Tyke a break
Yorkshire rated top UK staycation spot
IT has long referred to itself as God’s Own Country – and it seems the majority of tourists agree that Yorkshire is simply divine.
The county, famed for picturesque coastal towns like Whitby, its rolling dales and its rich, colourful dialect, has been named the UK’s top staycation destination for 2023.
It beat off competition from Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands, which polled second and third place respectively, followed by Cumbria and Northumberland.
Staycations boomed during the pandemic and remain an appealing option as the cost of living crisis now impacts holiday plans – with 52% saying trips abroad are a non-starter this year due to budget pressures.
As a result, half of us are more likely to book a holiday closer to home – with 37% planning to take lots of shorter trips to help spread travel costs over the year.
Some 30% of people want to spend time in a countryside B&B while 28% are planning to visit lakes and mountains. And key things they are looking for in their accommodation is having a beach nearby, decent wi-fi and plenty of outdoor space. Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, which did the survey, said: “With holiday season almost upon us, travellers are starting to make plans for the year ahead if they haven’t already.
“It’s great to see that staycations remain a popular choice for many.
“With financial pressures significantly impacting holidaymakers’ travel choices, it’s no surprise that holidaying closer to home can be a more affordable option. 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.”
52% Cost of living crisis means half of us are looking to staycations