Can British Holidays Compare to Foreign Destinations?

To the many Brits who jet off abroad every year the idea of taking a holiday in the UK is not exactly favourable. But the UK does hold many exciting holiday options that can compare to foreign destinations with only the weather factor letting the side down.

Why Do British Holidaymakers Favour Foreign Destinations?

Ask the majority of UK holidaymakers why they take holidays abroad and one common answer will be the weather. Exploring exciting new locations or taking advantage of foreign cultural attractions is important but guaranteed sunshine is a major factor. Going abroad to sit around the pool or lounge on the beach while the sun beats down is a huge attraction for many UK holidaymakers - but not all. There are many reasons to jet off abroad, but many comparable holiday attractions can be found closer to home in the UK.

Vibrant Cities in the UK and Abroad

Paris, Barcelona, Rome and New York are just a few of the top cities that attract UK holidaymakers each year. But the UK does hold some vibrant and beautiful cities that can equal their foreign counterparts. Edinburgh with its winding streets and breathtaking views is an incredibly romantic destination. Cities such as Glasgow and Manchester are second to none when it comes to shopping. London attracts millions of visitors every year from around the globe and is definitely on par with any international city when it comes to sightseeing, culture and nightlife.

White Sand Beaches in the UK

There’s no doubt that foreign destinations do hold some unequalled beaches but the UK also has beaches that rank with the best. All of the four UK countries have white sand beaches, breathtaking scenery and many have been awarded the European Union Blue Flag status. When the sun is shining these UK beaches can easily rival their foreign counterparts. If the summer weather is good, temperatures can easily head up to and over 30ºC just as it does abroad. Surfing, diving and snorkelling are all available at UK beaches, and there are even dolphins to swim with.

Theme Parks around the World

Theme parks are a major attraction for holidaymakers jetting off to Florida, Paris and Spain. But Britain does have many major theme parks. Alton Towers in Staffordshire has been ranked in the top ten of the world’s best theme parks. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is another British favourite that has been named in the top ten. Thorpe Park in Surrey holds 30 thrilling rides including the world’s first horror movie themed roller coaster. All of these UK theme parks are each visited by millions of holidaymakers every year.

Nightlife in the United Kingdom

No one can say the British don’t know how to party, and nightlife is a big part of the UK culture. Major cities such as London, Glasgow, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester hold some of the best nightlife options in the world. Many famous nightclubs that originated in the UK can now be found abroad in nightlife hotspots such as Ibiza, Greece and Cyprus. When it comes to the diversity of music festivals the UK is second to none. Millions of holidaymakers from around the world visit Britain each year for festivals such as T in the Park and Glastonbury.

Major Tourist Attractions in the UK

It would be impossible to list all of the estimated 64,000 tourist attractions in the UK. But the major attractions that draw holidaymakers from around the world to the UK every year include:

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK
• The Tower of London receives two million visitors per year
• The magnificent Edinburgh Castle receives one million visitors each year
• Since June 2008 over 30 million people have taken a trip on the London Eye
• The Neolithic monument of Stonehenge attracts almost one million visitors per year
• Buckingham Palace in London attracts 300,000 visitors during the eight annual weeks it is open to the public
• London’s British Museum and the Tate Modern respectively attract five million and four million visitors per year
• Portmeirion in Wales is perhaps the most unique village in the UK and is visited by 240,000 tourists per year

The UK ranks as the sixth most popular holiday destination in the world. Almost 37 million tourists visit each year with 27 million holidaying in London. It’s fair to say that Britain does hold a wealth of holiday attractions that are comparable to foreign destinations. Sunshine levels may be the only factor that leaves Britain in the shade when compared to foreign holiday locations.