Staycation Statistics & Trends For 2020, 2021 & 2022

From March 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic put a halt to international travel to and from the UK. Although Brits endured travel bans and restrictions for much of 2020 and 2021, the pandemic did give leeway to the rise of staycations in the UK, with locations such as Yorkshire and Cornwall experiencing unprecedented demand.

Now in 2021, ongoing international travel restrictions have seen UK holidays continuing to grow in popularity. At Snaptrip, we have seen a 284% increase in demand for holidays after the 12th April green light for self-catered accommodation stays.

But that’s just one staycation statistic. Our full staycation trends report gives an in-depth overview of the staycation market in 2021 and beyond, backed by data from over 100,000 aggregated cottage and hotel properties from leading UK travel brands such as Snaptrip and Dog Friendly Cottages.

Contents

How did the pandemic impact travel in 2020?

Staycations statistics in the UK 2020: How did the pandemic impact UK holidays?

Top ten most booked staycation properties in 2020

Staycations statistics in the UK 2021: The staycation picture so far

Where to travel for group bookings in the UK this year

Top staycation statistics

Two million jobs are created by the UK travel industry.Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Britain. It is expected to expand by 3.8% a year up until 2025, accounting for 10% of all jobs.Inbound tourism to the UK has been recorded at £50 billion.By 2025, the tourism industry in the United Kingdom is set to be worth over £257 billion.Inbound tourism is set to grow from £21 billion in 2013 to £57 billion by 2025.

Most popular locations booked this year for 2022 so far:

1. Bideford
2. Newquay
3. Keswick
4. Whitby
5. Brecon
6. Seahouses and Beadnell area
7. Aberystwyth & Bamburgh and holy island area
8. Scarborough & Tenby
9. Weymouth & Norwich
10. Richmond

Top 3 locations for Q1 2021 (Jan – Mar):

1. Welshpool
2. Scarborough
3. Shrewsbury

Top 3 locations for Q2 2021 (Apr – Jun):

1. Whitby
2. Newquay
3. Scarborough & Richmond tied

Top 3 locations for Q3 2021 (Jul – Sept):

1. Whitby
2. Newquay
3. Ambleside

Top 3 locations for Q4 2021 so far (Oct – Dec):

1. Whitby
2. Windermere
3. Barnstaple

Top 10 overall locations for 2021:

1. Whitby
2. Newquay
3. Windermere
4. Ambleside
5. Barnstable
6. Scarborough
7. Keswick
8. Richmond
9. Brecon
10. Bideford

Top 10 % increases in bookings for 2021:

1. llandovery – 669%
2. barnstaple – 345%
3. ruthin – 241%
4. ambleside – 157%
5. hawkshead – 150%
6. llanidloes – 144%
7. carlisle – 136%
8. corwen – 136%
9. brecon – 125%
10. hereford – 98%

The most popular holiday cottage features

Beaches, hot tubs and pubs were among three of the most essential features holidaymakers desired for their 2021 summer holidays. The pandemic pet boom was also reflected by the fact that the second most popular feature for UK breaks was pet-friendly properties.

Top property types:

1. Cottage
2. Lodge
3. Apartment

1. Beach nearby
2.  Pet friendly
3. Hot tub
4. Enclosed garden
5. Pub nearby
6. Games room
7. Wi-Fi
8. Swimming pool
9. Luxury
10. Secluded

1. 2 people
2. 4 people
3. 3 people
4. 6 people
5. 5 people
6. 1 person
7. 8 people
8. 10 people
9. 7 people
10. 12 people

1. Three nights
2. Seven nights
3. Two nights

How did the pandemic impact travel in 2020?

International travel vs. domestic travel in the UK in 2020

From mid-March to mid-July, COVID-19 triggered a near-total shutdown in international tourism to and from the UK. 

Yet this decline saw a turning point come July. With restrictions slowly easing and domestic and (limited) international travel now allowed, the UK holiday property sector saw an influx in the number of staycation bookings.

But much more, despite the country being in national and local lockdowns for a good portion of the year, there was a clear increase in the number of staycation bookings compared to 2019. At the Snaptrip Group, one of the UK's fastest-growing holiday home marketplaces in the travel industry, we uncovered a 33% increase in bookings compared to the last 12 months.

