Blackpool Crowned Top Autumn Destination
13 November 2023
by Visit Blackpool
Autumn is in full swing, bringing with it golden leaves, cosy nights, and Christmas just on the horizon. Although the weather might be getting a little cooler, now is a great chance to take advantage of the quieter, off-season travel.
From the beaches of Cornwall to the mountains of the Lake District, the UK is packed full of beautiful staycation destinations. But, where in the UK is the most popular - and most affordable - among holiday-makers?
With this question in mind, credit card brand Aqua has conducted new research, looking at the average monthly number of Google searches for hotels in 50 towns and villages across the country, as well as the price of hotels, and how popular each destination is on TikTok. Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua, has also provided some top tips for how to keep costs down when on a staycation.
Blackpool is the most popular staycation destination in the UK, with an average of 135,000 Google searches per month
Blackpool has been crowned the most popular destination for a staycation in the UK, with 135,000 monthly searches for hotels in the area – the highest of all locations analysed. The seaside resort is also very popular on TikTok, with 980.8 million hashtag views on the platform meaning there are plenty of picturesque moments to capture this autumn, and it offers the second cheapest accommodation prices of all destinations analysed, with a one-night stay averaging £72.68.
Blackpool has been a much-loved summer holiday destination among Brits for years, and there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained throughout autumn and winter too. The town’s world-famous Illuminations display is back for another year, running from September through to 1st January, and for those looking to get a little festive, the town’s Christmas by the Sea will be open from 17th November.
| Rank |
Location |
Avg. monthly Google search volume |
Avg. hotel price per night |
TikTok hashtag views |
| 1 |
Blackpool |
135,000 |
£72.68 |
980,800,000 |
| 2 |
Bournemouth |
90,500 |
£87.52 |
868,300,000 |
| 3 |
Scarborough |
49,500 |
£94.64 |
686,400,000 |
| 4 |
Whitby |
49,500 |
£110.36 |
587,700,000 |
| 5 |
Swansea |
27,100 |
£110.96 |
622,400,000 |
| 6 |
Sunderland |
880 |
£91.80 |
672,400,000 |
| 7 |
Poole |
14,800 |
£111.44 |
421,900,000 |
| 8 |
Weymouth |
33,100 |
£80.12 |
79,500,000 |
| 9 |
Hastings |
27,100 |
£102.56 |
109,600,000 |
| =10 |
Weston-Super-Mare |
27,100 |
£88.68 |
34,900,000 |
| =10 |
Eastbourne |
27,100 |
£94.16 |
58,400,000 |
Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua says, “Whether you’re heading off on an autumn getaway, or planning ahead for half-term or Christmas, staycations can be a great way to get some rest and relaxation. From skipping the airport chaos to cutting down travel times, holidaying close to home offers plenty of benefits, and might also save you money on things like flight costs and airport parking.”
“There are simple steps holiday-makers can take to keep costs down when they’re on their staycation too. While it’s nice to treat yourself to a few meals out when on holiday, choosing self-catered accommodation, and bringing some of your own food, could save you a lot of money. When it comes to activities, do your research ahead of time to see if any attractions have discounted entry, and some places, such as museums and art galleries, are often free. Getting outside in nature is almost always free too, so if you’re by the sea or near national parks, be sure to spend some time exploring some of the unique scenery we have on our doorstep.”