International holidaymakers have chosen Ambleside as their favourite UK destination for 2025, placing the Cumbrian town ahead of the usual tourist magnets, according to new data.
The top 10 locations favoured by tourists were named, which could give inspiration to Britons planning their next staycation.
Holiday rental firm Sykes Holiday Cottages' Staycation Index shows the Lake District location has steamed ahead of traditional coastal retreats to claim the number one position for overseas visitors.
The top 10 had some perhaps surprising results, with the traditionally popular Cornwall failing to secure any positions amongst the 10 most sought-after locations for international tourists.
PA | Ambleside, Cumbria, took the crown
Top 10 locations holidaymakers are heading to
- Ambleside, Cumbria
- Inverness, Scotland
- Windermere Cumbria
- Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Isle of Skye, Scotland
- Keswick, Cumbria
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Fort William/An Gearasdan, Scotland
- Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
Scottish highlands destinations and Cumbrian towns now dominate the preferences, and it could be a sign for Britons to add these destinations to their holiday wishlists.
While they have always been popular, they are less well-known than the likes of Cornwall or London for a staycation option. Scotland's Inverness secured second place, whilst fellow Lake District location, Windermere, took third position in the rankings.
Dorset's fossil-rich Lyme Regis claimed fourth place, with the dramatic landscapes of Skye rounding out the top five destinations. In total, three Scottish locations made the list - Inverness, Fort William and Skye - demonstrating the Highlands' growing appeal to tourists.
Cumbria matched Scotland's representation with Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick all making the rankings. Coastal Dorset secured two positions through Lyme Regis and Weymouth, whilst North Yorkshire's Whitby and Gloucestershire's Bourton-on-the-Water also featured amongst international visitors' preferred destinations.
The geographical spread reveals distinct regional clusters, with northern England and Scotland accounting for six of the ten most popular destinations.
Cumbria's triple presence underscores the Lake District's magnetic pull for international tourists, whilst Scotland's strong showing spans from urban Inverness to remote island landscapes.
STAYCATION INSPIRATION
GETTY | Inverness ranked highly for a UK break
In the south of England, Dorset's coastal spots and the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water were named. Yorkshire's historic port of Whitby stands alone for England's northeast spots.
The absence of London, Bath, Edinburgh and other major cities from the rankings suggests natural landscapes and smaller heritage towns are becoming more sought-after for a UK break.
If you do find yourself holidaying in London, however, a tour in the city has been named among the top travel experiences in the world.
Managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages James Shaw commented: "Our latest data highlights the incredible variety of destinations across the UK that are capturing the imagination of international visitors.
"Whether it's iconic lakeside towns, historic coastal escapes, or the dramatic beauty of the Highlands, overseas holidaymakers are continuing to seek out some of the nation's most beloved spots - shining a light on the unique charm found across the country."