Why?

There are a number of factors, some of which include: 

Popularisation

• Staycations were already rising in popularity due to their affordability, hassle-free travel and holiday scenery that can still be found in the UK.
• Before March 2020, there was an average of 6,600 monthly searches on Google for the term 'staycation' in the UK (City Suites, 2020). By April 2020, this stood at 8,100(City Suites, 2020). More and more people, especially those who may not have opted for a staycation, we're searching for it.
• Tik Tok’s ‘staycation’ hashtag has 800 million views. 60% of their audience are 16-24 years olds; influencing a demographic who associate holidays with going abroad.

More annual leave and limited choices

• People were taking fewer holidays - 73% of people did not take holiday in April 2020 (Schofields, 2020)
• A backlog of annual leave, lockdown lifting in the UK but limited places to travel abroad due to the ongoing pandemic, left the UK as their first choice 

A shift in attitudes

• Concerns around the spread of the virus meant even when people could travel abroad, 42.7% of people would rather a staycation vs. 24.7% who would rather go abroad (City Suites, 2020)
• Fears surrounding public health in shared facilities will also see people opting for private accommodation where they have their own pool, kitchen and are only in close proximity with those they have travelled with 

Staycations statistics in the UK 2020: How did the pandemic impact UK holidays?

Where were Brits going once travel restrictions were lifted in 2020?

1. North Yorkshire
2. Devon
3. Cornwall
4. Cumbria
5. Norfolk

1. Whitby, North Yorkshire
2. Bideford, Devon 
3. Newquay, Cornwall
4. Windermere, Cumbria 
5. Cromer, Norfolk 

Staycation inspo 

Preacher’s Rest, Whitby

1. West Sussex, 87.44%
2. Cambridgeshire, 60.63%
3. Lancashire, 60.02%
4. Kent, 59.33%
5. Cheshire, 57.62%

Staycation inspo 

Beach Hut House, West Sussex

Top ten most booked staycation properties in 2020

What were the most booked properties across the UK for the whole of 2020?

Cwt Bach

Cwt Bach is a cosy studio nestled in the tranquil North Wales countryside just five miles from the beach. The cute couple’s retreat has its own private hot tub and an elevated enclosed garden with sweeping views across the stunning landscape. If you want to escape it all in a secluded and idyllic setting, then Cwt Bach is the spot for you.

Ysgubor Nantcoy

Ysgubor Nantcoy is a charming one-bedroom converted barn located on a working sheep farm and surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. The modern and open-plan home is just eight miles from the beaches and harbours that are dotted along the Cardigan Heritage Coast. The holiday home is dog-friendly and has lots of luxury finishes including a private outdoor hot tub.

Powis Castle View

Powis Castle View is a beautiful two-bedroom home with a stunning sun-drenched terrace and far-reaching views across the Severn Valley. The romantic retreat has a private, covered hot tub and is set amongst parkland. Dogs are welcome in this rural home which is ideal for a secluded getaway enjoying local outdoor pursuits.

Ty Isa

Ty Isa is a pretty stone cottage in the heart of North Wales. The cosy and contemporary two-bedroom home sleeps four and offers snug but stylish interiors. Relax in front of the roaring log burner, soak in the stunning freestanding bath taking in the panoramic views, or sink into the whirling hot tub.

3 Bed Lodge

Perched on the northern tip of Scotland, this three-bed lodge is a cool and chic home with beautiful views. The sleek and modern home is a sanctuary in the wild and rugged landscape of John O’Groats. Throw open the large glass doors, kick back and relax on the decked terrace, and breathe in the fresh sea air.

Lovers' Lodge

The aptly named Lovers’ Lodge is a romantic and rural retreat nestled in the rolling Radnorshire countryside with a private hot tub. The quaint and quiet lodge offers visitors serene country walks on the doorstep and picturesque towns and villages nearby. The peaceful setting is the ideal location for a relaxing getaway.

