandudno
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"Within a stone’s throw of Liverpool are the beaches of Formby and Southport as well as Rhos-on-Sea in North Wales with its spotless beaches and independent shops and cafes, so you can combine the excitement and culture of Liverpool with a traditional bucket-and-spade break.
"A week’s self-catering apartment in Liverpool in August for two adults and two children can be secured for just £1,026 compared to a heftier £2,618 for the equivalent in Barcelona."
Chester instead of Lucca Italy
She said: "Just like Lucca, Chester is a walled city on the banks of a river with a Roman amphitheatre and Roman gardens. With its pedestrianised cobbled streets and plenty of alfresco eating areas, an impressive Cathedral and the best pizza outside of Italy in award-winning restaurants such as Stile Napoletana make Chester the ideal UK destination.
"Chester is also only an hour from the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno, with its beaches and amusements making it ideal for a family break on UK shores.
"You can stay in a self-catering apartment in August for £952 in Chester, versus £1939 for Lucca, with flights departing from London. All prices are based on data gathered from Booking.com, BA holidays, Airbnb, Eurostar holidays or direct website queries."
