Whitby Named UK's 4th Most Popular Coastal Staycation Destination

Whitby is the fourth top 2023 Summer holiday destination for British holidaymakers according to new research.

This summer Britons are expected to collectively spend £20 billion on holidaying at home and Whitby has been named as the the fourth top Staycation destination in new research.

The research from Travelodge suggests that Britons are setting new travel trends which include splitting long holidays into lots of shorter breaks and also taking multi-location experience holidays - to gain  obtain a better return on their money & time.

The research findings have revealed that the majority (63%) of Britons have booked a summer holiday this year which is a 50% increase from the number of Britons (42%) that went away in the summer of 2022.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of these holidaymakers have opted to holiday on British shores this summer, with Whitby being the fourth top destination.

The data shows that Britons are extending their length of holiday from an average of three days to five days and they are spending nearly double the amount of money on their British summer holiday this year compared to 2022. The research suggests that this year, staycationers are splashing out on average £1011.30 for their holiday in Whitby. Whereas last year they spent on average £513.13.

The report also revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of Britons are also breaking up their traditional two week holiday into multiple breaks throughout the year and taking two staycation during the summer months.

These findings have been revealed in the latest segment of the 2023 Travelodge Travel Index. This study surveyed 2,000 British adults to seek their holiday plans for this summer.

Key findings from this report also revealed that 25% of Britons reported that a summer holiday is one of the few things in life that they refuse to cut back on.

Four out of ten (41%) of savvy Britons revealed in the study that they are making the most of Britain’s holiday hotspots and have created bespoke two centre holiday packages. By staying at two different locations as part of one  holiday they can have two different experiences. This could include either a coastal / seaside holiday with either a rural escape or a city break.        

The report also revealed that we are a nation that loves to be at the seaside as 43% of Britons are taking their summer holiday at a UK coastal destination this year.

Cornwall, famous for its beautiful coastline,  pounding surf and quaint fishing harbours is crowned in the top spot. Devon takes second place with its 120 beaches and the gorgeous Jurassic Coast. Third place is taken by The Isle of White, with Whitby being the fourth most popular coastal destination.

Further research findings revealed that although the majority of Britons are not willing to forgo their summer holiday they are still conscious of their spending and will be looking at ways to make their pennies and pounds go further whilst  on holiday. Nearly half (46%) of Britons reported that they have budgeted to start each day whilst on holiday with a full English breakfast.

Over a third (35%) of holidaymakers reported that to help their holiday spend go further this summer they will get back to basics and shop in local supermarkets, shops and markets to find items to create a picnic to eat during the day.

A fifth (20%) of holidaymakers reported they have been spending hours over the last couple of months to create a wallet of money saving coupons / vouchers for meal deals that they can use whilst on holiday.  

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokesperson said:

“Our latest research shows that Britons are prioritising and taking a well-deserved staycation this summer, despite the rising cost of living and Whitby is the fourth top staycation destination.

Interestingly in these challenging times, a break has become one of life’s necessities and our bookings data shows Britons are getting creative and resourceful with their budget and holiday planning. New travel trends we are seeing include Britons splitting their holidays into lots of shorter breaks and also planning multi-location holidays. This enables them to combine two different experiences within one holiday and obtain a better return on their money and time.

For example holidaymakers coming to Whitby will be adding a stopover in York for a city break or Skipton for a rural retreat  in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

With a network of over 580 hotels  across the length and breadth of the UK, including four hotels near Whitby, holidaymakers are using Travelodge hotels as their summer base to explore and experience what makes Great Britain so Great this summer.”

Further key findings from the 2023 Summer Travelodge Travel Index include :

• A fifth (20%) of adults stated that since the Covid-19 pandemic they now prefer to holiday in the UK than go abroad.
• Over a fifth (21%) of Britons reported that holidaying at home allows them to experience multiple types of experiences as part of one holiday.
• The biggest staycationers by region this year are from York, with 81% of Yorkie’s holidaying at home over the warmer months.
• Residents in Coventry are the UK’s biggest summer staycation spenders this year, who will be spending a whopping £1,480.40 on each of their summer staycations and will be enjoying at least two breaks away which equates to a whopping £2,960.80
• The top staycation age group is the 35-44 year olds with 76% of this age category opting for a UK based summer holiday this year.

The summer Travelodge Travel Index survey was conducted in June 2023 with a group of 2000 British adults.