Bustling UK seaside town is just like Italy but half the price

Recent weather in the UK could have you fooled into thinking summer is here, and if this mini heat wave has you planning your summer holidays you’re not alone. But why spend thousands on an overseas adventure when there is a UK seaside town so beautiful it’s been compared to the beauty of Italy’s Cinque Terre?

Staycation experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have revealed their pick of UK beach 'destination dupes' to head to this bank holiday for a weekend getaway, and this beach made the top five. This gorgeous northern town has a stunning beach surrounded by red-roofed cottages and rugged cliffs, but has a fraction of the crowds of the Italian holiday hotspot.

Runswick Bay in Yorkshire is the ideal summer staycation for Brits wanting to stay closer to home this year.

As well as the stunning beach, the bay also offers excellent opportunities for coastal walks, fossil hunting, and exploring quaint local cafes and shops, making it a delightful and calming retreat.

It’s part of the famous Jurassic Coast so the beach offers great opportunities for fossil hunting - and it’s dog friendly year round, so it’s perfect to take the whole family - four legged friends included.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, Runswick Bay has something for you too. The Cleveland Way National Track to Saltburn runs 110 miles between Helmslet and the Brigg at Filey. The Trail runs through the famous smuggler’s village of Robin Hood’s Bay and the popular seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby, offering no shortage of stunning scenery to marvel at.

The waters of Runswick Bay are perfect for fishing - especially cod and mackerel. If you keep your eyes peeled and are patient you might even spot seals, dolphins and whales frolicking in the cool blue ocean.

Seals, dolphins and whales have all been spotted in the waters, which are excellent for fishing, especially cod and mackerel.