The most popular UK breaks for 2026 as more Britons look to holiday closer to home

This is according to data from holiday home insurance specialist Schofields Insurance, which suggested unpredictability in foreign travel might be encouraging holidaymakers to look closer to home.

'Lake District holiday' has seen the biggest surge in searches, up 129 per cent compared to the same time last year.

UK staycations with the biggest search increase

1. Lake District — +129%
2. Cotswolds — +128%
3. Wales — +72%
4. Scotland — +69%
5. Norfolk — +66%
6. Devon — +61%
7. Cornwall — +46%

Other staycation favourites have also seen a spike in interest compared to the same week in 2025, with the Cotswolds up 128 per cent, Scotland holidays up 69 per cent and Cornwall rounding out the list with a 46 per cent increase.

Phil Schofield at Schofields Insurance said: “At times when international travel can feel less predictable, it’s natural that many people start looking closer to home when planning a holiday.

"For many travellers, holiday cottages offer the kind of flexibility and peace of mind that is particularly appealing when planning trips during periods of wider uncertainty.

"In recent years, UK holidays and short breaks have increasingly been booked at the last minute, so this trend is new."

The Lake District in the north of England has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning walks, rolling mountains and quaint towns.

Further south, the Cotswolds attracts visitors to its picturesque streets and beautiful walks, less than two hours from London.

Looking for more inspiration for a UK break? The top holiday spots for food lovers have been named in new research.

English cities dominated the list for foodies, with London ranking top thanks to its huge variety of restaurants and Michelin-starred venues.

Edinburgh and Glasgow came in second and third place, showing Scotland has a wide selection of must-try food spots.