The best staycation destinations in the UK

Finance experts at credit card brand Aqua reveal the best, and most affordable, staycation destinations to visit in the UK

Written by Team Aqua

Published: 10/08/24Published on August 10th, 2024

Last reviewed: 10/08/24Last reviewed on August 10th, 2024

13 mins read

Shorter travel times, no airports, and cost savings: these are just some of the reasons more people in the UK are opting for a holiday ‘staycation’ instead of going overseas. In fact, 76% of Brits prefer to take at least one staycation per year over going abroad. But with so many beautiful spots to choose from, which is the best staycation destination?

To find out, we conducted new research to find out the best places for a UK staycation. Our study considers factors such as the average cost of accommodation, the number of social media location hashtag posts, the average monthly search volume, and the temperature and rainfall levels in August.

Additionally, Aqua, has provided top tips for saving for a staycation, and managing your money while you’re away.

The best staycation destinations in the UK

1. London

Among all UK cities we analysed, England’s capital stands out as the best place for a staycation, with the city's vibrant history and culture attracting holidaymakers from across the country. The city receives around 359,000 Google searches each month, the second-highest in the study, indicating a strong general interest in what the city has to offer. The capital also has the highest number of Instagram posts tagged with the hashtag ‘#london’, surpassing an astonishing 165 million posts.

Despite its reputation for high prices, London offers relatively affordable accommodation, with an average weekend stay for two adults costing around £133.

Weather-wise, London has one of the higher average summer temperatures in the UK at 18°C, a pleasant temperature ideal for exploring attractions like Hyde Park and The British Museum. The city also averages 68mm of rainfall in August, which, while not the lowest, is manageable and doesn't significantly impact the overall staycation experience as there’s so much to do in the city.

2. Liverpool

Taking second place for the best staycation destination is Liverpool. The northwestern city takes fifth place for affordability, with accommodation costing an average of £98 for a two-night stay. The city is also home to plenty of free attractions, like museums and galleries, helping to keep expenses low.

We found that Liverpool is also a hot topic online, with the highest number of Google searches, at around 2.4 million searches per month for the city. Whilst searches for Liverpool football team will account for a portion of these searches, interest in the city's home team will also be driving increased tourism including visits from season ticket holders. Liverpool also has the third-highest number of Instagram posts tagged with the hashtag ‘#liverpool’, amounting to around 17 million overall.

Though the weather isn’t as ideal as London, this staycation destination is clearly a top hit with holidaymakers in the UK.

3. Portsmouth

Portsmouth takes third place on our list for the best staycation destinations in the UK with the coastal city having a reasonable average cost of just £102 for a weekend stay.

The city has 100,000 average monthly Google searches, as well as over two million Instagram hashtag posts. Portsmouth also impresses with the second-highest temperature of all locations, at 18°C, ranking just behind Southampton. This climate is ideal for days at Southsea or West Wittering Beach, two popular beaches on the Portsmouth coast. Plus, it makes the top ten for the best rain levels, receiving only 56mm in August on average, so your beach days are unlikely to be spoiled by poor weather!

4. Southampton

Southampton, a vibrant port city on England's south coast, takes fourth place. Tourists from all over the UK flock here to enjoy scenic walks in the city's many parks and waterfronts, and for the convenient coastal location.

If its charming seaside location wasn’t enough to sway holidaymakers, then the warm temperatures might be. Southampton boasts the warmest temperature of any location we analysed, averaging 18°C during August.

In terms of rainfall, the city sees about 49mm in August, one of the lowest rain levels of all the locations we studied. A weekend stay in Southampton costs £109 on average for two nights, making it the eighth most affordable option.

5. Southend on Sea

Rounding out the top five best places for a UK summer staycation is Southend on Sea, a seaside town in Essex. It costs around £125 for a weekend stay in the town for two adults, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers looking for a more economical staycation.

