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Missed out? Here's 5 amazing alternatives to 2021's most popular staycation destinations

Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire has been named as the second-fastest growing destination for UK travel in 2021 (Getty)
Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire (Getty)

Holidays are back on, but with international travel being highly complicated for the foreseeable, we’ll be sticking to staycations this year instead.

However, it seems everyone has had the same thought – and it's caused a staycation booking boom.

Read more: This Scarborough B&B has been named the best in the world by Tripadvisor

To escape the crowds and book your spot, holidaycottages.co.uk has found the most popular holiday destinations in the UK and suggested quieter (but just as good) alternatives.

From Runswick Bay in Yorkshire to the Isle of Arran in Scotland, here’s where we'll be heading this summer.

Cornwall: Swap St Ives for Penryn

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Countrysde or seaside? You get the best of both in Penryn (Getty)

While Cornwall may be the number one spot for staycations this summer, it’s still possible to avoid the crowds.

Instead of heading to St Ives, why not try the pretty village of Penryn instead? Just 24 miles from St Ives with golden beaches of its own, it’s also close to Falmouth and the Roseland Heritage Coast for when you want to explore.

Devon: Swap Woolacombe for Branscombe

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The chocolate box village of Branscombe (Getty)

According to the holidaycottages.co.uk research, 43% of Brits have Devon on their must-visit list for 2021. So this year, why not try the lesser-known Branscombe for your summer holiday?

Read more: A remote Cornish castle is looking for a 'discreet and tactful' new employee

There’s a long stretch of golden sand beach here and the chocolate box village itself is protected by the National Trust as it fringes the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cumbria: Swap Windermere for Hawkshead

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Cars are banned from Hawkshead (Getty)

While Windermere is the Lake District’s go-to town, those in the know are heading to Hawkshead instead this summer.

Sitting just nine miles from Windermere, cars are banned from Hawkshead (there’s a car park just outside of town) and in the village there’s plenty of charming homes, archways and squares to marvel at.

Yorkshire Dales: Swap Whitby for Runswick Bay

Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire has been named as the second-fastest growing destination for UK travel in 2021 (Getty)
Trick yourself into thinking you're in the Med at Runswick Bay (Getty)

Runswick Bay on the Yorkshire coast will give any British seaside town a run for its money. The beach is long and the water beautiful - which is why it’s one of the fastest-growing staycation destinations of 2021.

Read more: The best UK seaside getaways to book right now

When you’re not tramping the scenic Cleveland Way National Trail, it’s worth popping into nearby Whitby for a wander.

Scotland: Swap Edinburgh for the Isle of Arran

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The Isle of Arran is described as 'Scotland in miniature' (Getty)

While Edinburgh thrives in the summer months, this year we’re heading to the quieter Isle of Arran instead.

With Glasgow as its nearest big city, the Isle of Arran is accessible by ferry and is described as “Scotland in miniature”, complete with mountains, secluded beaches and plenty of foodie delights too.

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