New research has revealed the Isle of Wight is in the top 10 overall favourite UK staycations and is ranked third for being the UK’s most popular rural destination.
Many Brits are opting for a staycation this summer, especially following the Government’s announcement of a 2-week quarantine for those returning from Spain.
Comparethemarket has delved into data to reveal the UK’s top staycation destinations.
Cornwall topped the most popular rural staycation list, followed by the UK’s most visited National Park, the Lake District. The Isle of Wight rounded off the top 3 rural staycation destinations.
British countryside
| Rank | Destination | Average monthly searches |
| 1 | Cornwall | 32,800 |
| 2 | Lake District | 24,050 |
| 3 | Isle of Wight | 16,050 |
| 4 | Devon | 12,500 |
| 5 | Norfolk | 10,270 |
| 6 | New Forest | 10,200 |
| 7 | Isle of Man | 5,800 |
| 8 | Peak District | 5,500 |
| 9 | Dorset | 5,400 |
| 10 | Cotswolds | 5,090 |
The UK’s overall top 10 favourite staycation destinations
| Rank | Destination | Average monthly searches |
| 1 | London | 40,030 |
| 2 | Cornwall | 32,800 |
| 3 | Blackpool | 31,450 |
| 4 | York | 25,940 |
| 5 | Edinburgh | 25,540 |
| 6 | Lake District | 24,050 |
| 7 | Manchester | 19,380 |
| 8 | Bournemouth | 16,400 |
| 9 | Isle of Wight | 16,050 |
| 10 | Brighton | 15,470 |
Patrick Ikhena, head of travel at comparethemarket.com, said:
“With the pandemic not yet fully in the rear-view mirror, many Brits are understandably wary of travelling abroad for their annual summer holiday. Much of the country is keen to take some kind of break as lockdown restrictions ease – and the good news is that the UK has lots to offer.
“Just as you would consider travel insurance for a trip abroad, you should also consider insurance for staycations – it remains a much-needed safeguard against problems such as lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Although restrictions have eased, it is still important to check the latest guidance for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales before travelling, as local restrictions can vary.
“An increasing number of providers are starting to offer ‘COVID-19 enhanced cover’ and we expect this trend to continue. These types of policy will cover for cancellation if you, or if one of those named on your policy, falls ill with COVID-19 and cannot travel.”
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Staycation originally meant having your
holiday from work but spending it in your own home.
A holiday away from home but still in the UK is still a holiday (or vacation) and there is so much to see in all four home countries that it seems somehow demeaning to dismiss a UK holiday as a ‘staycation’.