The best staycation destinations in the UK

New research by experts at credit card brand Aqua reveals which UK locations are the best, and most affordable, for a staycation.

Written by Hayley Bevan and Victoria Smith

Published: 17/03/25Published on March 17th, 2025

Last reviewed: 06/05/25Last reviewed on May 6th, 2025

9 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 jetting off abroad. In fact, 76% of Brits prefer to take at least one staycation per year. But with so many beautiful spots to choose from, which is the best staycation destination?

To find out, we delved into researching the average cost of accommodation in different locations, along with the average temperature, monthly rainfall levels, the number of social media hashtag posts, and the average monthly search volume.

Additionally, we’ve shared top tips for how best to save for a staycation, and how to manage your money effectively while you’re away.

The Best Staycation Destinations

1. Liverpool

Topping the list, Liverpool scores highest thanks to a mix of affordability, high interest, and cultural appeal. With over 2.1 million monthly Google searches and 17.9 million Instagram posts, the city continues to attract visitors far beyond its football fame. June temperatures average 14.9°C, and hotel stays cost around £123 per night. From the historic Royal Albert Dock to live music at The Cavern Club, Liverpool blends heritage with vibrant modern energy.

2. London

In second place, London remains a top-tier destination despite its higher costs-£185 on average for a night’s stay. The capital draws in 368,000 monthly searches and boasts 10.8 million Instagram posts. With June temperatures at 15.8°C and iconic attractions like the British Museum, West End theatres, and scenic neighbourhoods like Hampstead, it offers a world-class staycation experience.

3. Manchester

Ranking third, Manchester is a cultural powerhouse with 212,000 monthly searches and the highest Instagram volume on the list at 20.1 million. A hotel costs on average £115 per night, and June brings pleasant 14.2°C weather. From the Northern Quarter’s buzzing cafés to football stadium tours and thriving nightlife, Manchester offers a dynamic city break.

4. Bristol

Bristol takes fourth place with 194,000 monthly searches and 7.5 million Instagram tags. Hotel stays average £133, and June temperatures reach 15.6°C. Known for its colourful streets, harbour side attractions, and creative scene, the city combines history and innovation- perfect for a relaxed yet engaging summer getaway.

5. Brighton

Brighton rounds out the top five with 195,000 searches and 8.4 million Instagram mentions. With a relatively high hotel cost of £169, it’s still a popular coastal retreat. June’s 15°C temperatures and low rainfall (46.7mm) make it ideal for beach days, strolling the iconic pier, or exploring The Lanes' quirky shops and cafés.

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, eliminating the need to fork out on 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 ranks as the most affordable staycation destination, with hotel stays averaging just £82 per night. This classic seaside town offers great value without skimping on fun, with attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the iconic tower, and lively promenade. It’s ideal for families or couples seeking a traditional beach break on a budget.

2. Portsmouth

With an average hotel cost of £108, Portsmouth combines coastal charm with rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the Historic Dockyard, relax on Southsea Beach, or enjoy shopping and dining at Gunwharf Quays—all without breaking the bank. Its mix of culture and sea views makes it a smart choice for an affordable summer escape.

3. Eastbourne

Tied for third, Eastbourne offers a peaceful seaside retreat at an average of £112 per night. Known for its Victorian architecture and relaxing seafront, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind. Visitors can stroll along the pier, hike in the South Downs, or enjoy the calm beaches- great value for a coastal getaway.

4. Torquay

Also averaging £112 per night, Torquay delivers a scenic Devonshire escape on a budget. Part of the English Riviera, it features palm-lined promenades, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. From exploring prehistoric caves to enjoying harbour-side dining, Torquay is a charming and affordable staycation option.

The UK’s Most ‘Viral’ Staycation Destinations

From the colourful streets of Notting Hill to the rolling Welsh countryside, the UK is brimming with stunning scenery and photo-worthy spots. With staycations in such high demand, we looked at how many Google searches and Instagram tags each location has to determine the most coveted destinations. Combining both metrics, here’s what we found:

1. Liverpool

Liverpool takes the top spot as the most viral staycation destination, with 17.9 million Instagram posts under #Liverpool and a staggering 2.1 million average monthly Google searches. Its rich music heritage, iconic waterfront, and strong football culture continue to draw online buzz and real-world visitors alike- proving it’s as popular on screen as it is in person.

2. Manchester

With over 20.1 million Instagram posts under #Manchester—the highest on this list- the city has a strong visual presence online. While monthly search volume is lower at 212,000, the Northern Quarter’s street art, bustling nightlife, and famous football clubs keep Manchester trending and travel-worthy.

3. Dublin

Dublin rounds out the top three with 15 million Instagram tags under #Dublin and 82,000 monthly searches. The city’s charm, from historic pubs to Georgian streets, resonates well online, making it one of the most shared and searched destinations across social platforms.

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. The New Forest

The New Forest tops the list of hidden gems, with just 4,800 monthly searches and 68,700 Instagram posts under #Thenewforest. Its tranquil woodlands, wild ponies, and scenic cycling routes make it a perfect escape for those looking to disconnect. Ideal for nature lovers, this national park offers peaceful charm away from the crowds.

2. Robin Hood's

In second place is The New Forest, a nature lover’s paradise with 68,200 Instagram posts and 5,100 monthly Google searches. Known for its free-roaming ponies and vast walking trails, this stunning national park offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature. The picturesque landscapes, ancient woodlands, and tranquil villages make it an ideal destination for a peaceful staycation, whether you’re hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.

3. Deal

Deal in Kent rounds out the top three hidden gems, with 14,000 monthly searches and 138,000 Instagram posts tagged #Dealkent. With its pebble beach, vintage shops, and charming seafront promenade, Deal offers a laid-back coastal vibe perfect for a slower-paced staycation. Its lesser-known status makes it all the more appealing

Expert Tips for Budgeting Your Next Staycation

As the cost of living continues to impact holiday plans across the UK, many are opting for staycations as a more affordable way to take a break. But even domestic trips can come with a hefty price tag if you're not careful. Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua, shares four practical, budget-savvy tips to help holidaymakers stretch their money further- before and during their trip.

1. Start with a dedicated savings pot

"Treat your staycation like any other major purchase by planning ahead,” says Selvam. “Set up a separate savings account specifically for your trip and automate a small monthly payment into it- whether that’s £20 or £50. Over a few months, you’ll build a decent holiday fund without feeling the pinch"

2. Plan early and budget with a purpose

“Booking your staycation early gives you the best chance of securing affordable accommodation and transport,” he explains. “Once you’ve locked in the basics, draft a rough daily budget for food, activities, and extras. Don’t forget to set aside an emergency fund- that way if anything goes wrong, you know you have a pot of money set-aside.”

3. Tap into free and low-cost experiences

“From national parks and free-entry museums to local festivals and beach days, the UK is full of experiences that don’t cost a thing,” Selvam says. “Self-catering accommodation can also help you cut food costs- just a few home-cooked meals or packed lunches can help you save over a week.”

4. Use credit responsibly and as a safety net

“Credit cards can offer flexibility, especially for larger costs like accommodation bookings or emergencies,” Selvam notes. “Just make sure to spend within your means, set a clear repayment plan, and avoid using credit to fund a holiday you can’t afford. If used responsibly, it can even help build your credit score.”

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 one night, 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 June (°C) - metoffice.gov.uk

The average rainfall levels in June (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

Hayley Bevan

Hayley is an editor at Aqua.

Victoria Smith

Victoria is an editor at Aqua.