With the weather finally brightening up, many are getting the travel bug and looking forward to exploring new places.
But as the crippling cost of living crisis continues, summer holidays overseas might be unreachable for many.
But fear not because the UK plays host to many a hidden gem, including a gorgeous village tucked away in the Peak District that looks like it's straight out of the pages of a Swiss travel brochure.
Ilam, pronounced 'eye-lamb', sits on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, in the depths of the Peak District National Park, close to the famous Dovedale Valley.
The quaint village is set among limestone hills with expansive rolling countryside hills as its backdrop.
The main road that runs through the area is lined with Alpine chalet-style cottages with pointed gable roofs and white scalloped facia boards, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Each fairytale-like home, which could be straight out of Hansel and Gretel, boasts perfectly manicured gardens with colourful blooms.
With a population of less than 500 residents, there are just a handful of buildings - with no shops. But there is the Dovedale Bar that serves pints and classic pub grub.
There is a grand church that wouldn't be out of place in a Wes Anderson film and a historic primary school that was erected in the same style as the cottages, with intricately detailed architecture and even its own signature spire.
There are plenty of scenic walks for visitors and the peaceful River Manifold flows through it.
After going for a wander, you can stop off to refuel at the Manifold tea room, which sells hot drinks and homemade cake.
The second-hand bookshop located in the stableyard might also be worth a visit, too.
Although there's been a settlement here since the Saxon period, it was during the 1800s that the village experienced its Alpine-inspired transformation.
After acquiring Ilam Hall and its estate, new owner Jesse Watts-Russell decided that the location reminded him of the European country, so he set about building cottages in their notable style.
In 1857 he built the village school and funded it, even though at the time schooling was not compulsory.
Beside the River Manifold is the magnificent Ilam Hall, which sits in 84 acres of National Trust parkland.
Over the generations, this 17th-century gothic manor has been the residence of landowners and politicians, but today it’s run by the Youth Hostel Association, allowing visitors the chance to stay in its period rooms on a budget.
Although the hall isn’t open to the public as it’s only for youth hostel guests, you can explore the surrounding parkland which is owned by the National Trust. It’s free to visit, but the car park costs £5 for up to four hours, and £7 for over a four hour stay for non-members.
The park is full of hidden gems to discover, including a formal Italian garden and woodland walks. And from the impressive grounds, you can see Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill in the distance.
Even more stunning Alpine scenery can be discovered just a stone's throw away from the village in Dovedale.
This is where the River Dove meanders through the bottom of the Manifold Valley, passing limestone crags and caves.
Where the river bends, there are pretty stepping stones to cross, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
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