The UK Staycation Sector is expected to experience strong growth, with estimates of growth from USD 32.8 million in 2025 to USD 59 Million in 2035, representing a CAGR of 6.1%. Various drivers are contributing to this growth, such as the growing preference for staying close to home as a result of carbon footprint concerns and the need for spontaneous, low-cost holidays. The increased popularity of exclusive local experiences and wellness tourism further drive the need for staycations. On top of this, economic instability prompting cheaper alternatives for travel is leading UK residents to stay locally, relaxing and seeking adventure at home without breaking the bank.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated UK Industry Size (2025E) | USD 32.8 million |
| Projected UK Value (2035F) | USD 59 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 6.1% |
This expansion is largely driven by the change in consumer behavior towards more sustainable and affordable holiday options. The move towards local discovery and family holidays has become a major driver, with most people choosing short and memorable breaks that provide relaxation as well as excitement. Top destinations like the Lake District, Cornwall, and the Cotswolds are witnessing strong demand as UK citizens adopt staycations as a viable alternative.
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The following chart presents a comparative analysis of the changes in CAGR for the base year, 2024, and the current year, 2025, tracking shifts in market dynamics.
CAGR Values for UK Staycation Industry (2024 to 2025)
It is forecasted that the UK Staycation Industry will grow at a CAGR of 5.2% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 5.6% in the second half. By the first half of 2025, the growth rate is expected to rise to 5.8%, driven by heightened interest in wellness-focused retreats, nature escapes, and family-oriented vacations that cater to various age groups.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The UK staycation market is estimated to generate USD 31.1 million in 2024, contributing 48% of Europe’s staycation market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic travelers account for 85% of the market, with popular destinations including Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and the Cotswolds. |
| International Market Share | International visitors account for 15%, with many opting for nearby UK locations due to travel restrictions and local options. |
| Key Destinations | Renowned staycation destinations include the Lake District (England), St. Ives (Cornwall), and Isle of Skye (Scotland). |
| Economic Impact | Staycations drive local economies, particularly in the hospitality sector, with hotels, inns, and B&Bs offering exclusive staycation packages for nearby visitors. |
| Key Trends | The rise of outdoor-focused getaways, wellness retreats, and coastal escapes have been popular trends. Glamping in rural areas has particularly surged in popularity. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Summer, Easter, and long weekends such as bank holidays are prime staycation periods. |
The UK staycation industry is booming in locations where the outdoors and nature are the main attraction, like Cornwall's beaches and Lake District hiking trails. New areas, like lesser-known Welsh seaside towns and the Scottish Highlands, are gaining popularity for those looking for peace from city life. These areas provide affordable yet luxurious options, blending natural beauty with comfort and accessibility.
The health tourism industry is particularly booming in the UK, with spa resorts and retreats as top attractions. Places like Bath, renowned for its hot springs, are tapping into the trend, offering relaxation and rebirth without ever needing to set foot outside the UK. Green tourism programs such as eco-lodges and green tourism policies are changing the face of the UK staycation market.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Introduction of "Luxury Nature Retreats" in Wales: A series of new nature retreats in Wales offers wellness packages that include yoga, meditation, and scenic walks through national parks, perfect for those looking for an escape close to home. |
| Dec 2024 | Family Adventure Escapes in the Lake District: The Lake District launched adventure-focused staycations, offering family-friendly outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, hiking trails, and bird-watching, ideal for all ages. |
| Nov 2024 | "Seaside Serenity" at Cornwall's Best Resorts: Several boutique resorts in Cornwall introduced luxurious staycation packages that focus on seaside relaxation, including private beach access and gourmet dining experiences. |
| Oct 2024 | Launch of "Eco-Glamping" at Dartmoor National Park: Dartmoor’s glamping initiative, featuring luxury tents with eco-friendly amenities like solar energy and water conservation systems, is attracting nature lovers seeking an eco-conscious staycation experience. |
| Sept 2024 | "Cotswolds Family Fun" Experience: A local family resort in the Cotswolds introduced a "Farm Staycation" program where families can experience farm life, from milking cows to making their own cheese. |
Online Travel Agencies Lead UK Staycation Bookings
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) will be the clear leader in the UK staycation market by 2025, accounting for 58% of all bookings. This is because consumers are craving more digital options that offer an easy, no-fuss experience. OTAs such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb are now the first point of call for UK residents, providing not only a range of accommodation choices but also the ease of price comparison, reviews, and choosing from flexible travel itineraries. These sites are especially appealing because they enable visitors to book their entire staycation, from accommodation to activities and transport, from a single source, making trip planning efficient and convenient.
