Elizabeth Berrett
The tide is turning back to Britain’s own shores as UK staycation trends reveal a groundswell of holidaymakers swapping passports for pasties and sun loungers for Sunday roasts.
According to a new survey commissioned by the Coaching Inn Group, nearly eight in ten Brits are planning to holiday at home this year—and not just for convenience, but to rekindle the golden glow of childhood getaways.
🇬🇧 35 Best Things About Holidaying in the UK
| Rank | Experience | % Mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Countryside walks | 52% |
| 2 | Fish and chips | 52% |
| 3 | Historic landmarks | 48% |
| 4 | Pub gardens | 46% |
| 5 | Castles | 34% |
| 6 | Windy beaches | 32% |
| 7 | British market towns | 30% |
| 8 | Sunday roasts in the pub | 30% |
| 9 | Picnics | 28% |
| 10 | Ice cream vans | 27% |
| 11 | Old-fashioned B&Bs | 26% |
| 12 | Tea shops | 25% |
| 13 | The National Trust | 25% |
| 14 | Sea views from your cottage | 24% |
| 15 | Cream teas | 24% |
| 16 | Amusement & adventure parks | 23% |
| 17 | Farm shops | 21% |
| 18 | Public footpaths | 20% |
| 19 | Piers | 20% |
| 20 | The smell of freshly cooked doughnuts | 18% |
| 21 | Crabbing | 15% |
| 22 | Horse riding | 15% |
| 23 | Menus with locally sourced produce | 14% |
| 24 | Buckets and spades | 14% |
| 25 | Ploughman’s lunches | 14% |
| 26 | Discovering antique shops | 14% |
| 27 | Wildflowers on country roads | 13% |
| 28 | Stopping at services for a break | 13% |
| 29 | Second-hand book shops | 13% |
| 30 | Dogs swimming in the sea | 12% |
| 31 | Cows in fields | 11% |
| 32 | Seeing baby lambs | 11% |
| 33 | Rock pooling | 11% |
| 34 | Fishing | 11% |
| 35 | Reading plaques in historic places | 10% |
Source: 2025 UK Holiday Habits Survey
Turns out, we’re a sentimental bunch. An overwhelming majority fondly recall their early holiday memories in the UK, with more than half of parents hoping to pass those same experiences down to their own children.
Think rock pools, caravan parks, and windbreaks flapping furiously on breezy beaches. This year, more families are packing up the car—kids, grandparents, the dog—and setting out on multi-generational adventures. It’s a revival of the British summer holiday, complete with all its quirks and comforts.
The study unpacks the very essence of what makes a homegrown break so appealing. Topping the list? Countryside walks and fish and chips—both securing prime positions in the nation’s hearts.
Not far behind are historic landmarks, pub gardens, castle strolls, and market town mooches. In other words, it’s the stuff of postcards and period dramas—only with real seagulls and questionable Wi-Fi.
And it’s not just what we do on these trips, but why we take them. Half of respondents say they love exploring the British Isles, while many cite cost savings, less hassle than air travel, and the sheer joy of being able to jump in the car and go. No passport queues. No tiny shampoo bottles confiscated by airport security. Just pack your wellies and hit the road.
“It’s great to see so many Brits embracing a staycation this year,” says Adam Charity of the Coaching Inn Group. “Holidaying in Britain isn’t just a more convenient option than travelling abroad, it’s also the best way to create memories that you’ll cherish.”
Indeed, nearly nine in ten feel domestic travel is simply easier than flying. And apparently, griping about the weather is not just expected—it’s beloved, with more than half declaring it a quintessential part of the experience.
But staycations aren’t static. UK staycation trends are evolving, with Brits shunning leaky tents in favour of comfort and charm. A staggering 91% say they’d happily stay in a historic coaching inn or a pub with rooms—presumably somewhere with decent bedding and a hearty breakfast.
Top priorities? Value for money leads the pack, followed closely by quality food, welcoming service, and a clean, cosy bed at the end of the day.
The wishlist of UK hotspots is equally nostalgic and ambitious: Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman baths in Bath, the Yorkshire Moors, and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast all feature prominently. The Eden Project, Blackpool Pier, New Forest, and Wells Cathedral aren’t far behind.
And when the curtain falls on these homegrown holidays, it’s the UK that lingers fondest in the memory. Half of those surveyed said their best holiday recollections were made right here, compared to just 30% who favoured overseas trips.
For families, it’s a chance to build something that lasts longer than a tan line—memories stitched into the fabric of growing up.
So this summer, as airports groan and prices soar, the smart money—and the sentimental hearts—are staying put.
Britain’s got castles to climb, pub gardens to bask in, and fish and chips that never go out of style. And perhaps best of all, you’re never far from a proper cup of tea.