Top Meadow

Top Meadow Lodge is a stylish and contemporary holiday cottage sitting within a farm in a charming North Devon village. The modern decor and design features make the most of the spectacular surrounding scenery. The master bedroom has a sumptuous king-size bed and there is a luxurious hot tub on the covered terrace.

Cwmachau

Perched on the hillside, Cwmachau is a relaxing and romantic retreat for a couple looking to connect with nature. Watch red kites swooping overhead as you unwind in the private hot tub. The wooden cabin occupies a quiet and idyllic setting at the end of a private country lane, with an open-plan living space and beautiful sweeping views.

The Chapel Po House

The Chapel Po House is a beautiful converted 17th century chapel in the Whicham Valley. Steeped in history, the picture-perfect home boasts magnificent original features like slate floors and exposed oak beams. There’s an enclosed garden and, with dog-friendly beaches and the Lake District National Park on your doorstep, this is the ideal destination for an escape with your pooch.

Log Cabin in Scottish Borders

This stylish micro lodge is a great spot for a romantic getaway with your loved-one. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the Scottish Borders, the snug home has a private hot tub and spectacular views from its elevated position on a family-run farm. The local area is great for walking and cycling, with lots of wonderful attractions nearby.

Staycations statistics in the UK 2021

The staycation picture in 2021

At the start of 2021, the UK was well into another national lockdown. Although domestic holidays were disrupted, people were still booking staycations and focusing on July and August, in hopes that these peak summer breaks would be allowed.

1. Cornwall
2. Scottish Highlands
3. Devon
4. Cumbria / Lake District
5. Yorkshire Dales

Step two, no earlier than 12th April

• Self-contained accommodation, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can reopen 
• The rule of six or two households will apply indoors 

Minutes after the announcement, our bookings in July and August doubled compared to the previous week. The announcement also meant that earlier bookings were now possible. Bookings in April soared to 284% and April 12th became the most popular date to book, followed by April 16th.

Travel trends in the roadmap: Step two

With domestic travel permitted in this stage, the five most popular locations to book during step two were: 

1. Devon
2. Cornwall
3. Cumbria
4. Norfolk
5. North Yorkshire

But despite the 284% surge in April, there is still a higher chance of booking a popular holiday destination this month as it’s outside the summer months.

Snaptrip Group CEO, Matt Fox comments: “In April there were 21% of breaks remaining in Cornwall, whilst in August there were just 13%.”

Travel trends in the roadmap: Step four

Confidence in domestic travel continues to grow. As social restrictions are expected to end, one of our leading brands, Snaptrip, found that: 

Party size trends 

• Group of 1 -16.95%
• Group of 2 -31.73%
• Group of 7 +82.14%
• Group of 8 +117.91%
• Group of 20 +160.00%
• Group of 21 +68.67%
• Group of 22 +600.00%

Big Cottages party size trends

• Group of 9 +73% 
• Group of 10 +58% 
• Group of 12 +88% 
• Group of 13 +88% 
• Group of 18 +250%
• Group of 20 +260%
• Group of 22 +600% 

Matt comments: "There has been a significant increase in large group bookings as we plan to socialise with our friends and family once again. Bookings for seven or more guests have been extremely popular, with a 188% increase in bookings for groups of eight and a 131% increase in bookings for groups of eleven As we move closer to the roadmap checkpoints and beyond, we only expect larger bookings to increase. 

"As we approach each stage of the roadmap, we also expect last-minute bookings to increase and we'll be looking forward to the great British summer we hoped for.

Finally, when comparing 2021 to 2019, there is a 460% increase in bookings so far for 2021 for the summer holidays (August)”. 

It’s safe to say that staycations among UK residents are here to stay.

Where to travel for group bookings in the UK this year

Below we have found the most popular locations for hen party locations, stag party locations and Christmas. 

The top five hen party locations

1. Liverpool
2. Brighton
3. Bath
4. London
5. Manchester

The top five stag party locations

1. Bristol
2. Edinburgh
3. Cardiff
4. Bournemouth
5. Newcastle

Top five locations for Christmas

1. North Yorkshire 
2. Devon 
3. Cornwall 
4. Cumbria 
5. Norfolk