One of the best advantages of making reservations through OTAs is the instant confirmation they offer. This erases the doubt involved in making a reservation through conventional methods, wherein confirmations might be awaited for long periods. The convenience of instant access to a large number of choices, together with transparency regarding prices, is another aspect that has made OTAs top contenders in the industry. Customers can view full details, compare prices, and find the best bargains in real time, enabling them to make fast choices.
Mobile booking has also played a critical role in the evolution of OTAs. Increased use of smartphones has made travelers book their staycations at any place and at any time. Be it an impromptu vacation or a well-timed vacation, the ease of booking while on the go has made OTAs even more accessible. In addition, the worth of user-generated content in the shape of ratings, reviews, and images has helped make OTAs a trusted platform for informed travel decisions, further solidifying them in the UK staycation market.
Leisure Travel Drives the Market
Staycations are going to rule the UK leisure holiday market, with estimates pointing to 42% of bookings made in 2025 belonging to this sector. More and more families, couples, and lone travelers are heading on domestic holidays within the UK, selecting places that have a combination of natural scenery, culture, and the convenience of remaining within the confines of the country.
Families are especially moving towards self-catering accommodation, like cottages or lodges, that provide flexibility in preparing meals for themselves, ample space to let children play, and a quieter, home-like atmosphere. These types of accommodations, typically rural or coastal, provide families with the ability to spend their days as they desire without the constraint of rigid itineraries. Cornwall, with its beaches and natural scenery, is an ideal location, drawing in visitors who wish to experience a laid-back, family-friendly environment.
Couples are also seeking romantic breaks in tranquil destinations such as the Lake District, where boutique hotels and country houses provide secluded environments for relaxation and closeness. These destinations offer the perfect blend of luxury and calm, with beautiful scenery, spas, and upscale dining facilities. The desire for seclusion and quietness makes these destinations even more appealing to couples who are looking for a serene escape from the pressures of daily life.
Independent travelers also form a significant proportion of the leisure travel market, typically preferring destinations where they can enjoy some privacy, exploration, or self-improvement. Welsh and Scottish Highlands sea resorts are becoming increasingly popular, as their rugged landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for independent travelers seeking solitude or pursuits like hiking, cycling, or simply unwinding in nature.
The UK staycation sector is fairly fragmented, boasting extensive diversity of accommodation suited to various requirements. Large operators, such as Cottages.com, Sykes Cottages, and Love Home Swap, appeal to a wide base with family-oriented, high-end facilities and eco-friendly measures, welcoming visitors in search of comfort and convenience. Smaller players, however, including hidden countryside cottages or quaint seaside B&Bs, offer more exclusive, bespoke experiences for specialist markets. Such operators tend to promote local culture, distinctive environments, and customized services, targeting holidaymakers who wish for a real, peaceful haven away from the crowds of popular holiday resorts. This blend results in a lively, diverse staycation market.
2025 Market Share of UK Staycation Players
Leading players in the market include Cottages.com, Sykes Cottages, and Love Home Swap. These key players provide high-end experiences that cater to families, wellness tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The UK Staycation Industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 59 million by 2035.
The key drivers include an increased focus on local experiences, budget-conscious travel, and growing interest in wellness and outdoor-focused vacations.
Key players include Cottages.com, Sykes Cottages, and Love Home Swap, and other local providers specializing in wellness, family, and eco-friendly staycations.
The industry is segmented into Online Travel Agency, Traditional Travel Agency, Travel Management Companies, and Corporate Buyers.
The market is analyzed by age group, including Under 15, 16 - 25, 26 - 35, 36 - 45, 46 - 55, and Over 55.
Segmentation includes Business Travel, Leisure Travel, Education, Employment, Pilgrimage, and Others.
The industry includes Individual, Couples, Families, and Group.
The market is segmented into Phone Booking, Online Booking, and In-Person Booking.
Segmentation includes Independent Traveler, Package Traveler, and Tour Group.
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UK Staycation Market
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