UK staycation ideas: Alternative areas to stay in UK's most popular locations to avoid the crowds - see holiday deals

To help travellers avoid the crowds and discover their new favourite staycation spot within some of our country’s most popular locations, Sykes Holiday Cottages has rounded up a selection of properties. From a cottage in the quaint village of Cadgwith to a spacious wood-clad property in Perthshire, there’s something for everyone looking to explore uncovered corners of the UK. 

To book a break with Sykes, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk, call 01244 617 683, or download the new Sykes Holiday Cottages app.  

Intrigued by St Ives? Why not try Cadgwith in Cornwall

Sleeps: Ten

Price: Seven nights from £1,224

Cadgwith, a quaint village and fishing port in Cornwall, brings all the charm of St Ives with much less people. Holidaymakers tempted by Cadgwith’s thatched roofs and colourful fishing boats can stay at Louvain, a beautifully decorated five-bedroom detached property boasting impressive sea views from almost every window.

Guests can take advantage of the coast with a kayak or canoe tour or head to the Mullion Cove Hotel spa for some R&R. After a day of exploring, head back to the property to make use of its record player, free standing bath, woodburning stove and groomed garden.

Tempted by Edinburgh? Give Stirling in Scotland a go  

Sleeps: Five

Price: Seven nights from £537

Travellers taken by the history of Edinburgh can explore Stirling, which has a medieval castle resting atop craggy volcanic rock as well as countless other attractions. 6 Ronald Place is the perfect base for soaking up the city, with the terraced holiday home sleeping up to five people.

Its welcoming, traditional interiors house a bookshelf stacked with classic and modern tales, as well as a variety of artwork. In the daytime, guests can wander along the River Forth into the centre of Stirling to visit the castle, famous unicorn statue, or Boer War Memorial, before returning to 6 Ronald Place for a hearty meal at the mahogany dining table.  

A fan of Anglesey? Give Carmarthen in Wales a shot

Sleeps: Four

Price: Seven nights from £323

For a staycation full of unspoiled greenery and exposed coastline, there is nowhere better than Carmarthen which combines the allure of Anglesey with the tranquility of a less trodden location. Resting in the heart of the town - and just a short stroll from the train station and local pub - is Llys-Yr-Onnen, a single-storey cottage bursting with character.

Guests can spend quality time together in the homely living area or head outside to the private patio for a game of cards and refreshing drink. When dinnertime comes, holidaymakers can perch at the breakfast bar while the chef of the group prepares a nourishing meal. Carmarthen is home to several parks and green areas, while the River Towy runs through the town and provides lovely waterside scenery for a stroll. 

Considering Whitstable? Try Herne Bay in Kent instead

Sleeps: Eight

Price: Seven nights from £950

Resting just four miles east of Whitstable is Herne Bay, a quieter alternative with its own sandy beach and Victorian pier. Herne Bay holidayers can stay at Coastguards View, a sleek and stylish three-storey cottage less than 10 minutes’ drive from the seaside town which is home to The Seaside Museum and plenty of rides and amusements for the whole family to enjoy.

Back at the cottage, guests can savour the fresh sea air with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on the patio. For dinner, the modern kitchen has an array of appliances or the nearby pub, The Hampton, offers a traditional Sunday lunch.

Love the Lakes? Ponder a trip to Perthshire

Sleeps: Four

Price: Seven nights from £347

Home to the south highlands, the Grampian mountains and the Trossachs National Park – where you can wild swim, mountain climb or canoe – is Perthshire. The perfect alternative to the Lake District for those looking for a soul soothing break, guests can stay in Fasgadh, a delightful, one-bedroom wood-clad property, and make the most of its amenities, which include a radio, coffee machine, and wood burning fire.

Fasgadh sits in the hamlet of Inchyra, which rests beside the River Tay. Visitors will find a pub and restaurant one mile away at The Glencarse Hotel, as well as The Chestnut Tree coffee shop for a caffeine fix or homemade sweet treat.