Destination Dupes: Escape the crowds with C&C
At Crabtree & Crabtree, we love to lift the lid on our local area and share with you our insider tips on the best spots to explore. While well-known destinations often steal the spotlight, some of the best experiences can be found in quieter, less-discovered locations.
Here’s our guide to the perfect destination dupes – ideal for those seeking new adventures that buck the trend. These hidden gems offer all the charm and wonder of their famous counterparts but with a more relaxed pace, fewer crowds and a truly authentic feel.
Surfing: Swap Polzeath for Beadnell Bay
Polzeath is synonymous with surfing, but Beadnell Bay on the Northumberland coast is a more-than-worthy alternative. With golden sands, rolling dunes, and excellent conditions for surfing, windsurfing, kiting and paddleboarding – particularly in the bookend summer months – Beadnell is a sure-fire hit with those who like an adrenaline-fuelled day at the beach. Plus, it’s much quieter than its south western counterpart, offering a bit of respite from the summer holiday crowds.
Heritage: Swap St Michael’s Mount for Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Castle
If you’re drawn to the tidal island magic of St Michael’s Mount, head to Northumberland and explore the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle. Lindisfarne offers ancient ruins, dramatic coastal views, and a rich history, while Bamburgh Castle stands proudly overlooking the sea. This magnificent historical icon is the stuff of myth and legend.
Coastal Boltholes: Swap Port Isaac for Ravenscar
Cornwall’s Port Isaac may be famous for its TV and film appearances, but we prefer the rugged beauty of the tucked-away village of Ravenscar on the Yorkshire Coast. Perched on a dramatic clifftop, Ravenscar offers superb coastal walking, great wildlife (don’t miss the seals) and fascinating ancient Roman history. And not a crowd in sight!
On the Water: Swap the River Dart for the River Tweed
The River Dart in Devon is known for its picturesque scenery, but the River Tweed offers an equally enchanting off-the-beaten-track experience in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Perfect for fishing enthusiasts, the Tweed is world-famous for its salmon, but is also an ideal spot for riverside walks and days spent pottering around beautiful Borders towns such as Melrose and Kelso.
Dark Skies: Swap the Outer Hebrides for Northumberland National Park
For a truly memorable stargazing experience, Northumberland National Park is hard to beat. Boasting the most pristine skies in the country, the whole of the national park sits within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, offering breathtaking views of the cosmos. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply want to marvel at the Milky Way, you won’t be disappointed.
Coastal Towns: Swap St Ives for North Berwick
St Ives is known for its bustling harbour, beaches and art scene, but North Berwick in East Lothian is a wonderful alternative. With sandy shores, independent shops and panoramic views of Bass Rock, this scenic seaside town is perfect for coastal walks and wildlife spotting. Surrounded by a number of world-class golf courses, North Berwick is also perfectly positioned for playing a round or two, or for watching the professionals in the Scottish Open.
Rolling Hills: Swap the Cotswolds for the Yorkshire Dales
Looking for rolling hills, stone-built villages, and rural tranquillity? Skip the Cotswolds and head to the Yorkshire Dales. You’ll find the same picturesque landscapes, welcoming pubs and chocolate-box villages – but with a more rugged and less polished charm.
Feeling Inspired?
If you’d like to escape the crowds and discover the North of England and South of Scotland for yourself, explore our wonderful collection of holiday cottages here, from coastal retreats for two to country houses fit for the whole family.
