The UK's most visited seaside resort named the best staycation spot for 2026 - full list

Sarra Gray
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:31:52 +0000

Britons are spoiled for choice when booking a UK break - whether they want to relax by the beach or explore a historical town, there are plenty of options.

Blackpool has been named the best overall staycation spot in new research.

The study, by holiday park provider Darwin Escapes, looked at more than 300 UK local authorities to find the best parts of the UK for a holiday.

The number of holiday lets available, the number of pubs and restaurants per km2, access to green spaces, distance to the sea, the number of rollercoasters, museums and the amount of listed buildings to marvel at were taken into account.

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The 10 best UK staycation spots

1. Blackpool

2. Brighton and Hove

3. Liverpool

4. Torbay

5. London

6. Hastings

7. Cambridge

8. Oxford

9. Bournemouth

10. Manchester

STAYCATIONS

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Blackpool is not only the UK’s most visited seaside resort, but it also offers some of the greatest availability of accommodation and dining options among the towns in the study. It is home to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where Britons can access the ocean while enjoying the rollercoasters.

This was followed by Brighton and Hove, another seaside town that has lots to keep holidaymakers entertained, while Liverpool came in third place.

The northern city is great for cultural activities, and it has more pubs per square kilometre than the top two spots, perfect for a break between all the exploring.

Managing director at Darwin Escapes, Drew Campbell, said: “Most people have a whole country and their feet that they’ve barely explored. We’re so quick to travel abroad for our holidays that we miss out on the culture, natural beauty and culinary charm that can be found within and all over the UK.

“Even in your own town or region, there are likely lots of really interesting things you’ve never done because you’re not a tourist in your own home, but maybe you should be.”

Looking for more inspiration? The UK holiday spots with the prettiest sunsets have been named, with everything from coastal viewpoints to city skylines making the list.