The North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby has emerged as Britain's most sought-after family staycation spot for the school summer holidays.
The historic seaside destination, renowned for its sandy beaches and child-friendly attractions including Whitby Museum and the town's famous abbey, has secured the top position in a ranking of the nation's most booked locations for summer family breaks.
The findings by Sykes Holiday Cottages showed a trend towards domestic tourism, with British families increasingly choosing to explore destinations closer to home for their annual holidays.
Whitby in North Yorkshire was number one, and it is a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing break by the Yorkshire coast.
GETTY | Whitby in North Yorkshire was number one
Top 10 most popular locations for the school summer holidays
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Windermere, Cumbria
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Ambleside, Cumbria
- Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Keswick, Cumbria
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Dartmouth, Devon
- Salcombe, Devon
- Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Windermere in the Lake District and Weymouth on the Dorset coast have claimed second and third place respectively, offering families outdoor adventures, vibrant town centres and numerous walking trails.
Ambleside ranks fourth, providing convenient access to scenic walking and cycling routes suitable for all ages. Lyme Regis rounds out the top five, with the Dorset destination on the Jurassic Coast continuing to attract visitors with its fossil-rich beaches and vibrant promenade.
The data emerges from Sykes' latest Staycation Index report, which found that 63 per cent of Britons are planning to holiday within the UK this year.
The research also revealed that holiday spending is increasing, with families expecting to spend an average of £1,292 on their main UK holiday this year. This represents a notable rise from £1,070 in 2024.
STAYCATION INSPIRATION
PA | Weymouth was also on the list, and the location is home of a popular beach
The growing preference for domestic holidays and increased spending reflect changing travel patterns among British families, who are investing more in exploring destinations within their own country.
Managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, James Shaw, said: "It's no surprise to see Whitby leading the way for school summer holidays this year. Its mix of natural beauty, rich history and family-friendly activities continues to draw visitors, both with and without children, from across the country.
"We're seeing more families prioritise stress-free getaways that cater to all ages whether that means scenic coastlines, charming local towns or easy access to the great outdoors.
"The destinations featured in the top 10 strike the right balance between convenience and character, making them ideal for switching off, reconnecting, and creating lasting memories together."
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