While places like  Spain, France and  Italy are always popular with  British tourists, there are just as many gorgeous places in the UK that can rival them - and they’re cheaper too. Without having to pay for flights, you can save some serious cash by taking staycations, and have just as wonderful a break.

The staycation experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have revealed their pick of UK beach 'destination dupes' and one Cornwall beach is so beautiful it’s been called the perfect dupe for Spain’s Costa Brava - and without the hordes of tourists. Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall is reminiscent of a tropical paradise.

This beautiful beach is framed by towering cliffs, providing a peaceful retreat from the wind, and a scenic backdrop that enhances its secluded and calm atmosphere. Lastly, the beach’s clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life.

Although the water is often calm, when the swell is up it’s a much loved spot for surfers. Down one side of the white sand beach three is a shallow stream which is perfect for kids to paddle in.

If you fancy a dip in the sea, watch out as the beach can have strong currents and shelves steeply into the crystal clear ocean. 

This famous beach also has a rich history. It was the location of the world’s first international telegraph cable, which was built in the late 19th century and stretched all the way to India. Subsequent cables were built to reach other countries within the British Empire. 

Visitors to the beach have been blown away by how gporgeous it is, comparing it to an overseas holiday. One impressed visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ”Spent the day here, it’s just like being abroad, clear blue skies, water, perfect sandy beach and so peaceful. No arcades, no boats, no noise, just gorgeous.”

Another said: “The beach resembles that of a Caribbean island, the sand is so nice. It is set in a rock bay and has lifeguards on duty all day. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but restrictions ban dogs from the beach from the 1st July.”