Port Isaac, the clifftop fishing village in Cornwall, has been crowned the UK's best destination dupe, with its pastel cottages, turquoise cove and narrow lanes compared to Italy’s Amalfi Coast – and the ranking did not go to Portmeirion in Wales.
The result comes from a Travelodge poll of more than 10,000 UK residents. According to the research, 44% of Brits have swapped a holiday abroad for a staycation in the last year, while 94% said they would consider a UK getaway if it matched overseas destinations.
Why Port Isaac has taken the crown
Port Isaac is known for its historic lanes, including Squeeze Belly Alley, one of the UK's smallest passageways at just 18 inches wide. The traditional harbour, with its slipway known as The Platt, remains a working fishing port, with boats unloading daily catches for local restaurants and pubs such as Outlaw's Fish Kitchen and The Mote.
The village also has strong screen and music links. It was the filming location for the ITV drama series Doc Martin and is home to the folk group Fisherman's Friends, who have performed sea shanties together since 1995.
What visitors say
After a visit this summer, one TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Really lovely place to visit and a top Cornwall attraction you must visit. Saw the house Doc Martin used for the series and walked the old streets, and it was so beautiful. Quite a steep walk from the car park down to the town, so if you struggle with walking, bear that in mind.”
Another commented: “Pretty Cornish village, typical of the genre. Quaint, narrow streets. Interesting shops and galleries. Don’t miss the Chapel Cafe on the road up to Doc Martin’s house.”
Top 10 UK destination dupes
- Port Isaac, Cornwall - Amalfi Coast
- Derwentwater, Lake District - Lake Como, Italy
- St Ives, Cornwall - Cadaqués, Spain
- Kendal, Lake District - Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Elgol, Isle of Skye - Norwegian fjords, Norway
- Llandudno, Wales - Nice/French Riviera, France
- Cambridge - Venice, Italy
- St Davids, Pembrokeshire - Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Staithes, North Yorkshire - Positano, Italy
- Canterbury - Bruges, Belgium
A Travelodge spokesperson said: “Why brave airport queues and flight cancellations when world-class holiday views are right here on our doorstep? From pastel coastal towns to dramatic alpine landscapes, Britain’s ‘destination dupes’ offer all the charm, beauty, and atmosphere of an overseas escape, without the travel hassle.
“When it comes to getting maximum holiday inspiration for minimum spend, you’d better get a Travelodge. With hotels in hundreds of stunning locations across the country, we’re here as your ultimate, great-value base for an unforgettable UK adventure.”
