Northumberland is UK's most popular staycation spot for first time visitors

The Covid-19 pandemic forced many people to abandon plans for a foreign holiday, with plenty opting to visit England’s northernmost county when lockdown restrictions were eased.

The research, conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk, reveals that over half (52%) of Brits wouldn’t have considered a staycation were it not for lockdown travel restrictions.

The majority (84%) say they will also go on a staycation in the future.

The study also shows how much more of the UK we were able to explore due to lockdown travel restrictions.

In fact, regarding the areas they had visited this year, around one in seven (14%) of Brits hadn’t visited that location before this year, and a further 8% had visited certain areas, but not others before.

What’s more, over half (52%) of Brits in total either only went on a staycation this year because they couldn’t travel abroad (22%), or claimed they have always wanted to visit the area but had never considered it before this year (30%).

Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, says: “This year has more or less cancelled all our travel plans, with Brits not being able to go abroad on holiday for the most part of the year.

"However, our research shows the positive impact travel restrictions have had on the UK travel sector, with more Brits exploring the beauty of their country than ever before.

“It’s interesting to see that London was the most visited staycation spot, with younger people flocking to the capital for a break while they could this year.

"It’s also great to see the places that Brits have discovered for the first time this year as well as their bucket list destinations.

"With 84% considering a staycation in the future, it can be said that this year was the year of rediscovering Britain and all our island has to offer.”

The top five staycation spots that Brits hadn’t visited before this year, are: Northumberland (15%), Cumbria/Lake District (13%), Snowdonia (12%), Cotswolds (11%) and York (11%).

The top five staycation spots that Brits visited this year, are: London (11%), Cornwall (10%), Devon (10%), Edinburgh (9%) and Cumbria/Lake District (7%).

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