
The alpine 'dupe' in Wales that could save on expensive travel costs
A holiday giant has created a list of UK 'dupes' for famous international destinations. Self-catering accommodation specialists Hoseasons has compiled the list of the best spots in the UK that mimic some of the most unique holiday destinations worldwide.
They say these places offer similar views, activities and experiences, but without the hefty travel price tag. It is seven strong list with one part of Wales in the mix.
Hoseasons said: "We all have those bucket-list destinations that we hope to finally visit someday, whether it's to experience a new culture, take in the natural wonders or even just relax on the beach. Unfortunately, it can take some time before we're able to jet off to these locales, but sometimes you're able to get a taste of them, without even leaving the UK."
The Welsh destination picked is Eryri National Park. Hoseasons say it is a dupe for Savoie in the French Alps. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Other dupes include Bath for Rome, and Buxton in place of Bad Staffelstein in Bavaria.
On the Eryri/Savoie match-up, they said: "Savoie, located in the French Alps, is renowned for breathtaking landscapes and top-notch ski resorts, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, forests, and charming alpine villages.
"As well as being home to celebrated resorts like Courchevel, Méribel and Val d'Isère, the region is well-loved for its incredible hiking trails and exhilarating outdoor activities like paragliding and white-water rafting. Iconic landmarks like Aiguille du Midi provide breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.
"The UK dupe for Savoie is Eryri (Snowdonia)Wales's renowned national park which is also blessed with a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities, not to mention a pretty impressive mountain of its own. Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) the highest peak in Wales, is no mean feat.
"Some of the views from Eryri's hiking trails of the lakes and mountains are reminiscent of those in Savoie, and, just like the French department, Eryri is synonymous with outdoor adventure, with zip-lining, white-water rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking all on offer."

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Flusco Wood is the place to be if you're looking to stay in the Lake District (Image: Newsquest) Beer As soon as we started seeing signs for Keswick, Penrith, etc, all those motorway woes completely disappeared. Traffic vanished, and all we could see was a picture-perfect backdrop made all the better by our soundtrack, The Who's 'I Can See for Miles'. Our destination was Flusco Wood, in Ullswater. If you're looking to go, a 3-night stay for up to 4 people costs from £455 in June and from £539 in July. I could not recommend it more. The lodge was beautifully furnished, and we even had our own hot tub. Seconds after arriving, myself, Georgia, Jord and Sophie were all in it, beers in hand. Over the three days, we certainly had our fill. The local beers in Cumbria are just a different breed. I urge you to make the journey just for a local craft ale alone. One of us - I won't dob you in, Georgia - couldn't walk properly due to a 'foot injury'. So we were a little restricted on what we could do during the day. Wah wah wah wah wah wah wah (Image: Newsquest) Ullswater was the main attraction for the weekend, so instead of walking, we thought we'd row. A boat for four people over four hours will set you back £60 altogether. It really is an excellent way to explore Ullswater if you don't fancy straining yourself too much. I've been to Wastwater, England's deepest lake, before, but felt like Ullswater had an unrivalled charm. There were also several pubs nearby, so we were sold. We stopped in at The Crown Inn, The George Hotel and The Pooley Bridge Inn, and I have to say, despite being busy, they were equally brilliant. If you want a quick pint or a bite to eat, I certainly recommend the Crown. For the service and the views. Next on our agenda was Penrith, where things got tasty. It isn't too far from the lodge, so taxis are pretty reasonable. If you're looking for a night out in the area, this will be the place to go; you just need to find the right place. (Image: Newsquest) The first pub we stopped at had a "Bacardi and Coke please", "We don't do cocktails", feel to it, but they're always the best ones. We chatted with locals and had an unforgettable night free from the stresses of work, life and home; it was giddily refreshing. Love My favourite part of the weekend, though, was meeting an American lady called Priscilla from Michigan. She was on a personal pilgrimage following her late husband's favourite folk band, Briar and Bramble. Despite being a widow and on a clearly emotional journey, she radiated a joyous energy that I had never witnessed before. Although we were initially strangers, she became one with our group almost instinctively. Hours passed trading tales of love, tribulations and laughter, where we got a real insight into how people turn mourning into something memorable. 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Recommended reading: I tried Gordon Ramsay's beef wellington at the Savoy - oh my I visited the Grand Hotel in Birmingham and owe an apology I went to Rhodes looking for love but ended up with a goose Love, again Overall, our visit to the Lake District completely made up for that horrendous 2020 trip in more ways than I could ever imagine. It lives up to your expectations in every single way, and then throws magical moments at you when you're least expecting it. Ok, holidays abroad are good, but I can think of no place better in the UK than the Lake District. A must-visit for all. Truly.