Our research reveals UK holidaymakers would rather have a staycation this summer than go abroad.

With the European temperatures soaring this summer, we decided to survey 1,000 holidaymakers from across the country to find out where Brits are planning to go on holiday this year. 

 

How many Brits prefer a UK staycation?

Just over half of respondents said they would prefer a UK staycation this summer, with 48% opting for an overseas getaway.  Our research also revealed that many people have yet to explore large parts of the UK whereby 15% of holidaymakers have never been on holiday to Scotland while 33% have never been to Northern Ireland and 12% have not visited Wales.

 

Why have a staycation?

One in three of the holidaymakers we spoke to said they will have a staycation in 2023 and many of us have vast areas and indeed entire countries still to explore on our very shores. That, along with the current heat wave hitting popular overseas holiday destinations, are reasons why people said they would prefer to go on a staycation rather than an overseas holiday this summer. In addition, a staycation can be easier to bring extended family members and pets which can make for the perfect getaway.

 

North versus South.

When it comes to UK staycations, the South has it as 31% would rather go South for a holiday, whilst only 19% would choose to go North. One in nine Southerners (11%) have never had a holiday in the North, whilst that figure drops to one in 14 Northerners (7%) who have never had a holiday in the South.

However, more people across Great Britain believe Northerners are friendlier to tourists than their southern counterparts and Scotland was voted the UK nation which is most friendly to tourists with 33% of the votes.

 

Hot British adventures.

There are some amazing places to visit in Great Britain from stunning coasts to rural mountains. Here is our recommended list of places to visit on your staycation:

 

  1. Visit the Puffins on Skomer Island -  Skomer Island has a population of around 25,000 puffins. Skomer Island is located off the coast of Pembrokeshire and is the top place for spotting these seabirds. During the day you will see lots of Atlantic puffins and then around sunset around 70,000 Manx Shearwaters arrive to start burrowing. If you visit in July you will see pufflings make their first flight to escape predators. You can travel here by a ferry from South Wales and it roughly takes 15 minutes. Often small groups do photography trips here to capture shots of the puffins. We would recommend using your Thermos Food Flask so you can camp out watching the puffins all day to get the perfect shot.

 

  1. Sea Kayaking at Scarborough - Are you a seaside lover? This trip out is perfect for you. On the coast of Scarborough there are multiple hire centers where you can hire canoes, kayaks and wetsuits. You can then take a hot cup of tea for your kayaking trip in one of your Thermos flasks to enjoy! Finish off with some famous fish and chips along the seafront.

 

  1. Whale Spotting in Scotland - A pod of eight endangered orcas inhabit the waters around Scotland, so if you’ve always wanted to see them in the wild book a boat trip with Hebridean Whale Cruises. From early June, the firm runs four-hour tours from Gairloch on the west coast of Scotland, looping around the Isle of Skye and Shiant Islands near the Outer Hebrides. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, if you miss them you’ll still go home with photos of dolphins, puffins, razorbills and guillemots, as well as seals and golden and white-tailed eagles.

 

  1. Hike in the Lake District - There are many hikes with scenic views in the lake district. The most common hike is The Helvellyn Ridge. It certainly makes for a stunning day if you get the right weather. You’ll have great views either side across the whole of the Lake District. Helvellyn is arguably the most iconic mountain in the Lake District. It is the third highest mountain in England. If the weather is good, you can see Scotland and Wales from the top.

 

  1. Canoeing at Knaresborough Viaduct - Perfect for those sunnier days out. Go for a stroll along the river and even hop on a canoe for an hour. This is a very popular activity in Knaresborough with it being located near the train station. While in Knaresborough, don’t forget to visit Knaresborough castle and Mother Shipton’s cave.

 

  1. Visit the Eden project in Cornwall - The Eden Project is an educational charity and social enterprise. Their mission is “to create a movement that builds relationships between the people and the natural world to demonstrate the power of working together for the benefit of all living things.” Their indoor biome is the world’s largest indoor rainforest. A day at Eden is a real adventure. The indoor Biomes and the gardens outside cover roughly 30 acres and take about 4 hours to explore. The site is brimming with facilities to make your visit easy and enjoyable. You can enjoy a variety of activities here such as places to eat, drink and rest or even play for the kids, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling. Discover this inspiring place that gives you ideas on how to care for the planet.

 

  1. Snorkel with seals in sciliy -  At the Isles of Scilly you can go snorkeling with the local seals! Perfect for anyone is an animal lover and water enthusiast. The Scilly Seal Snorkelling Co. at the head of the island of St. Martin’s offers excursions to Eastern Isles to swim with the seals. Suited for anyone aged 8+.

 

  1. Loch Ness Scotland -  Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK. This Lake is known for its incredible scenery, castles, lighthouses and other adventures nearby. Loch Ness has been made famous by the presence of the Loch Ness monster that is referred to as ‘Nessie’. Described as a large “beast” or “whale-like fish” the possibility of a ‘monster’ became a media mystery. Since then Nessie has been at the forefront of local news. There have been over 1000, eye-witness accounts and sightings that continue to fuel the everlasting presence of the Loch Ness monster.

 

  1. Punting in Cambridge -  Visit Cambridge and relax on a Punt Tour of the river and take in the beautiful views. The River Cam runs through the heart of Cambridge enabling you to enjoy fantastic views of the world famous Cambridge College ‘Backs’ from the comfort of a traditional Cambridge Punt. King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library at Trinity College and the Bridge of Sighs, are just some of the famous Cambridge landmarks you can expect to see during a punt tour.

 

  1. Trek with pack ponies in the Lake District - Visit the Lake District and start your day by trekking with ponies on a 6 mile trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a charcoal fire with the rare breed fell ponies that walk along an ancient horse route whilst enjoying the stunning views of lake Windermere. The benefits of this is a memorable trip offers a fun way to exercise and connect with nature.

And although the weather might not always be predictable in the UK, at least you can rely on the hottest and the coolest products from Thermos to keep you refreshed and hydrated on your travels!