1. Swap Switzerland for Betws-y-Coed – best for explorers

Betws-y-Coed is a picturesque village located within the Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Meaning ‘prayer house in the woods’ we can see why this angelic spot is dubbed Little Switzerland, with its spectacular terrain for hiking and biking, an epic mountain range and majestic nearby castles. 

While there, you can explore these Swiss-like views, eat locally sourced and award-winning food, and – if you’re brave enough – face the freezing waters of Llyn Geirionydd, where wild swimming is permitted. 

Betws-y-Coed railway station is home to the Conwy Valley Railway Museum, with a miniature railway line that’ll take you on a tour of the scenic grounds. The station is also a stop on the Conwy Valley line, meaning an easy journey to Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd St Distillery Tours(external link, opens in a new tab) (you can get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train), or a Whisky Masterclass,(external link, opens in a new tab) where you can get 20% OFF the regular attraction price. 

Nearest station: Betws-y-Coed 

2. Swap France for York – best for historians

York is a charming cathedral city in North Yorkshire, filled with culture, cobblestones, and a castle! Carcassonne in France, with its extensive history in fortification, and medieval, fairytale town-feel, is what we are deeming York’s sister city. 

An ideal city getaway just a train ride away, York is jam-packed with activities, whether your interests lie in museums, foodie activities, such as a visit to York’s chocolate story(external link, opens in a new tab), or simply sitting back and relaxing on a city cruise(external link, opens in a new tab) – both 2FOR1 with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel there by train.  

York is also the site for Britain’s national rail collection at the National Rail Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) which is a great (and free!) day out for the whole family. With spots like this, The York Dungeon(external link, opens in a new tab) (with a 1/3 OFF Days Out Guide offer when you travel by train), or York Theatre Royal(external link, opens in a new tab) – with its over 275 years of history – if you’re an entertainment-based holidaymaker, it’s impossible to run out of fun-filled activities here.

Nearest station: York  

3. Swap Greece for the Isles of Scilly – best for nature lovers

The summertime climate experienced at this south western tip of Cornwall would have you believe you’re in the Greek Isles! With flower farms and astonishing, uninterrupted views of the night sky, this area is practically built for stargazing. With incredible wildlife to boot, we’ve designated this one for the nature lover.  

The Isles of Scilly are a collection of 140 islands that feel like a world away from the rest of Britain, offering you a Mediterranean feel whilst still holidaying locally and reducing your carbon footprint. Grab a sleeper train down to Penzance and after a great night’s sleep in your own private room, hop off the train and onto a short boat trip straight to an island paradise.  

Nearest station: Penzance  

4. Swap The Netherlands for Norfolk – best for photographers

Thinking about a flight to Amsterdam to see the blooming tulip season this spring? Instead, look no further than King’s Lynn in Norfolk. 

Norfolk Tulips (external link, opens in a new tab)has 9 million tulips planted on a 25-acre site, and the farm will open for a limited time this spring to continue its incredible work raising money for the Norfolk Hospice. If you’re wondering why you might recognise these particular flowers, Norfolk Tulips were the proud hosts of ‘Munchkinland’ in the new Wicked film!

A summer visit to West Norfolk must mean a stop at the beautiful seaside town of Hunstanton, with its Victorian squares, impressive markets filled with local produce and a long promenade perfect for atmospheric walks in the ‘Old English’ town. Hunstanton is also home to a state-of-the-art marine aquarium and seal sanctuary, and if you check the schedule for the Seal Safari (external link, opens in a new tab)you might just catch an excursion boat to view one of the largest colonies of Common Seals in Britain.  

Nearest station: King’s Lynn 

5. Swap Italy for Portmeirion – best for culture lovers

Portmeirion is a folly tourist village in North Wales designed in the Baroque style. Reminiscent of the fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, this is an ideal and enchanting small-town getaway, perfect for a restful weekend break. 

With Italianate-inspired buildings, houses and ornamental gardens, you can enjoy incredible architecture and the surrounding nature while you sit and enjoy lovely Welsh food and drink in the great selection of eateries and cosy pubs. 

Portmeirion Village has various accommodation options: hotels, cottages and nearby caravan parks. On a day trip? Simply make a visit to the Amis Reunis, the famous Stone Boat of Portmeirion, before heading for your train home.  

(And for eagle-eyed TV and music fans, you might have spotted this was not only the filming location for cult classic The Prisoner, but also where The Beatles’ George Harrison filmed interviews for The Beatles Anthology documentary!)  

Nearest station: Minffordd   

6. Swap Spain for Woolacombe – best for sunbathers

Woolacombe beach is an award-winning beach in North Devon, best known for its dramatic landscape and suitability for surfing, as well as its rich history. It was used as an army training centre in the Second World War, and you’ll find on the Northern region of the beach a stone memorial dedicated to the brave soldiers of that time.

This charming village is also home to beautiful beaches that boast sloping sand dunes and breathtaking views, with lovely local shops, eateries and activities a-plenty for you to get that relaxing sun and sand-filled getaway vibe of coastal Europe.

And if sandy slopes aren’t for you, North Devon’s rugged coastline means it’s ideal for adrenaline-pumping activities, with plenty of water sports to choose from, whether you want to learn to ride the waves(external link, opens in a new tab), you're a paddle board novice or a kayaking pro(external link, opens in a new tab)! From family-friendly attractions, like Exmoor Zoo(external link, opens in a new tab), to museums and galleries for the pensive solo traveller, North Devon has you covered for whatever pace you take your holidaying.

Nearest station: Barnstaple