This charming town offers all the charm of the Cotswolds without the crowds
The Cotswolds are beautiful – but they can be very crowded(Image: scu)
The Cotswolds might be one of Britain’s most recognisable countryside escapes, but its popularity can make a summer visit feel very different from the peaceful rural holiday many tourists picture when they visit. The area is famous for its charming villages, cobbled streets and of course, its traditional stone cottages – but this fame is a double edged sword.
It might make the area famous – but it also means that the Cotswolds are frequently swarmed by tourists. For anyone hoping to enjoy a slower-paced weekend, battling through crowds can quickly take the shine off a trip. Luckily, you don’t have to give up the quintessentially British village experience altogether.
There are plenty of gorgeous places in the UK to explore that don’t involve doing battle with crowds. In fact, one place offers all the beauty of the famous Cotswolds, including the iconic stone cottages and flower boxes – but you don’t have to spend your holiday dodging crowds.
Travel experts at Parkdean Resorts have revealed this North Yorkshire town as the perfect Cotswolds dupe.
Set in the Yorkshire Dales, it has a traditional cobbled centre surrounded by some of the country’s most impressive countryside. The village square is a natural starting point, with independent businesses and places to eat clustered around its historic streets.
It’s got all the stone cottages, the flower boxes and historic pubs just like the Cotswolds – but you won’t find it teeming with tourists. This charming village is so beautiful it was picked as the main filming location for the fictional village of Darrowby in All Creatures Great and Small.
It’s Grassington in North Yorkshire – and it’s the perfect place to explore for a weekend.
The high street is packed with independent shops where you can pick up home made art and jewellery as well as delicious sweet treats and books.
Grassington is particularly appealing for tourists who want their break to combine sightseeing with walking. Rather than spending the day squeezing through a packed tourist centre, visitors can explore the village before heading out into the surrounding Dales.
If Yorkshire doesn’t tickle your fancy, the experts at Parkdean Resorts do have another destination that they think gives Cotswolds charm without the crowds.
Rye in East Sussex is another destination that rewards visitors who are prepared to look beyond the usual summer hotspots.
The town is packed with historic streets and distinctive old buildings, while independent shops and places to eat make it easy to spend a leisurely day exploring without needing a packed itinerary.
Its biggest advantage, however, could be its location.
Rye provides easy access to the Sussex coast, meaning a short break can include both an atmospheric old town and a day by the sea. Visitors can explore the historic centre in the morning before heading towards the beaches and coastline nearby.
It’s an appealing option for anyone who can’t decide between a countryside escape and a seaside break.