While it may not have the same level of social media presence as London, it still boasts 418,325 Instagram posts with the hashtag ‘#southendonsea’. And when it comes to weather, the seaside town has an average temperature of 18°C in summer, making it one of the warmer locations in the UK. It also sees just 49mm of rainfall on average in August, allowing visitors to enjoy plenty of sunny beach days.

The most affordable staycation destinations in the UK

Travelling within the UK can often be a cost-effective way to escape day-to-day life over summer, eliminating the need to pay for flights and other overseas travel expenses. However, we recognise that every holidaymaker has unique financial circumstances and varying budgets. So, to help, we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable staycation destinations.

1. Blackpool

Blackpool claims first place, with a weekend getaway for two costing just £57 – around £28 per person. Famous for attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower, this much-loved destination offers an ideal staycation spot for Brits, combining fun and affordability.

2. Manchester

The city of Manchester takes second place, costing an average of £82 for a weekend in a hotel here. Though slightly more expensive than Blackpool, this is one of the best rates in the country for accommodation.

Manchester, a bustling city in the northwest of England, is known for its busy city vibes, including world-class museums like the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery and the Albert Hall. Tourists can also explore the city's rich industrial heritage, diverse shopping districts, and Old Trafford football stadium, home to the world-famous Manchester United.

3. Plymouth

Plymouth takes third place for the most affordable location, costing £97 for a two-night stay.

Visitors to the coastal city can explore the historic Barbican district, home to the famous Mayflower Steps and a variety of charming shops and cafes. For a scenic experience, stroll along the picturesque Plymouth Hoe, offering stunning views of the coastline and the iconic Smeaton's Tower lighthouse.

The UK’s most ‘viral’ staycation destinations

From the colourful streets of Notting Hill, London to the rolling Welsh countryside, the UK is brimming with stunning scenery and countless photo-worthy spots. And with staycation holidays in such high demand, we looked at how many Google searches each location is receiving to determine the most coveted destinations for UK holidaymakers. Combining both metrics, here’s what we found:

1. London

London steals the crown for the most viral staycation destination in the UK. When it comes to snapping Instagram-worthy pictures, London is the UK's hotspot, with over 165 million posts tagged with the hashtag ‘#london’.

From illuminated photos of the iconic London Eye to artsy pictures of Regent Street, millions of visitors capture and share their experiences at famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the vibrant markets of Camden and Portobello Road. The city's diverse boroughs, historic architecture, and scenic parks provide endless opportunities for striking photos.

As we’ve seen, London also receives 359,000 Google searches each month. Though not as popular as Liverpool, this is still a significant number of searches, demonstrating the city’s popularity and interest around the UK.

2. Liverpool

Liverpool takes second place for the most viral staycation destination. The city takes third place among photo-worthy staycation spots, with over 17 million Instagram posts tagged ‘#liverpool’.

Visitors frequently share images of the stunning waterfront at Albert Dock, the historic Liver Building, and the vibrant nightlife along Mathew Street. Iconic sites like the Beatles statue, St George’s Hall, and the street art in the Baltic Triangle also feature in social media posts, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere.

Liverpool is also the most searched-for staycation destination of all, with close to a whopping 2.4 million Google searches for the city every month in the UK. This high figure indicates that a significant number of people are eager to spend their holidays in Liverpool. The city's popularity as a holiday destination is clearly on the rise, attracting countless visitors each month.

3. Manchester

Manchester is the next most viral staycation spot overall. It's the second-most snapped staycation destination, with 19 million Instagram posts tagged ‘#manchester’. Whether it’s the architecture of the John Rylands Library to the colourful street art in the Northern Quarter, plenty of visitors have shared the city's unique charm, highlighting its popularity. Deansgate Towers is also a top Instagrammable spot in the city, and the canals of New Islington Marina are captured by plenty of visitors.

Manchester also receives an average of 207,000 searches each month. This substantial number of searches highlights the appeal of the city as a prime holiday destination. With so many people interested in visiting, Manchester continues to draw significant attention from potential tourists.

