A TRIP to a gorgeous sunny beach is something many of us crave - but there's no need to hop on a plane.
The UK is home to a number of stunning seaside towns that will make you feel like you're lapping up the sunshine in Spain or sipping a cocktail in the Caribbean.
Dotted around the country are beaches that could easily be mistaken for an exotic resort.
St Michael's Mount in Cornwall looks like it has been ripped out of a travel guide on northern France.
The tidal island is complete with a medieval castle which is often cut off by the sea.
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But it can be accessed by foot during low tide from the town of Marazion.
Meanwhile in Norfolk, Holkham Beach is a sprawling spot to relax by the sea.
It could easily be mistaken for South Africa with its picture-perfect stretches of golden sand and lines of candy-coloured beach huts on stilts.
But Holkham Beach has strong competition in the form of Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire.
The glistening Welsh bay had impressively clear blue waters - ideal for swimming when the sun's shining - and gleaming sand just calling to be laid on.
It has even often been named as one of the world's best beaches.
Also in Cornwall is Summerleaze Beach - home to Bude Sea Pool, which is reminiscent of Sydney's Bondi Icebergs Pool.
The sea pool is partially manmade and is built into the rocks.
Its website boasts that it has "provided a haven for free and safe bathing and other water-based activities since the 1930s".
And the Isle of Mull of the Inner Hebrides is home to beaches that are real hidden gems.
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The Northern Lights can even be seen sparkling from the bays as the island has very little light pollution.
Meanwhile the Valley of the Rocks, Devon, is one of the most breath-taking places to take in views of the sea.
Its spectacular scenery is centred around a dramatic section of coastline and is enough to make any jaw drop.
It comes after a UK pub received rave reviews - with some punters even comparing it to holiday hotspots in Spain.
The soaring cost of flights has got an increasing number of people considering staycations this year, rather than a trip abroad.
Fortunately there are plenty of locations in the UK where holidaymakers can get a similar experience, without the hassle of trip overseas.
One of those places is Whitstable in Kent, with a famous pub overlooking the sea.
The Old Neptune is described online as an "intimate Victorian inn with period décor" that offers "pub-grub, plus live music".
The Neppy, as it's known to locals, sits right on Whitstable beach, meaning people can order themselves a cold pint, while sitting looking out to sea.
Customers love the unique experience it offers, with one even comparing it to holiday hotspots further afield.
In a review on TripAdvisor, they wrote: "Table service on the beach patio, with a varied menu and a good selection of beers.
"Went there specifically to try the local gin. and stayed for lunch, the fish selection box. Ideal for a beach side lunch. was just like being on the Costas."
Meanwhile, the most beautiful beaches in the UK have been revealed.
Kynance Cove, a small beach in Cornwall, took the top spot, beating Newquay's popular Fistral Beach and Brighton Beach.
The study, conducted by luxuryhotel.com, analysed Instagram data and beach length to find ones with the highest "hashtags per metre".
Kynance Cove, located in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, came in at number one with nearly 55,000 hashtags, despite measuring just 200m long.
Brighton Beach, while it had more than 900,000 hashtags, is one of the longest on the list, measuring three miles.
And Cornwall's Fistral beach also made the top three, which is popular with the annual Baordmasters festival.
