When the weather is erratic or the workload is heavy, we often find ourselves wandering to remote places around the globe.

However, you don’t have to venture out of the UK to enjoy clear blue waters, golden sands and rows of palm trees. In fact, for those looking only to the airport, train and cross-Channel ferries to fill their holiday, the sheer beauty that can be found across Britain is somewhat of a surprise. But it’s definitely a nice surprise, as this guide will show you.

From Balinese-style waterfalls to parts of Sydney in Devon, and from an almost jungle setting to the most Italian part of Wales, here are some of the best places in the UK to enjoy exotic landscape.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

Half an hour’s drive from Swansea, in south Wales, Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular coastline with sand dunes, salt marshes and the bay’s signature three limestone cliffs.

A photogenic part of the Gower Coast Path, it is an ideal spot for picnics and popular for picnics, camping and cottages.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Part of the Art Deco hotel that first opened in 1935, Tinside Lido closed in 1992 but reopened after a successful local campaign and achieved Grade II listed status in 1998. .

Its poolside setting is unlike Sydney’s Bondi Beach, while the saltwater pool is great for splashing and sunbathing during the summer months.

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Portmeirion, Gwynedd

Designed and built in the style of an Italian village by Sir Clough William-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion is one of Wales’ most unique villages.

Although it may be located in North Wales, not the Mediterranean, Portmeirion still attracts visitors for its stunning beauty, boutique hotels and excellent restaurants.

High Force, Durham

The verdant setting and swift waterfalls give the High Force the air of a Costa Rican jungle, but you can find it in County Durham. One of Britain’s most spectacular waterfalls, it plunges 21 meters into the stunning plunge pool below.

A wide variety of wildlife and animals can be seen at High Force throughout the seasons from wildflowers, ferns and towering trees to deer and rabbits.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Near the village of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle Bay is nestled among cliffs and is reminiscent of a secluded bay on a Greek island. Once owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, the beach is now open to the public and has previously made the list of the world’s top beaches, while the Good Holiday Guide also calls it the beach. The most beautiful in the UK.

With sand dunes and pine trees, the beach is a half-mile walk from the nearest parking lot and offers a beautiful, secluded retreat.

West Bay, Dorset, England

With its towering orange cliffs and stunningly clear waters, West Bay in Dorset is reminiscent of the Algarve.

With its beachfront location, it’s ideal for family vacations and coastal walks, while the nearby market town of Bridport has long been known for its culture and cuisine.

Kynance Bay, Cornwall, England

Regarded as one of Cornwall’s most photographed and painted sites, with beautiful blue seas and white sands, Kynance Cove wouldn’t look out of place on a Sardinian postcard.

A landscape painter’s dream, the contrast between the cove’s white sandy beach and the dark red and green zigzag rocks is breathtaking.

At low tide, there are many caves and islands in the sea to explore, and its stone towers are even featured on BBC One’s Poldark.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

On the right day, Tenby can make you feel like you’ve been to Bali, with its palm trees, golden sands, blue sea and colorful buildings.

A seaside tourist town for over 200 years, Tenby is steeped in history and surrounded by a medieval wall. It is also home to three beaches; North, South and Castle. North is famous for water sports, Castle offers spectacular views, and South Beach with its golden sand stretches for nearly two miles.

Scud Yr Eira, Brecon Beacons

The Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall may look like a selfie spot in Thailand, but is actually found in the Melte Valley in Wales’ Brecon Beacons.

Literally translated as “snowfall,” visitors can walk behind a curtain of water on a path forged by shepherd farmers, creating the perfect photo opportunity.

Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Described as one of Mull’s best kept secrets, Langamull Beach is often referred to as the Caribbean Mull thanks to its white sands.

A 20 minute walk to the secluded beach, with breathtaking views justifying the journey. On a clear day you can see other small islands and Skye.

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