UK Staycations: Where Do People Travel Most in the UK?

Turns out, Brits have secret favourites when it comes to holidaying at home—and these aren’t always the ones you’d expect. The lake-filled north, bustling coasts, and rolling hills all make the list, but each for different reasons. Some go for Instagrammable views. Others just want to avoid a week-long airport queue or dodge foreign exchange rates—especially as prices on everything have crept up lately.

Why does this matter? Because knowing where UK travellers are flocking can help you avoid crowds, bag cheaper overnight stays, and pin down the best places for food, hikes or just a classic, rainy beach day. Certain spots are practically booked solid during school breaks, while a few town names pop up again and again on search lists—yes, even in 2025. If you've ever been cornered by someone who swears there’s nothing to see past London, this guide is about to prove them completely wrong.

• The UK's Top Staycation Hotspots
• Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
• Trends Shaping UK Travel Choices
• Tips for Your Next UK Adventure

The UK's Top Staycation Hotspots

If you want to know where everyone else is heading, start here. The Lake District tops nearly every travel poll, clocking over 15 million visits a year—yes, it’s still that popular and for good reason. Head to Keswick on a school holiday and you’ll see walkers, dog-lovers, and families all jostling for fish and chips after a windy trek. The dramatic scenery and endless hiking routes are huge pulls, and the region hasn’t lost its old-school British charm.

Next up: Cornwall. If you think you’re the only one craving Cornish pasties and a bit of surf, think again. Data from VisitBritain shows Cornwall consistently nabs a place in the top three most-booked areas, right behind the Lake District and London. Throw in a few world-class beaches and quaint fishing villages, and you’ve got a recipe for the classic British summer break.

But don’t count out the Scottish Highlands. More Brits are skipping the stress of airports and heading north thanks to stunning road trip potential and—let’s be honest—fewer crowds than you’d find in Brighton or Blackpool. Loch Ness isn’t just a monster myth; it’s a bucket-list destination for people desperate to switch off and take in some wild air.

Here’s a quick look at how things stack up for the UK’s most popular staycation spots last year:

People love these spots for a reason. According to Simon Calder from The Independent,

"Staycations have shaken off their fuddy-duddy image—places like the Lake District and Cornwall keep winning because they really deliver on what Brits want: adventure, good food, and a proper break from routine."

If you’re thinking about joining the crowd, it’s smart to plan ahead. Big weekends and school breaks can see prices rocket, especially for classic UK staycations in Cornwall or the Lakes. Watching for midweek deals, booking self-catering stays (seriously, it’s cheaper for families), and considering the Scottish Highlands for some extra breathing space will help you make the most of your trip—without getting lost in a sea of tourists.

Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

If you’re tired of hearing about the same old UK staycation spots—Lake District, Cornwall, Edinburgh—here’s a little secret: there are loads of lesser-known places that regulars love but rarely get crowded. These UK staycations gems offer a different kind of holiday, one with fewer queues and more genuine experiences.

Start with the Yorkshire Wolds—gentle hills, dreamy tiny villages, and walking trails that are miles away from tourist buses. Driffield is a favorite with folks who want a laid-back vibe and cheap pints. Then there’s the Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales, especially around Solva and Mwnt, which has cliff walks, quiet beaches, and seriously friendly locals. Scotland’s Moray Coast has dolphins and underrated sandy stretches, like Findhorn and Lossiemouth. Not a crowd in sight, even in August!

• Isle of Eigg (Scotland): Only about 100 people live here year-round. It’s car-free and has spotless beaches. Wildlife watchers love it because you might spot otters or eagles just chilling out.
• Berwick-upon-Tweed (Northumberland): Sits right on the border and has quirky independent shops and art galleries. The Elizabethan walls walk is a bonus—views are unreal.
• Rye (East Sussex): Feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook, with cobbled lanes and wonky old pubs. You can get from there to Camber Sands, one of the south’s best beaches, in minutes.

