Discover the UK destinations similar to popular European getaways
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When it comes to holidaying, most travellers will be looking to keep stress to a minimum, which is why airport queues and packing restrictions can throw a spanner in the works.
So, for those looking to get a taste of international travel without the airport queues this year, where should they go?
The staycation experts at Sally’s Cottages have looked into some of TikTok’s most popular non-UK European destinations, revealing the UK alternatives they should head to instead.
1. Prague, Czechia – Durham, County Durham
With over 3.6 billion views under the TikTok hashtag for Prague, the Czechia city attracts a lot of interest on TikTok – and it’s no surprise. Prague offers a mixture of heritage and modernity, with a thriving creative scene and historic streets to explore. If you’re looking for a destination in the UK that carries off this balance just as well, head to the city of Durham, where you’ll find streets lined with beautiful boutiques and plenty of cosy bars.
You may even recognise the beautiful Durham Castle and Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site – from a certain franchise about a boy wizard.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Manchester, Greater Manchester
Amsterdam is undoubtedly most famous for its cycling culture, world class bars and buzzing nightlife. With 15.3 billion views on TikTok, the Dutch capital attracts people of all ages. Manchester in the North of England is a bustling and hip young city to rival Amsterdam, with beautiful canal walks weaving through the city.
If you’re looking for nightlife, then Manchester has some of the best of the UK, with the Northern Quarter featuring some fabulous, unique cocktail bars.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland – Isle Of Skye, Scottish Highlands
A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Reykjavik has earned 29.5 million views on TikTok. The good news is you don’t have to travel as far as Iceland for rugged landscapes, long summer days and a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Full of unique charm and breathtaking scenery, The Isle Of Skye is brimming with mesmerising waterfalls and tranquil fairy pools, comparable to those found in the Icelandic capital.
The Scottish area also has the magic of myths and heritage to rival Reykjavik. Make sure to take a walk along the Old Man of Storr, a pinnacle of rock said to have marked the grave of a fallen giant.
4. Budapest, Hungary – Bath, Somerset
The Hungarian capital is a popular destination with travellers; it has 20.9 million views on TikTok. Here in the UK, Bath makes for a beautiful city break. The fantastic city is built on the UK’s only natural hot spring and is home to a whole host of impressive Georgian architecture. Much like Budapest, Bath scores highly for UNESCO World Heritage. In fact, it’s the only place in the UK which had a whole city dedicated to a UNESCO site.
Perhaps one of the most famous attributes of Bath is in its name; while Budapest has the Szechenyi, the Thermae Spa is a perfect alternative for those looking for some rest and relaxation during their 2024 break.
5. Lake Bled, Slovenia – Lake District, Cumbria
Slovenia’s beautiful Lake Bled is very popular on TikTok, with 34 million total views. If you’re looking for an idyllic getaway with shimmering bodies of water and idyllic views and an off grid feel, however, you can find it within the jewel of the north, the Lake District. As well as both locations being named after their most famous attributes, both Lake Bled and the Lake District are among the most beautiful places in the world. ²
Great for outdoor enthusiasts, the picturesque waters of the Lake District are best experienced through wild swimming in water spots such as Rydal Water and Lake Windermere. Make sure to lace up your hiking boots too as there are plenty of trails to take in the fresh British air from the Old Man Of Coniston to the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Sarah Pring, Digital PR Manager at Travel Chapter and Sally’s Cottages, said: “For many people, January brings the temptation of escapism, however, travel enthusiasts don’t have to travel internationally to experience everything from otherworldly beauty to some of the world’s most historic streets.
“We wanted to demonstrate to travellers that they don’t have to travel far, no matter their preferred type of holidays.”
For inspiration on outdoor activities within the Lake District, please visit: https://www.sallyscottages.co.uk/guides/outdoor-activities-lake-district
