With the news that thousands of families face missing out on foreign holidays because the Passport Office is taking two months to process new documents, here are four UK breaks that bring the best bits of abroad without having to pass through Border Control.

Florida closer to home

Swap the white-knuckle rides, giant attractions and sun-soaked beaches of Florida for the sandy coast of Cornwall. Trevella Park has teamed up with the Crantock Beach surf school to offer lessons in surfing and the new craze of stand up paddle, and the park's free Ranger Adventures during the summer holidays will introduce children to bug hunts, fishing for beginners and rock pooling.

Where to stay: Trevella is a five-star holiday park on the north Cornwall coast. A seven-night stay from 22 August starts at £612, based on six sharing a two bedroom holiday home and including free Ranger Adventures. Visit www.trevella.co.uk or call 01637 830 308.

History and culture without heading across the Channel

Now that les chateaux and the beaux villages of France are out reach, discover the coastal castles and culture of Scotland's south west. Turnberry Holiday Park on the Ayrshire Coast is close to perfectly-preserved Culzean Castle and the Robert Burns National Heritage Park, plus dramatic coastal routes, mountain bike trails and Loch Doon, Scotland's largest inland lake.

Where to stay: Turnberry Holiday Park looks out across the Firth of Clyde. A summer four-night short break from 11 August starts at £226, saving £56, for up to eight people staying in a three-bedroom holiday home. Visit www.turnberryholidaypark.co.uk or call 01655 331 288.

A bucket and spade stay, no flights required

Who needs airport queues and the high-rise hotels of Spain's Costas when there are sandy beaches and classic seaside towns dotted along the Yorkshire coast. From the UK's first spa town at Scarborough to Hull's award-winning aquarium The Deep, families are spoiled for choice.

Where to stay: Sand le Mere Holiday village near Withernsea overlooks the Yorkshire coast. A 7-night stay departing 8 August starts from £506 for up to six people sharing a two-bedroom holiday home, and includes access to the indoor pool, indoor and outdoor children's play areas and fishing pond.  Go to www.sand-le-mere.co.uk or call 01964 670 403.

Italian-style for luxury

If you've said 'ciao' to your hopes of staying in a luxurious Italian villa, why not try the sumptuous lodges of The Sherwood Hideaway. With a range of new woodland lodges complete with outside hot tubs looking across to the famous forest, plus with a luxury spa on its doorstep, visitors are guaranteed a taste of la dolce vita.

Where to stay: A 3-night short break in a Woodland Rustic lodge at The Sherwood Hideaway starts from £899 for up to four people sharing. To book go to www.sherwoodhideaway.com or call 01623 824594.

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