According to VisitBritain’s 2024 domestic tourism survey, people choosing lesser-known spots grew by 12% last year. The table below shows some quick stats for a snapshot of what’s trending beyond the headline spots:

Tip for next time: book midweek or outside school holidays to get the best value. Local guesthouses and farm stays usually have better rates online than on big hotel sites. And don’t forget, some of these spots have fab farmer’s markets—it’s a great way to keep your holiday cheap and support locals. You might find the best homemade shortbread or smoked fish in the country when you least expect it.

Trends Shaping UK Travel Choices

If you’ve noticed everyone’s Instagram suddenly filling up with Cornish cream teas or hilly hikes in the Lake District, it’s not a fluke—there are some clear trends behind where people are heading for their British breaks. Since 2022, the demand for UK staycations has skyrocketed, partly thanks to rising flight prices and unpredictable overseas travel rules. By summer 2024, domestic stays made up 60% of all holidays taken by UK residents, according to VisitBritain’s annual report. That's the highest it’s been in over a decade.

Remote work has also been a game-changer. A third of workers in the UK now have hybrid or fully remote options, so mid-week escapes and longer stays outside the city have totally changed the rhythms of popular spots. Places with fast Wi-Fi suddenly see as many laptops as beach towels. Coastal towns like Scarborough and St Ives noticed a 25% jump in bookings outside school holidays last year.

Eco-conscious travel is another biggie. More than half of UK travellers say they actively look for accommodation with green credentials—whether that’s solar panels, farm-to-table breakfasts, or places close enough to reach by train. This pressure means more holiday rentals are ditching single-use plastics and shouting about their local links to stand out.

Let's talk cash, too. As inflation has tightened budgets, lots of people skip international travel to save. Popular UK destinations respond by offering family deals, midweek discounts, and loyalty cards for repeat visits. Simple things like free child entry to castles or National Trust passes make a staycation way more attractive for anyone watching the pennies.

Festivals and pop-up events shape travel spots, too. Big music weekends, food fairs, and one-off happenings have turned quiet villages into must-see places—so always check the calendar before you book, or you might miss out on a hidden party (or, worse, drive into a wall of traffic you didn't expect!).

Tips for Your Next UK Adventure

Planning a UK staycation isn’t just about booking the cheapest Airbnb and hoping for the best weather. There’s a knack to getting the most out of your trip without blowing the budget or dealing with full car parks and soggy sandwiches.

• Book Early—Serious Early: School holidays and bank holiday weekends fill up fast, especially in Cornwall, the Lake District, and Devon. Some families book a year ahead for places like St Ives or Keswick. If you want your pick of cottages or even campsites, don’t leave it to the last minute.
• Travel Off-Peak: If work and life allow, dodge the crowds by going in May, June, or September. You’ll face fewer crowds at hotspots like Whitby Abbey or the Cotswolds, and prices for rooms drop by up to 40% outside the main season.
• Don’t Ignore the Weather: The UK isn’t famous for endless sun, even in August. Pack a waterproof, check local forecasts the day before, and have a rainy day back-up plan (many towns have surprisingly good little museums or cinemas on the high street).
• Try Midweek Stays: Mondays to Thursdays are almost always cheaper for hotels and B&Bs. This trick works even in busy places like Bath and York. Train tickets are usually cheaper too if you avoid Friday and Sunday rushes.
• Eat Like a Local: High street chains are safe, but proper pub grub or coastal fish and chips beat them every time. Look for local food markets, especially on weekends. In 2024, the British Street Food Awards highlighted cities like Bristol, Cardiff, and Edinburgh for their amazing food stalls.
• Get Around Smart: Driving is handy for remote spots, but cities can be a nightmare to park in. Places like London, Oxford, and Cambridge have decent park-and-ride schemes. For national parks, check out local bus passes or group train tickets (splitting fares can really cut costs, especially for families or groups of friends).
• Look for Hidden Gems: Everyone heads for Cornwall, but spots like Northumberland, the Suffolk coast, or the Brecon Beacons are less crowded and often cheaper. TripAdvisor and VisitBritain visitor data from last year showed places like Bamburgh and Southwold getting rave reviews without the usual rush.

So, next time you plan a UK break, think beyond the obvious and use these tips to stretch your travel budget while dodging the crowds. You’ll end up discovering more and worrying less.