With the summer holiday season in full swing, Britain’s most popular staycation spots will soon be booked up. But you don’t have to sacrifice stunning scenery and local charm to avoid the crowds.New booking data has revealed the five counties attracting the most holiday bookings over the past 12 months, and the quieter dupes to visit instead. The figures from holidaycottages.co.uk show Northumberland, Cumbria, Devon, North Yorkshire and Dorset continue to be among the UK’s favourite staycation destinations.Within those counties, hotspots including Alnwick, Keswick, the coastline around Seaton, Whitby and Wareham are expected to be particularly busy during the school holidays.Britons can enjoy Amble, Northumberland, for a quieter staycation | GETTYSo, for something more relaxed, the experts at the holiday letting agency have highlighted quieter alternatives nearby that offer similar landscapes, attractions and character.The quieter alternatives to Britain’s busiest staycation hotspotsAmble, Northumberland (instead of Alnwick)Coniston, Cumbria (instead of Keswick)Budleigh Salterton, Devon (instead of Seaton)Staithes, North Yorkshire (instead of Whitby)Beaminster, Dorset (instead of Wareham)Amble, NorthumberlandJust 20 minutes from Alnwick, Amble combines coastal scenery with a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the harbour, spot the iconic Coquet Lighthouse, explore independent shops and cafés or take a boat trip to nearby Coquet Island. Here, you can often spot puffins and other seabirds. Despite becoming more popular in recent years, it is still a quieter option than neighbouring Alnwick during peak season.Coniston, CumbriaWhile Keswick is one of the Lake District’s prettiest towns and definitely worth visiting (read the GB News guide on the tranquil market town here), Coniston offers a slower pace with equally spectacular scenery. Surrounded by rugged fells and Coniston Water, it is a popular base for walking, boating and paddleboarding. Hikers can tackle the famous Old Man of Coniston for panoramic views across the national park.Budleigh Salterton, DevonFor those looking to experience the Jurassic Coast away from the busiest resorts, Budleigh Salterton is a gorgeous alternative. The seaside town is known for its pebble beach, striking red sandstone cliffs and River Otter estuary, making it ideal for coastal walks and relaxed beach days.Coniston is a beautiful and often less crowded option in the Lake District | GETTYFor those looking to experience the Jurassic Coast away from the busiest resorts, Budleigh Salterton is a great option | GETTYStaithes, North YorkshireA short drive from Whitby, Staithes is one of Yorkshire’s prettiest fishing villages. Cars are not permitted in the lower village, which helps to preserve its peaceful atmosphere. Narrow cobbled streets, colourful cottages, working fishing boats and independent galleries make it a charming place to spend a day exploring without the crowds often found in nearby Whitby.Beaminster, DorsetInstead of basing yourself in the busy Wareham area, Beaminster offers a quieter gateway to Dorset’s countryside and coastline. Filled with independent shops, cafés and historic buildings, the market town has easy access to attractions like Mapperton House and the rolling landscapes of the Bride Valley.PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, Sarah Pring, said: “What our data shows us is that holidaymakers have clear staycation preferences, but you don’t need to compromise on experience if you wish to avoid the summer crowds. The destinations on our list offer the same charm and local experiences as their busier counterparts, just with more breathing room to really rest and unwind.”