Top Destinations for UK Tourists in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Spain, France and the United States remain the three most visited overseas spots for UK travellers.
• Domestic staycations are dominated by Cornwall, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.
• Travel spending per person rose 7% in 2024, driven by longer stays and premium experiences.
• Post‑Brexit visa changes have nudged more Brits toward non‑EU destinations like Turkey and the Caribbean.
• Seasonality is shifting, with early‑summer flights to Spain now rivaling traditional August peaks.

What the data says about UK travel habits

When you hear people ask “Where do most UK tourists go?”, the answer is a blend of familiar neighbours and far‑flung getaways. According to the latest figures from Office for National Statistics (ONS) tracks outbound travel and publishes annual traveller‑origin data, UK residents made 115million overseas trips in 2024 - a 12% jump from pre‑pandemic levels.

The bulk of those journeys head to Europe, but a growing slice is gravitating to long‑haul markets such as the United States and the Caribbean. At the same time, “staycations” continue to thrive, with domestic holiday parks and coastal towns seeing record bookings during school holidays.

Top domestic destinations (staycations)

Domestic travel accounts for roughly 35% of all trips taken by UK residents, according to VisitBritain the national tourism board that monitors UK visitor activity. The three most popular regions are:

1. Cornwall a coastal county famous for its surfing beaches and historic fishing villages
2. Lake District England’s largest national park, known for its lakes, mountains and literary heritage
3. Scottish Highlands a rugged region offering lochs, castles and whisky trails

Each of these spots draws families and couples alike, with average stays of 3‑4 nights and a spend of £250‑£350 per person.

Top overseas destinations for UK tourists

When it comes to leaving the island, the data clusters around a handful of favourites. Below is a quick snapshot of the five destinations that together capture more than half of all outbound trips.

Notice the strong presence of Mediterranean hotspots - most popular UK travel spots are still anchored by warm weather, short flight times and well‑established tourism infrastructure.

Why these destinations dominate

Several factors explain the recurring pattern:

• Proximity and price. A three‑hour flight to Spain or a quick ferry to France keeps costs down, making them attractive for short breaks.
• Currency advantage. The euro and Turkish lira have been favourable against the pound, stretching travel budgets.
• Visa simplicity. EU citizens can still travel visa‑free, while Turkey introduced an e‑visa system that’s quick to obtain.
• Cultural familiarity. English‑speaking guides, familiar cuisine and well‑known brand hotels lower the perceived risk for families.
• Marketing muscle. Destination marketing organisations such as Spain’s Tourism Board runs aggressive campaigns across UK TV and digital platforms invest heavily in UK‑centric advertising.

Long‑haul destinations like the United States grow because of “experience tourism”: travellers are willing to spend more for theme parks, Broadway shows or national park adventures.

Emerging trends shaping 2025 travel choices

Even with the tried‑and‑true spots holding steady, a few shifts are worth watching:

1. Early‑summer surges. Flight operators are filling seats in May and June for Spain, beating the traditional August rush.
2. Eco‑conscious bookings. A 2024 survey by EcoTourism Alliance a UK‑based sustainability group found 27% of travellers now prioritize carbon‑offset options, benefitting destinations with clear green credentials like Portugal’s Alentejo region.
3. Post‑Brexit travel paperwork. While the UK‑EU free‑movement ended, most EU nations kept short‑stay visa‑free rules, but paperwork for work‑related stays grew, nudging business travellers toward non‑EU hubs.
4. Rise of micro‑holidays. Short 2‑night trips to nearby cities (e.g., Dublin, Brussels) are increasing as remote‑work policies allow flexible schedules.

How to pick your next destination

If you’re wondering which of these spots fits your style, try this quick decision tree:

1. Do you crave warm weather and beaches? → Go south - Spain, Portugal or Turkey.
2. Prefer city culture, museums and nightlife? → France (Paris) or Italy (Rome, Milan).
3. Looking for a long‑haul adventure with diverse landscapes? → United States (Florida, California) or Canada (British Columbia).
4. Want a hassle‑free staycation? → Choose a domestic county - Cornwall for surf, Lake District for hiking, or Scottish Highlands for whisky trails.

Match your budget, travel dates and holiday length against the average spend figures in the table above - that’ll keep surprises to a minimum.

Quick checklist before you book

• Verify passport validity (at least six months for non‑EU trips).
• Check the latest visa or e‑visa requirements for Turkey, the US and Caribbean islands.
• Compare flight times and prices on aggregator sites; early‑bird deals often appear in January‑February.
• Look for travel insurance that covers COVID‑related cancellations - a common clause now.
• Consider a carbon‑offset program if sustainability matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions