British domestic tourism is having a significant moment. A combination of changing travel attitudes, improved domestic offerings, and a renewed appreciation for what the UK itself has to offer has driven a measurable increase in domestic holiday bookings in 2025 and 2026. Here are the destinations drawing British travellers home — and tips for making the most of them.
According to VisitBritain data, domestic overnight trips in the UK increased by 11% in 2025 compared with the prior year. Hotels, self-catering operators, and visitor attractions in many parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are reporting their strongest seasons in years.
Destinations Seeing the Strongest Growth
The Scottish Highlands and Islands. Scotland's wild landscapes, whisky distilleries, and genuine remoteness have always attracted visitors — but the combination of improved accessibility, excellent new accommodation, and the draw of the North Coast 500 route have made it a genuine first-choice destination for a growing number of English and Welsh travellers. The Isle of Skye remains a headline draw; less-visited islands like Islay and Harris offer comparable beauty with considerably fewer crowds.
Cornwall and the South West. The perennial favourite has not lost its appeal, but travellers who want to move beyond the familiar spots are finding excellent options in Exmoor, the Jurassic Coast, and Dartmoor. The growth of quality coastal walking routes — including the South West Coast Path — has broadened the appeal beyond the traditional beach holiday market.
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. Increasingly well-served by quality accommodation and excellent walking, cycling, and food tourism infrastructure, Yorkshire's moorland and dale country has emerged as one of the most consistent beneficiaries of growing domestic travel interest. Harrogate, Richmond, and Helmsley are worth considering as bases.
Wales. Snowdonia has the profile; the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire, and the Wye Valley have the quality. Wales offers some of the most dramatic and accessible landscape in Britain, with generally lower accommodation costs than comparable English destinations and a warmth of welcome that visitors consistently comment on.
Northern Ireland. The Causeway Coast, the Mourne Mountains, and the transformed city of Belfast constitute a genuinely world-class domestic destination that remains significantly undervisited by mainland British travellers. The opening of new heritage attractions and the continued development of hospitality infrastructure make 2026 an excellent time to visit for the first time.
Tips for Getting the Most from Domestic Travel in 2026
- Book accommodation early for peak season. Popular spots — particularly in Scotland, Cornwall, and the Lake District — fill up quickly for July and August. Book three to four months ahead for the best selection.
- Consider shoulder seasons. May, June, September, and October offer many of the same experiences as peak summer with smaller crowds, lower prices, and often better weather for walking and outdoor activities.
- Look beyond the obvious. Many of Britain's most rewarding travel experiences are in places that rarely make the glossy magazine lists. Ask locals, read regional travel writing, and be willing to go slightly off the obvious route.