December 18, 2024
8 mins
Destination: United Kingdom
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Brighton for Bamburgh: 2025 UK Destination Swaps
Everyone loves a classic destination like Brighton Beach, Stonehenge, or the Lake District. England is packed with hidden gems offering similar (if not better) experiences with fewer crowds, lower costs, and more charm. Whether you’re looking for a quieter coastal retreat, an alternative to a packed historic landmark, or a lesser-known countryside escape, this list is for you.
We’ve taken some classic English locations and flipped them for an alternative. These swaps aren’t about avoiding the classics, they’re about creating fresh adventures and seeing the UK from a different perspective. You might just find your new favourite destination!
Brighton Beach for Bamburgh Beach
Brighton is vibrant but often busy, especially during the summer months. Oh and the pebbles aren’t everyone’s cup of tea either!
The swap: Bamburgh Beach although at the opposite end of the country, situated in Northumberland offers miles of golden sands. It is a stunning beach with sweeping coastal views, and Bamburgh Castle towering above.
Active England tip: Take a stroll, surf, or enjoy a quiet picnic. Explore Bamburgh Castle and nearby quaint villages like Seahouses.
Stonehenge for Avebury Stone Circle
Stonehenge is iconic but the draw for tourists means it is heavily protected with barriers to rightly preserve the stones.
The swap: Avebury Henge, in Wiltshire, offers a more immersive and intimate experience where you can walk among the stones. It is classed within the UNESCO Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site and still gives a good sense of the whole landscape and how these monuments were connected.
Active England tip: Wander freely through the massive stone circles, visit the Avebury Manor & Gardens, and explore the local village pubs.
The Cotswolds for the Yorkshire Wolds
The Cotswolds are idyllic. For Active England they are our home with many of the team residing in and around the area. But we recognise that their popularity means places can be pricey and very busy during the summer season.
The swap: The Yorkshire Wolds offer similar rolling hills, picture-perfect villages, and tranquillity. The Wolds remain refreshingly untouched. Their quiet beauty inspired David Hockney’s iconic landscapes, showcasing the area’s sweeping chalk hills, patchwork fields, and winding country lanes. Whether you’re a walker, a cyclist, or someone who just loves a scenic drive, the Yorkshire Wolds deliver serene views without the crowds.
Active England tip: Discover market towns like Beverley, with a beautiful Gothic cathedral. Enjoy peaceful walking trails, and visit hidden gems like the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy.
The Lake District for The Shropshire Hills
The Lake District is a renowned destination for its dramatic peaks, shimmering lakes, and poetic history. But as with many famous English locations, the summer season leads to busy towns and sold-out accommodation.
The swap: The Shropshire Hills offer similar scenic beauty, rugged trails, and a peaceful ambience. Whilst Wainwright made the Lakes walks famous, Shropshire is often overlooked but is undeniably still a walker’s paradise. The Stiperstones ridge offers a striking and rugged landscape of quartzite tors (rocky outcrops) that is steeped in legend and folklore. Whilst Shropshire is missing England’s tallest mountain there is a 10-kilometre circular walk with a climb up Caer Caradoc providing panoramic views from the top.
Active England tip: By day hike the Long Mynd, and explore the charming town of Ludlow. By night, the low light pollution of the Shropshire Hills makes it an excellent location for stargazing.
Bath for Harrogate
Bath is renowned for its Georgian architecture, Roman baths, and literary connections to Jane Austen, making it a popular choice for visitors to England.
The swap: Harrogate, a charming Victorian spa town in North Yorkshire, offers a similarly elegant experience with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and focus on relaxation—all while being less crowded and more affordable. Harrogate provides an excellent alternative for those seeking a spa-town vibe with a Yorkshire twist.
Active England tip: Visit the Turkish Baths, stroll through Valley Gardens, and enjoy afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Rooms.
Cambridge for Durham
Cambridge boasts historic colleges, but Durham offers its own stunning university city charm with fewer crowds and a striking UNESCO-listed Cathedral. Take a boat on the River Wear, and explore the cobbled streets of the medieval city.
The swap: Durham offers everything you’d expect from a visit to Cambridge: a historic university, stunning architecture, and river punting—but with a unique Northern twist and a more intimate feel.
Active England tip: Climb the Cathedral Tower for sweeping views of Durham and the surrounding countryside. If you have time, step into an interactive experience at Beamish Museum. The nearby attraction takes you back to Northern England in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
London for Liverpool
Of course, there is no replacing the iconic British Capital city but if you’ve visited London before and would like to experience a different UK city then Liverpool offers an abundance of appeal.
The swap: Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and This northern gem offers world-class museums, stunning waterfront views, legendary music heritage, and a welcoming atmosphere all at a more relaxed pace and affordable price.
Active England tip: The Albert Dock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an eclectic blend of history and culture. The renovated dock area is home to top attractions such as the Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, and the Beatles Story.
Windsor Castle for Hadrian’s Wall
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, is a major draw for those interested in English royal history. But if you’re looking for an alternative steeped in just as much historical significance albeit from a different era, consider visiting Hadrian’s Wall.
The swap: A breathtaking relic of Roman Britain that spans northern England. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the ancient past, blending incredible history with stunning landscapes. While Windsor Castle dominates the Thames Valley, Hadrian’s Wall cuts through rugged, unspoiled countryside, offering dramatic views and a sense of isolation that’s rare in the UK.
Active England tip: Walk the wall. Hadrian’s Wall stretches for 73 miles from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. While you don’t need to walk the whole length, sections like Steel Rigg to Sycamore Gap (made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) offer a perfect combination of historical landmarks and dramatic landscapes.
Exploring alternative destinations across the UK allows travellers to discover hidden gems, avoid crowds, and experience a more authentic connection to the country’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique culture.
By swapping iconic hotspots for equally remarkable but less-visited locations, you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective and perhaps even a deeper appreciation for what makes the UK so special.
Has this prompted you to explore a new area of England or have you got a favourite swap? Let us know in the comments below.
Finally, if you’d like to experience England alongside one of our expert guides, get in touch for further travel advice and help with booking.
