Summer is drawing to a close, but before it's over completely, now is the perfect time to get out and explore some of the beautiful destinations the UK has to offer. The Cotswolds are one of the most iconic places in the UK, famous for their bucolic charm and cottage lifestyle. However, the Cotswolds can be overrun with tourists throughout the year and even more so in summer, making them harder to get to and less enjoyable if you do manage to get there.
Luckily, there are plenty of places you can visit instead that offer all the beauty, with far fewer crowds. Experts at Parkdean Resorts have found five locations outside of the Cotswolds that offer just as much charm and history - perfect for a weekend getaway.
Grassington, North Yorkshire
Grassington is often considered one of the prettiest villages in the Yorkshire Dales. This village is the perfect dupe for the famous Cotswolds village of Stow-on-the-Wold. The beautiful village has a bustling cobbled market square and high street, with independent shops, eateries, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for exploring over the weekend. It shares that quaint English feel that Stow-on-the-Wold is famous for, as well as similar winding cobbled streets.
Bakewell, Derbyshire
One of the most famous towns in the Cotswolds is Bourton-on-the-Water, where tourists flock from all over the world to see the bubbling river which flows through the village. If you want a similar experience, without having to dodge the crowds, try Bakewell in Derbyshire, where a river flows through the town and beneath its historic stone bridge.
Boscastle, Cornwall
Nestled within a gentle inland valley in the Cotswolds is Castle Combe. Packed with stone cottages, winding streets and a narrow stream which meanders through the town, it's easy to see why the village is so popular with tourists. However, if you don't want a holiday spent navigating crowds, try Boscastle in Cornwall instead. This harbour village sits within the shelter of a steep valley, but, like Castle Combe, it can be easily explored on foot and feels like a step back in time.
Rye, East Sussex
With its honey-coloured stone cottages, relaxed atmosphere, and countryside charm, it is hardly surprising that the Cotswolds village of Tetbury was used as a primary shooting location for the television show Rivals, in which English country charm is almost a main character. This alone draws crowds to the village, so for a quieter escape, try Rye in East Sussex. Rye is close to the coast, which makes it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the beaches. You can browse its historic streets and some of its many independent shops.
Culross, Fife
Another Cotswolds town that has been used as a filming location is Lacock. Scenes from Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and the Fantastic Beasts franchise have all been filmed in this 13th-century village, which is entirely owned by the National Trust. For similar beauty without the tourists, the experts recommend visiting Culross in Fife. This tiny Scottish village has a population of 395 and is also a frequent filming and TV location for its untouched cobbled lanes and period buildings.
