Staycations have boomed in popularity in recent years, with many families opting to remain in the UK for the summer holidays rather than jetting off abroad. It was recently reported that almost two-thirds (63%) of Brits plan to take a UK-based holiday this year, with the average holidaymaker expected to take three domestic breaks in 2025, each lasting around six days.
With this in mind, Sykes Holiday Cottages has compiled a list of the ten popular staycation destinations, with the stunning Yorkshire town of Whitby taking the top spot. Visitors to this northern town have been left blown away, with a recent tourist dubbing the town “absolutely magical” on TripAdvisor. It’s easy to see why this beautiful town has topped the list of Sykes’s most booked destinations for the upcoming school summer break.
With multiple family-friendly attractions on offer, from the Whitby museum, which is packed full of fossils, model ships, costumes, and other curiosities, to the stunning historic abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker to use Whitby as the setting for Dracula.
Other attractions include the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall.
Whitby is also home to several sandy beaches, including Whitby Beach, Sandsend Beach, and Saltwick Bay Beach.
All of these beaches are either completely dog-friendly or have dog-friendly sections even in the peak of summer, meaning your four-legged friend can also enjoy their time in the beautiful town.
James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “It’s no surprise to see Whitby leading the way for school summer holidays this year.
“It’s mix of natural beauty, rich history and family-friendly activities continues to draw visitors, both with and without children, from across the country.
“We’re seeing more families prioritise stress-free getaways that cater to all ages – whether that means scenic coastlines, charming local towns or easy access to the great outdoors.
“The destinations featured in the top 10 strike the right balance between convenience and character, making them ideal for switching off, reconnecting, and creating lasting memories together.”
Windermere in the Lake District came in second behind Whitby, while Weymouth on the Dorset coast took third place. Both of which offer outdoor adventures, bustling town centres, and a variety of walking trails.
Top 10 most popular locations for the school summer holidays
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Windermere, Cumbria
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Ambleside, Cumbria
- Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Keswick, Cumbria
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Dartmouth, Devon
- Salcombe, Devon
- Carbis Bay, Cornwall