Over a third of UK vacationers opt for familiar locations, seeking security in repeated visits
In a survey conducted by One Poll on behalf of the Camping and Caravanning Club, it was revealed that UK travellers are increasingly seeking new experiences and cultural destinations for their holidays.
Despite 36% of respondents stating that getting to try new things is the best aspect of a UK holiday, 4 in 10 UK staycationers are returning to the same destination out of a desire to "play it safe". However, the reasons for this return are varied.
37% of respondents said they like returning to the same destination so they can return to a beautiful spot, while for 31%, it's for the memories. Additionally, 37% want to return to a certain restaurant. Interestingly, 20% also said they like visiting somewhere that feels like "a home away from home".
The survey also found that favourite activities for travellers include discovering a hidden gem (41%), embarking on a cross-country road trip (24%), visiting a favourite film or TV show set (23%), wild swimming (14%), paddleboarding (13%), mountain climbing and biking (12%).
According to Darren Whittington, Deputy Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, UK holidays offer a lot of opportunity for discovering new places and things to do. Whittington suggests that trying a new activity or taking up a hobby can make a holiday unforgettable.
The survey by One Poll also found that 77% of UK travellers will at least sometimes return to a place they've previously visited. However, a trend towards exploring new places over repeat visits to the same spot is evident, with 58% of Brits preferring to travel to lesser-known destinations rather than tourist hotspots.
Cultural or entertainment-related attractions, such as filming locations, motivate 24% of Brits in their travel decisions, which may encourage variety rather than returning to the same place repeatedly.
The Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, and the Lake District are among the areas people are most keen to explore. The Camping and Caravanning Club (C&CC) has announced it will pause its attendance at the October NEC Show and the 2026 February Show, with a focus on promoting exploration and discovery within the UK.
Many UK staycationers seek reliable mobile connectivity and accessible amenities, indicating that comfort and convenience influence destination choice. The Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby was identified as the most booked staycation destination in the UK for summer 2025, with bookings up 4% year on year, suggesting some repeat visits or strong popularity.
In conclusion, while exact percentages about loyalty to the same destination are not available from the search data, it appears many UK staycationers are motivated by new experiences, cultural interest, and practical factors like connectivity and amenities rather than consistently returning to one location.
In light of the findings from the One Poll survey, some UK travelers might find 'buying guides' for new experiences, cultural destinations, or activities in the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, or Cornwall, where there's a growing trend towards exploration and discovery. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to return to familiar spots, 'caravan sites' in these areas could offer a 'lifestyle' that blends comfort, memories, and a sense of "a home away from home". The survey also indicates that 'home-and-garden' enthusiasts might appreciate visits to filming locations, while adrenaline-seekers could look forward to wild swimming, paddleboarding, mountain climbing, and biking in lesser-known destinations.
