Two Cotswolds towns named among top 50 UK spots for 2026

Britain’s best staycations have been revealed for this year, and both Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway feature in the list.

Cornwall’s St Ives once again took the top spot, while the Northumberland village of Bamburgh was in second place.

The annual staycation report revealed Bourton-on-the-Water and Salcombe have risen in popularity, while other seaside destinations saw shifts in the rankings.

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Bourton-on-the-Water represented the Cotswolds. (Image: SWNS)

Brighton overtook Lyme Regis after climbing to sixth place, ahead of the Dorset town, which has moved from fifth last year to seventh.

Almost a third of adults (28 per cent) are more likely to take a holiday on home soil this year than in 2025, according to the research by Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) of the 2,000 people polled plan to take their main holiday in the UK this year, rising to 53 per cent among Gen Z.

This compares with 34 per cent of adults who said the same last year, while Gen Z’s interest in UK holidays has risen from 45 per cent in 2025.

James Shaw, chief commercial officer at the holiday brand which launched the annual Staycation Index Report said: “The continued popularity of UK breaks demonstrates that staycations remain a key part of how Brits holiday.

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Broadway. (Image: Newsquest)

“More people are choosing to stay at home and prioritising value, flexibility and reassurance when planning time away, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty around overseas travel.

“What’s especially notable this year is the growing influence of younger travellers; Gen Z is increasingly embracing UK holidays, with more people opting for experience-led trips that combine scenery, food, culture and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one break.

“From seaside towns and national parks to countryside retreats, the UK continues to offer an enormous variety of holiday experiences, and that’s reflected in the strength and diversity of destinations featured in this year’s rankings.”

The research also found that when it comes to budgeting, staycation goers expect to spend an average of £1,171 in total on accommodation, food, travel and spending money.

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It also emerged 64 per cent are planning to – or have considered – a multi-destination road trip, stopping off at an average of three locations.

With coastal spots (65 per cent) the most sought after, followed by rural areas (56 per cent) and national parks (38 per cent).

Tourist attractions (48 per cent) were big influences when deciding where to visit, alongside locations with fond memories (38 per cent) and good reviews and ratings (35 per cent).

Bourton-on-the-Water ranked 10th overall while Broadway finished in 33rd place.