A "characterful" and "romantic" New Forest beach has been suggested as a great alternative to an Italian holiday hotspot.

Milford-on-Sea's beach has been highlighted as a 'destination dupe' to the Amalfi Coast.

It comes as holidaycottages.co.uk has explored some of the world’s most popular beach destinations and suggested ideal UK alternatives.

This way, you can soak up the seaside atmosphere and unwind without having to even board a plane (and skip any airport chaos).

Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk said: “For many people, summer brings the temptation of a beach holiday, however, travel enthusiasts don’t have to travel internationally to experience crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches hidden between towering cliffs as there are many comparable spots in the UK.”

Why is the New Forest's Milford-on-Sea's beach an alternative to the Amalfi Coast?

Milford-on-Sea's beach was compared to the Amalfi Coast thanks in part to its beach huts offering an alternative to the multi-coloured cliffside houses of Positano.

The Amalfi Coast as a whole offers plenty of steep views and charming scenery, which Milford-on-Sea can provide on a smaller scale.

Holidaycottages.co.uk said: "With its pastel beach huts and quaint village charm, Milford-on-Sea channels a distinctly British take on Positano’s iconic multi-coloured cliffside houses.

Best Beaches in the UK

"Though less steep, it offers a similarly romantic setting, where the sea meets pastel, characterful architecture."

According to the Visit Milford-on-Sea website, the town's seafront has two main locations for visitors in Hordle Cliff Beach and Hurst Road, known locally as Keyhaven Beach.

The Hordle Cliff Beach is sandy at low tide, and it's mainly a spot where people enjoy swimming.

It adds: "It is home to the colourful Milford-on-Sea beach huts and the beach is popular with swimmers, kite surfers, kayaks and paddle boarders."

Meanwhile, Keyhaven Beach has a "vast beachfront" with a play park, cafe and "award-winning" concrete beach huts.

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The website adds: "You can enjoy spectacular views from the top of the beach huts, as a walkway runs along the top, enabling you to walk its full length and enjoy views of the Solent from an elevated position."

If you've had a good time on the beaches, you can also explore the town of Milford-on-Sea, which has features such as the oldest postbox in Hampshire.

This can be found at the junction of Victoria Road and Cornwallis Road.