The top UK holiday hotspot for 2023 is Yorkshire, according to Sykes Holiday Cottages’ latest Staycation Index report.
Known for its picturesque coastal towns and rolling dales, Yorkshire covers an area of huge variety which is becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists. Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands and Islands follow closely behind in the list of sought-after destinations Brits want to visit in the UK this year, with Cumbria and Northumberland rounding out the top five.
Lesser-visited locations such as Berkshire and the Isle of Wight also appear in the holiday letting agency’s top ten ranking, alongside always popular hotspots such as Cumbria and Devon.
Ranking | Destination |
| Ranking | Destination |
1 | Yorkshire |
| 11 | Dorset |
2 | Cornwall |
| 12 | Derbyshire |
3 | Scottish Highlands and Islands |
| 13 | London |
4 | Cumbria |
| 14 | Scottish Borders |
5 | Northumberland |
| 15 | Buckinghamshire |
6 | Devon |
| 16 | Suffolk |
7 | Norfolk |
| 17 | South Wales |
8 | Berkshire |
| 18 | Cambridgeshire |
9 | North Wales |
| 19 | Central Scotland |
10 | Isle of Wight |
| 20 | Somerset |
In a poll of 2,000 UK adults commissioned for the report, Sykes found that 75 per cent of Brits plan to book a staycation this year over jetting abroad – with 50 per cent attributing this decision to the cost-of-living crisis.
On average, Brits will take three UK breaks in 2023, with other reasons for opting to stay home over travelling abroad including the rediscovered love of a staycation in recent years as well as the ease of travelling closer to home.
Graham Donoghue, Chief Executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, says: “With holiday season almost upon us, travellers are starting to make plans for the year ahead if they haven’t already. And with financial pressures significantly impacting holidaymakers’ travel choices, it’s no surprise that holidaying closer to home remains a popular choice for many.
“The UK has so much to offer and there are so many beautiful regions to visit that mean you don’t have to compromise on your holiday experience. From award-winning beaches to stunning countryside and city breaks, there are also plenty of hidden gems to be found in our home country.”
The study also found 52 per cent can’t see themselves booking a trip abroad this year due to pressures on their budget.
As a result, 42 per cent predict they will book a last-minute UK break in hope of getting a good offer thanks to the increased cost of living, while 37 per cent will be taking lots of shorter trips this year to balance their travel costs.
Half (51 per cent) will likely go on fewer breaks due to financial pressures, with 56 per cent preparing to be more budget conscious while they are away.
According to the report, 43 per cent of those who plan to take a holiday will be having their main one on home soil, with the predicted average spend totalling £1,200.
When it comes to the style of staycation, a countryside B&B appeals to 30 per cent while 28 per cent are looking to visit lakes and mountains.
A third plan to go back to basics – in the form of camping or glamping – to save money, while 54 per cent will choose self-catering accommodation as a cheaper way of holidaying.
The research also found nearby beaches, decent wi-fi and plenty of outdoor space are among the top things people look for when renting a holiday home.
Donoghue adds: “While the cost of living will be having a huge impact on the majority of people’s holiday plans this year, our research shows holidaymakers are opting for multiple shorter well-deserved breaks nearer to home without compromising on their holiday experience.”
