Sykes Holiday Cottages confirms UK's most popular seaside town for 2026 staycations
Britain's most popular destination for a staycation has been confirmed by industry experts at Sykes Holiday Cottages. The outlet has confirmed a ranked list of the 10 most sought-after stop-offs for a holiday. Top of the list is a beach which boasts sandy beaches and idyllic weather during the summer months.
The area of St Ives, Cornwall, has topped the Sykes Holiday Cottages list, beating out the likes of Brighton, Salcombe, and Ambleside in its ranking. St Ives has been listed as the top location Brits want to visit in 2026, and the area itself has already secured rave reviews with members of the public.
A statement regarding the holiday hotspots has since been released. James Shaw, CO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "The UK staycation market continues to show strong resilience, with demand holding firm as more Brits choose to holiday closer to home. While domestic travel remains popular, traveller behaviour is evolving – with shorter, more frequent breaks and a growing demand for off-peak trips.
" Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are playing a key role in shaping this shift. Their preference for flexible, experience-led travel is influencing how and when people holiday, while digital tools – including AI – are transforming the way trips are planned and booked. At the same time, the enduring appeal of UK destinations highlights the ongoing importance of local tourism.
"As the sector adapts, the opportunity for growth remains clear. The staycation market is not just thriving but continuing to evolve to meet changing traveller needs."
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Bamburgh Northumberland
- Ambleside, Lake District
- Grasmere, Lake District
- Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
- Brighton, East Sussex
- Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Bakewell, Peak District
- Salcome, Devon
- Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
Further analysis from the industry experts found that 53% of Brits plan to take their main holiday in the UK, while 72% confirmed they would make a trip within the UK
Daily Express
