WIN a £1,000 Staycation with Sykes Holiday Cottages

Sykes Holiday Cottages are giving you the chance to win a staycation worth £1,000 to celebrate the launch of its latest Staycation Index Report.

ENTER HERE: For a chance to win head to the Sykes website for full terms and conditions and submit your details in the free entry draw before July 7 at www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-staycation-index-2024-competition.

The winner will be contacted by July 21 and will receive a Sykes Holiday Cottages gift voucher to be used on a holiday cottage of their choice.

According to its latest Staycation Index Report, more than three-quarters (77%) of British travellers will take at least one holiday in the UK this year.

A luxurious, contemporary and immaculately finished property in the village of Coniston, Lake District. | Sykes Holiday Cottages

In a poll of 2,000 UK adults commissioned for the report, Sykes also found that more than four in 10 (42%) people in the UK are planning a staycation for their main holiday this year instead of going abroad.

The agency’s index also noted how Cornwall is the most popular place to visit in 2024, with it being renowned for its charming coastal towns and beautiful beaches. It has also reclaimed the top spot this year after Yorkshire was found to be the most popular destination last year.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands, along with London, closely follow in the list of sought-after locations British holidaymakers most want to visit this year, with Devon and Yorkshire rounding out the top five.

Other places continue to gain popularity, with North Wales moving from nineth to seventh place this year, and Dorset entering the top 10.

The ease that comes with travelling in the UK is the main reason cited for choosing a staycation over a foreign trip, followed by the fact people find it less stressful and that it’s cheaper than travelling overseas.

A trend towards taking shorter getaways more often was revealed, with Sykes’ short break bookings up 44% this year. The average adult will take three British breaks in 2024, with more than a third (35%) saying they prefer shorter getaways to fewer, longer holidays.

Sykes Holiday Cottages | Sykes Holiday Cottages

Experiencing more locations, enjoying more regular escapism, and the fact they’re easier to do with a busy schedule are the top reasons for choosing shorter breaks.

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “We are hoping for another bumper year – and summer – for UK travel with more than three-quarters of Brits planning a staycation in 2024, up from three-quarters who did so last year. With each of these travellers spending on accommodation, food and drink and other experiences, this represents a significant boost to the UK economy and local communities throughout the country.

"This year, more so than ever, we’re seeing a desire for more regular escapism and a thirst for new adventures close to home. Getaways in the UK offer a perfect blend of experience, convenience and affordability, making them an excellent choice for people looking to explore and enjoy the beauty of their own country – whether over week-long holidays or long weekend trips.”

Cottage-style holiday homes are the most popular type of staycation this year, with luxury hotels coming top last year. More than half (54) of travellers will book a holiday purely based on the accommodation rather than the location.

According to the data, coastal and countryside walks are travellers’ favourite UK holiday activity, along with exploring local attractions and enjoying pub lunches.

Aside from visiting the more well-known areas, 36% of people plan to travel to locations off the usual tourist trail. Somerset, Argyll and Bute, and Kent are among the lesser-visited places staycationers would most like to venture to, with 65% saying they get satisfaction from uncovering hidden destinations or attractions.

Graham Donoghue added: “There are so many options available to British travellers when it comes to staycations, from picturesque countryside retreats to vibrant city breaks. Although Cornwall is the most popular destination this year, there are lots of other, more unsung locations that shouldn’t be missed.”

To view the full Staycation Index report, visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-staycation-index-2024/

Top 10 staycation destinations of 2024:

1. Cornwall

2. Scottish Highlands and Islands

3. London

4. Devon

5. Yorkshire

6. Cumbria

7. North Wales

8. Norfolk

9. Dorset

10. Isle of Wight