British holidaymakers turned their backs on foreign destinations this summer, choosing to explore their own country instead. It turns out that domestic getaways reached new heights in August.
This is according to Sykes Holiday Cottages, which revealed it welcomed more guests than ever before during the peak holiday month. Its check-in numbers hit an all-time high, with bookings climbing five per cent compared to last year, and spots in Cumbria and Dorset were particularly popular.
The surge happened right in the middle of the school holidays, when families typically head abroad. But this year was different - people clearly preferred staying closer to home.
It's a remarkable shift that shows how much Britons love discovering what's on their doorstep. The experts shared the most popular locations, with Yorkshire, Cumbria and Dorset proving to be the most sought-after parts of the UK.
Whitby in North Yorkshire was the most popular staycation spot this summer
| GETTYMost popular summer staycations this summer
- Whitby, Yorkshire
- Ambleside, Cumbria
- Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
- Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Weymouth, Dorset
The way people booked their breaks changed dramatically, too. Nearly half of all cottage holidays between June and August were short trips rather than week-long stays.
These mini-breaks saw a 15 per cent jump compared to last summer. People also left their planning to the last minute - bookings made just two to four weeks before travelling shot up by 17 per cent.
The reason? Britain basked in glorious sunshine all summer long. The Met Office confirmed it was officially the warmest summer the UK has ever recorded.
That hot weather clearly inspired people to grab spontaneous getaways whenever they could.
Chief commercial officer of Sykes Holiday Cottages, James Shaw, said: "Given the wonderful weather we've enjoyed these past couple of months and the Met Office officially declaring it the warmest summer on record for the UK, it's no wonder that we saw check-ins skyrocket in August.
STAYCATION INSPIRATION
Ambleside in Cumbria was one of the most popular places among Britons this summer
|GETTY
"Hotspot locations like Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Dorset have seen considerable demand, with travellers able to access a variety of activities to make the most of the sunshine, from walking trails and countryside pub gardens to sandy beaches and water sports.
"Our annual Staycation Index report found the average person will take three UK breaks this year, so as we head into autumn, we predict staycations will remain popular as families, couples and groups look to explore more of our beautiful country."
Looking for inspiration on an autumnal getaway? "Britain's answer to Venice" has been named as the best UK countryside to visit this season.