The best UK destination dupes for summer

We're in for a hot summer and we say skip the airport stress. Forget scrambling for parking, wrestling with luggage and paying a premium for just a few days abroad. This year, it’s all about staying local and loving it. With great weather on the cards, you can have an unforgettable break right here in the UK – packed with natural beauty, family-friendly activities and, best of all, affordable prices.  

If you haven’t heard of destination dupes, they’re one of the hottest travel trends right now. The idea is simple: swap a famous (and expensive) destination for a lesser-known alternative that delivers the same energy, with fewer crowds and more savings.  

Staycations aren’t just convenient – they’re a chance to rediscover what’s right on your doorstep. Why fly to the Alps when you can hike through Eryri (Snowdonia)? Why battle the crowds in Rome when you can soak in the ancient charm of Bath? There are lots of breathtaking spots in England and Wales that are seriously underrated.  

We’re pulled together our top destination dupes across the UK and every single one is home to a YHA hostel. What’s more convenient than that? You can stay in amazing places, save money with self-catering kitchens and affordable food options, and become part of our vibrant hostelling community.  

Famous for its rich history and iconic landmarks, Rome draws crowds all year round. Good luck getting a clear shot of the Trevi Fountain! For a calmer alternative with just as much charm, head to Bath. This English gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its stunning Georgian architecture. The Royal Crescent is a must-see, with No. 1 Royal Crescent offering a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century life.  

While Rome is known for Baroque art, Bath has its own cultural pull. Jane Austen set many of her novels here and the city still celebrates its literary roots today.  

Stay at YHA Bath.   

Snow-capped peaks, forested valleys, glassy lakes and charming villages. Sounds like Savoie in the French Alps, right? Actually, it’s also Eryri (Snowdonia) in North Wales. This stunning National Park offers alpine beauty without leaving the UK. Ideal for outdoor lovers, Eryri has it all: zip lining, white-water rafting, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking. It’s the perfect place for adventure in a beautiful mountain setting.   

Stay at a YHA hostel in Eryri (Snowdonia).  

Both Carcassonne and Conwy boast medieval streets, stone houses and historic buildings within impressive town walls, but only one comes with a beach! If you love the magic of Carcassonne, you’ll find the same turreted charm in Conwy, North Wales and there’s no passport required.  

Conwy’s nearly intact walls wrap around a charming town and a dramatic UNESCO-listed castle. Walk the ramparts, explore cobbled lanes, then head to the sand for a sunset stroll.  

Stay at YHA Conwy.  

Lake Bled is known for its tranquil waters and mountain views, but the Lake District National Park delivers that same postcard-perfect beauty with a uniquely British twist. Surrounded by rolling hills and glassy lakes, it’s a haven for hikers, paddleboarders, wild swimmers and cyclists. Between adventures, explore charming market towns and cosy up in lakeside cafés (we even have one at YHA Ambleside!).  

Stay at a YHA hostel in the Lake District.   

If you love the buzz of New York, you’ll feel right at home in the UK’s capital city. Both cities have iconic landmarks, a bustling food scene and world-class museums, but London has centuries of history, too. 

From Buckingham Palace to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to Westminster Abbey, it’s a city break with serious heritage. Wander through vibrant markets, catch a show in the West End, or relax in one of the many green spaces. Fun fact: despite having Central Park, London has far more parkland than NYC!  

Stay at a YHA hostel in London.  

Enchanting waterways, elegant bridges and timeless architecture – it's easy to see why Venice draws crowds. But for a quieter, more affordable and equally as special alternative, give Cambridge a try.  

Glide past centuries-old colleges on a punt instead of a gondola and admire the city’s own Bridge of Sighs – a nod to its Italian counterpart. With cobbled lanes, riverside strolls and delicious Italian eateries, who needs Venice when Cambridge offers fewer crowds and lighter price tags?   

Stay at YHA Cambridge.  

Both were built as mighty defensive barriers and are currently UNESCO World Heritage Sites – but one is much closer to home than the other. Hadrian’s Wall may be shorter, but you only ever explore a small stretch anyway!  

This Roman marvel winds through staggering northern landscapes and offers a real connection to Britain’s past. Bonus point: YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall is just a few hundred metres from the wall itself and adjoined to the Discovery Centre, making it the perfect base for exploring.  

Stay at YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall.  

Looking for rugged cliffs, quiet beaches and untouched beauty? Skip the Alentejo Coast in Portugal and head to Treyarnon Bay in Cornwall for that same wild, remote atmosphere. No crowds, no frills, just nature at its very best. The bay is a fan favourite for bodyboarding, coastal walks and families looking for space to breathe. With surf-friendly waves, dramatic views and the South West Coast Path on your doorstep, it’s all about slow days and salty sea air.  

Stay at YHA Treyarnon Bay.  

Verona may be the famed City of Love, but Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of romance itself as Shakespeare’s hometown and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Wander hand-in-hand down beautifully preserved old streets. Verona may have romantic piazzas, but Stratford has riverside walks where you’ll find culture, history and theatre at every turn.  

Stay at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon.  

Dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, wild striking views and secluded beaches. The natural beauty of Big Sur in California can be found on a smaller, quieter scale at Boggle Hole. This peaceful spot on the Yorkshire coast offers a rugged coastline, family-friendly coves and access to coastal walks. Perfect for hiking, beachcombing and soaking up nature without the hustle and bustle.  

Stay at YHA Boggle Hole.  

Both Portland and Bristol share rich maritime heritage and bustling harbours framed by distinctive landscapes. Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the stunning Avon Gorge, while Portland’s rugged coastline offers dramatic sea views.  

Both cities buzz with creative and quirky energy – from vibrant street art (everyone’s heard of Banksy!) and live music to energetic festivals and fascinating museums. Perfect for culture lovers who enjoy a waterside atmosphere.  

Stay at YHA Bristol.   

Prague’s cobbled charm and Gothic spires have serious storybook appeal, but York delivers just as much atmosphere, with a distinctly English twist. Wander medieval streets like the Shambles, walk the historic city walls and take in views of the majestic York Minster. With riverside beauty, world-class museums and a touch of mystery (don’t miss the ghost tours), it’s perfect for history buffs and culture lovers alike.  

Stay at YHA York.   

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