London and Edinburgh among top UK staycation destinations

UK: HomeAway data shows that London, Edinburgh and St Ives were British holidaymakers’ favourite domestic staycation destinations in 2018.

However, although the figures revealed showed that demand for locations in London went up by ten per cent compared to 2017, the average price paid per person per night dropped by eight per cent £60.

Edinburgh and St Ives followed London in being the second and third preferred destinations for staycations, with demand for the former up by almost 15 per cent on 2017 as prices rose 4% to £46 a night.

London returned to the top spot after 2017 saw a rise in demand for rural destinations, which could be attributed to the fact that two royal weddings took place at destinations near to the capital last year.

HomeAway suggested the “sharp” drop in the average price paid by domestic travellers in London could be a result of the uncertainty of Brexit negotiations and the impact it will have on travel.

Meanwhile, Amble in Northumberland topped the list of staycation destinations experiencing the greatest shift in demand as demand went up by 207 per cent on 2017, while Great Yarmouth in Norfolk followed closely behind with a 203 per cent increase, and Fakenham, also in Norfolk, went up by 190 per cent.

Karen Mullins, HomeAway’s UK and Ireland regional director, said: “This year’s findings paint a positive picture for London and our seaside resorts, which provide great value for money.

“The uncertainty around Brexit since the referendum more than two years ago has driven holidaymakers to adapt their destination decisions around the political situation, rather than abandon them altogether,” she added.

For more information, visit the HomeAway website here.