New photographs released by Lonely Planet and Sony Mobile showcase five UK locations that could easily be mistaken for foreign holiday destinations. The images aim to inspire domestic travel as international trips remain restricted.
Among the featured spots is Holkham Beach in Norfolk, a pristine stretch of sand that rivals tropical shores. Craigievar Castle in Alford, Scotland, with its turreted pink facade, resembles a fairytale fortress. The village of Portmeirion in Wales channels the Mediterranean with its colourful architecture, while Snowdonia, photographed in snow, evokes an Alpine resort. Oundle, a market town in Northamptonshire, is captured glowing through mist at sunset.
Tom Hall, VP Experience at Lonely Planet, said: “London has always dominated tourism in the UK, and for good reason, but the entire country is overflowing with historic sites and natural wonders. The pandemic caused us all to pause and re-evaluate how we travel, and I think now is the perfect time to update that bucket list with some of these under-the-radar places.”
Domestic travel in England is expected to resume on 12 April, when self-contained accommodation can reopen for single-household use. In Wales, such stays are slated from 27 March. From 29 March, the “stay at home” order in England will be replaced by “stay local”, allowing day trips to nearby outdoor spots.
