Anyone looking for a getaway but hesitant to leave these shores could instead visit locations that bear an uncanny resemblance to famous overseas destinations.
Language learning platform Busuu has researched the top UK destinations that have an international lookalike to satisfy the wanderlust of budding travellers.
From the tranquil Kyoto Garden in central London to the vast and luscious Dalby forest in North Yorkshire, it’s easy to imagine being in some of the world’s most picturesque locations.
Senior English Learning Designer at Busuu, Hannah Morris, said: “There is so much natural beauty in the United Kingdom. You just need to know where to look. The similarity between some of these destinations is uncanny – and with all the uncertainty around travel at the moment, there’s no better time to explore our beautiful island.”
Here are some of the lookalike locations.
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall – Mont Saint-Michel, France
St Michael’s Mount is very similar to French counterpart
St Michael’s Mount shares many similarities to its French counterpart, Mont Saint-Michel, in Normandy. Both fairytale castles sit atop small islands and exude an other-worldly sense of majesty.
Kyoto Gardens, London – Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto Gardens, London – Tokyo, Japan
The Kyoto Garden, a part of Holland Park, represents Britain’s long standing friendship with Japan. Then the Fukushima Garden, also located in Holland Park, was a gift for Britain’s contribution during Japan’s 2011 climate disaster.
Located on the western edge of Central London, these gardens are easily accessible via public transport, and would be a great place to visit on the weekend, or even on an extended lunch break.
Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge – Château de Montbrun, France
Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge – Château de Montbrun, France
Closely resembling the Château de Montbrun, the Bodiam Castle in East Sussex is surrounded by an impressive moat and tall battlements. The 14th-century castle is owned by The National Trust and is free to visit on weekdays.
Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire – Black Forest, Germany
Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire – Black Forest, Germany
From a bird’s eye view, Dalby Forest, this extensive collection of Yorkshire trees, appears to be the doppelganger of the Black Forest in Germany – which is often associated with the Brother Grimm fairy tales. With over 8000 acres of woodland, it’s easy to get lost, so it’s best to stick to the trails.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland – Ganh Da Dia, Vietnam
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland – Ganh Da Dia, Vietnam
Millions of years ago, lava flow formed these perfect basalt stones in Northern Ireland, giving the appearance of human intervention. This type of formation can be found in many places across the globe, including in Vietnam, where they are the basis for many folk tales.
St Ives, Cornwall – Dubrovnik, Croatia
St Ives, Cornwall – Dubrovnik, Croatia
This beautiful Cornish coastal town and its shoreline is the spitting image of its Eastern European cousin. Shimmering blue waters, golden beaches and quaint cafes make this an ideal summer destination for those looking for a UK staycation.
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Henrhyd Falls, Wales – Madakaripura Waterfall, Indonesia
Henrhyd Falls, Wales – Madakaripura Waterfall, Indonesia
Famous for being the exterior backdrop in Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, the extraordinary waterfall Henrhyd Falls is the tallest in southern Wales – and has an uncanny resemblance to the Madakaripura Waterfall in Indonesia.
Durdle Door, Dorset – Praia do Camilo, Portugal
Durdle Door, Dorset – Praia do Camilo, Portugal
The beautiful stretch of British coastline, Durdle Door, covers 95 miles of the south coast and is famous for its recognisable geological shapes. These naturally formed rock formations are almost identical to those on Camilo Beach in Portugal.
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