These are the best UK holiday staycation swaps for your cancelled vacay

With the uncertainty around when we will be able to travel to far-flung destinations again, perhaps it’s time to start looking a little closer to home for your next vacation. These UK swaps could be just what you’re looking for.

The travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many more of us are waking up to the realisation that holidaying in the UK is underrated. If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us it’s to appreciate what we have and be thankful for the little things. Not being able to board a plane to sunnier climes has meant that many more of us are considering a staycation to places that we may never have considered before. Not appreciating the beauty and splendour that we have on our doorstep.

Add to that the fact that all the quarantine measures and self-isolation requirements means the planning and costs involved in an international holiday make it far less appealing for holidaymakers.

If the sun gods continue to smile on us, many UK locations will be almost indistinguishable from our usual European holiday destinations. This means that we can enjoy a welcome family break in places that we may never have considered before.

So, where in the UK best replicates our favourite holiday destinations? A new study by Dorset Coastal Cottages has matched areas of the UK with some of our favourite holiday destinations based on climate factors such as average annual temperature, rainfall and sun hours – all to give an average score.

Highlights from the study show that the Isle of Mull was the closest staycation replacement for a trip to Madeira in Portugal, welcome to holidaymakers who have changed their plans now that Portugal has been placed on the amber list.

The island of Madeira was set to be a popular tourist hotspot this summer as a place that averages more sun hours than the top 10 European holiday destinations. However, holidaymakers can now consider the Isle of Mull in Scotland as a destination that has the nearest average climate score based on sun hours, average temperature and average rainfall per year.

Likewise, a trip to Tenerife could be replaced by a holiday on the south coast in Dorset, while the Isle of Barra is revealed as the ideal substitution for the picturesque location of Santorini.