The UK’s best staycation ‘hidden gems’

While it can be exciting to see social media hotspots in person, sometimes we want to simply relax and explore somewhere a bit more off the beaten path.

With this in mind, we delved deeper to explore which destinations are the ‘hidden gems’ in our list, with the fewest Google searches and Instagram posts.

1. Robin Hood’s Bay

Our research showed that Robin Hood’s Bay, an old fishing village located in North Yorkshire, is the best hidden gem staycation spot in the UK. With just 2,400 monthly searches and 107,859 Instagram posts, this picturesque village is something of a staycation secret.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming destination, offering a variety of shops, cafes and pubs to enjoy during your stay. In addition to its vibrant local scene, the area is surrounded by scenic walking and cycling paths. Its convenient location near the popular coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough makes it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

2. The New Forest

The New Forest takes second place for the best hidden gem, with just 5,300 monthly searches and almost 69,000 Instagram posts.

With free-roaming horses and a plethora of walking trails in the most beautiful settings, the New Forest is the perfect hidden gem for tourists looking for some peace and quiet, serenity and a reconnection with nature.

3. Malvern

Malvern claims third place. Located in Worcestershire, this charming town sits at the bottom of the Malvern Hills, a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is a popular place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with a range of habitats and species to explore. Malvern has only 20,000 searches per month, and 492,046 Instagram posts tagged ‘#malvern’.

Top tips for budgeting for a staycation, and saving money while you’re away

Staycations are a fantastic way to explore new sights and destinations without venturing too far from home. However, like any trip away, staycations can still sometimes be costly. To help holidaymakers, Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua, has shared some top tips for saving for a staycation and managing your money while you’re away.

1. Create a ‘staycation’ savings plan

"In the lead-up to your staycation trip, set up a separate savings account exclusively for your upcoming holiday. This will help you track your savings progress and prevent you from dipping into these funds for other expenses.

“To help budget for your holiday, consider setting up an automated direct debit months in advance. Even small, regular contributions will accumulate over time, ensuring you have a dedicated fund for your trip."

2. Plan your trip well in advance

“A good way to keep costs down is to plan your staycation well in advance. Work out where you’re going, what kind of accommodation you want, how long you’ll stay, and activities you’ll do once there. Once you have an idea of your schedule, you can work out a rough estimate of how much money you’ll need while you’re away.

“A top tip: it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund in place before your holiday. If anything goes wrong, you know you have a pot of money to help cover the cost of emergencies or extra expenses. That way you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.”

3. Look out for free, or low-cost, activities

"While away on your staycation, sticking to a budget doesn't mean you can't relax and enjoy yourself. There are plenty of free activities and attractions in the UK you can take advantage of, like beaches, nature trails, museums and cultural sites.

“If your accommodation includes self-catering facilities, consider preparing some of your meals to save money. Additionally, when heading out on a day trip, pack snacks and drinks in advance to help reduce costs while you're out and about."

4. Be smart with your money

“A credit card can be a helpful tool to have while on a staycation. Your credit card can help you in an emergency, for example, if you need to pay for unexpected accommodation. Using a credit card can also help you work towards building your credit score if you stay within your credit limit and make your repayments on time.

“If you’re thinking about using your credit card to book any part of your holiday, like travel or accommodation, make sure you have a solid repayment plan and spend within your means.”

Methodology

To uncover the best places for a staycation, we created a seedlist of 55 popular staycation destinations in the UK. These were then ranked these according to the following metrics:

• The cost of accommodation for two nights, for two people - Booking.com
• The number of Instagram posts with the relevant hashtag - Instagram
• The average number of monthly Google searches in the UK - Google Keyword Planner
• The average temperature in August (°C) - metoffice.gov.uk
• The average rainfall levels in August (mm) - metoffice.gov.uk

Each individual metric was indexed to give it a score out of 10, and then an overall index was created by taking an average of each metric’s score. These were then ranked from highest, to lowest, to reveal the final ranking.

Contributors

Team Aqua

Aqua’s contributors are experts in their field, from a range of backgrounds including banking and lending.