**UK Holidaymakers Drawn Back to Familiar Destinations – But the Spirit of Discovery Lives On, Study Shows**
A new survey has revealed Britons’ enduring fondness for revisiting familiar holiday destinations, while also highlighting a growing appetite for new experiences within the UK. The poll, conducted among 1,200 UK travellers, found that 77 percent at least occasionally return to the same destinations for holidays, suggesting a deep-rooted desire for comfort and nostalgia when it comes to planning their getaways.
Interestingly, for those who do go back to a favoured location, loyalty extends beyond the destination itself. Around 71 percent of repeat visitors said they had booked the exact same accommodation when returning, in a bid to recapture positive memories and recreate their idea of a perfect trip. Many respondents described their favourite holiday spots as a ‘home away from home’, while others cited the scenic appeal and the pleasure of reliving happy times as key motivators for their repeat visits.
Despite this prevailing trend, the survey also illustrates a nuanced approach to choosing holiday destinations. Safety and familiarity remain significant factors, with four in ten respondents admitting they opt for tried and tested locations to ‘play it safe’, possibly due to the uncertainties that can sometimes accompany travel. Seaside towns (46 percent), peaceful countryside retreats (37 percent), and classic camping sites (14 percent) proved to be the most popular repeat choices, underlining the British public’s affection for natural beauty and tranquil settings.
However, a sizeable proportion – 36 percent – insisted that the thrill of novelty features highly when planning their breaks. This sentiment was echoed in the range of holiday activities UK travellers wanted to try, from wild swimming and paddleboarding to hiking and mountain biking. Darren Whittington, representing The Camping and Caravanning Club, the group responsible for commissioning the study, reflected on these findings, commenting that “we can be creatures of habit, but discovering something new can turn a standard trip into something unforgettable.”
The research reveals that 86 percent of participants embrace the opportunity to try new things when travelling, with nearly two-thirds appreciating the chance to discover unfamiliar places and experiences. A significant number also valued the personal growth and fresh skills that often accompany stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Family togetherness, picked by 47 percent, and the potential to gain a new hobby, reported by 15 percent, were highlighted as additional benefits of exploring beyond usual routines.
When it comes to specific UK destinations, travellers expressed a strong interest in exploring regions such as the Scottish Highlands (36 percent), Cornwall (also 36 percent), and the picturesque Lake District (35 percent). Beach walks (44 percent), historical site visits (41 percent), and trips to botanical gardens (26 percent) featured as the top attractions people wanted to experience on their upcoming holidays, confirming the desire to balance familiar pleasures with enriching new activities.
And while some remain hesitant about venturing into the unknown, the findings indicate that exposure to intriguing local activities can sway even the most routine-bound travellers. A third confessed they might be tempted to try something new if an activity looked interesting and was close by, while over a quarter fancied the idea of gaining a fresh perspective through different experiences.
Darren Whittington added, “There’s such a broad selection of activities available, from the wild and adventurous to the calm and contemplative. Whether your idea of a break is embracing the rugged outdoors or simply changing up your regular routine, the UK offers something for everyone. Now is the perfect moment to explore, experiment, and appreciate the full variety and beauty the nation holds.”
As more Britons opt for staycations—currently making up nearly 60 percent of all trips—the country’s rich diversity of landscapes, history, and activities continues to capture the imagination. While the allure of tradition remains strong, it appears the desire to make new discoveries is well and truly part of the UK holiday experience.
In summary, the study paints a picture of a British public that, while comforted by the familiar, is increasingly open to a mix of old favourites and new adventures, suggesting the ideal staycation could involve both nostalgia and novelty in equal measure.