UK destinations that make you feel like you're abroad

Simon Calder's Travel Week

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £20 FOR 1 YEAR June 18, 2023 View in browser SIMON CALDER'S TRAVEL WEEK With the sun finally popping its hat on here in the UK, and temperatures hitting a sweltering 30C in some places, heading abroad to catch some rays feels less necessary than normal. St Tropez or Plymouth? Britain has its fair share of exotic spots to explore The great news is, you don't have to hop the Channel or fly further afield to enjoy a distinctly foreign feel. Save on travel time (and transport emissions) by embracing a domestic holiday at one of these UK beaches that look like they're abroad. Or get inspired by this pick of 10 of the most beautiful places you'll be surprised are in the UK, from waterfalls to secluded beaches. Meanwhile, you can up the luxe factor with a hot tub holiday for a relaxation-guaranteed staycation, or hit the beach with these very best of British seaside hotels. Royal exclusive Brighton's counter-culture feels deliciously foreign – sealed by the Oriental flourishes of the Royal Pavilion. On 20 June, and every Tuesday up to 29 August, you can go behind the scenes on the £30 Basement & Tunnel Tour. BRIGHTON GUIDE Scilly idea The Isles of Scilly have been described byThe Independent as "the UK's answer to the Maldives". To reach the deep south of England, a day trip from Penzance by boat starts at £35 return. ISLES OF SCILLY Question of the week   Question of the week The most exotic seaside resort in the UK? The fun, food and spectacular shoreline scenery along Northern Ireland's coast feels exotic. I particularly like Portstewart and Ballycastle on the north coast. In the southeast, Newcastle in the south-east offers easy access to the Mourne Mountains, Ulster's highest range: you can walk from the sea to the summit of Slieve Donard in a morning. In Scotland, the Atlantic shore of the Isle of Harris has beaches to beat the best in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean – though I have yet to find an seaside actual resort in that part of the Hebrides. For Wales, I opt for Swansea, which has a superb beach and a diverse community, while firmly anchored in Welsh culture. In England, the winner is: Whitley Bay, east of Newcastle and easily accessible on the Tyne & Wear Metro. Besides a fine beach, marvel at the exotic and opulent Spanish City: a homage to Andalucia that took root on the North Sea coast in 1910.   Country Guide to Northern Ireland travel Enjoy a luxury Bath day trip by train Travel from London Victoria in the Art Deco carriages of the Belmond British Pullman Two-night foodie break in the Highlands The stay includes a tasting menu on one night and a three-course meal on the other Get 15% off a central London hotel stay The discount applies to Sunday bookings at Thistle Hotels – and includes a free breakfast Enjoy a year of unlimited digital access for just £99 £20 ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more SUBSCRIBE NOW Rail travel Top train trips A rail holiday allows you to see another side of the UK – including its most attractive views. Here are seven of the best breaks.   GET INSPIRED Hotels Isles of Scilly stays With white-sand beaches and turquoise water, these islands off the coast of Cornwall seem far from home; perfect for a foreign-feeling domestic break. BOOK NOW Walking through the gates of Portmeirion is a Dorothy arrives in Oz moment: Wales in technicolour Kerry Walker Wales travel expert Holidays UK beach breaks You don't have to fly to find idyllic coastlines: from quiet, undisturbed spots in Wales to the rugged, sandy beaches of Cornwall. SEE OUR PICKS Under the spotlight Wales or Italy? Experience a slice of the exotic in Portmeirion, Wales's rainbow fantasy village wrapped in colourful gardens by the sea. 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