- The heatwave means Brits are opting for holidays closer to home, with 53% of guest arrivals on Airbnb in the UK this summer coming from domestic travellers
- Airbnb data today reveals almost 1.5m Brits holidaying in UK this summer
- Benllech in Wales tops the list of fastest growing destinations
With the UK in the midst of a scorching summer, a staggering number of Brits are swapping their summer holidays abroad for staycations closer to home, Airbnb today reveals*.
As the country remains a popular tourist destination, with 2.8 million guest arrivals through Airbnb across the summer months, Brits make up over half of holidaymakers (53%) to the UK.
With temperatures continuing to rise across the country and record highs of 37C** expected in some places this week, it’s no wonder that the nation is choosing to stay put this summer and embrace the tropical temperatures.
British seaside locations are feeling the benefit too, with Benllech, a village with just over 3,000 people in Anglesey expecting an inbound guest arrival growth of 350%, becoming the top trending UK location through Airbnb, as waves of sunseekers flock to the Welsh town during the heatwave.
As ever, the capital remains a popular destination with London coming in second and the port town of Lossiemouth in Scotland taking third as tourists follow the sunny climes north.
Slough, still basking in the afterglow and unexpected tourist boost from the Royal Wedding has also retained its status as a top UK destination this summer.
Proving we’re a nation of sun-seekers, holidaymakers are snapping up homes listed on Airbnb featuring BBQs, private pools and outdoor spaces. Of the listings booked around the world this summer by UK travellers, almost a quarter of a million (245,000) boast BBQs and nearly half a million (480,000) have balconies or patios. Bookings have been made for 57,000 beachside listings, and 64,000 homes with swimming pools allowing guests to cool off in during the summer months.
Top 10 trending UK destinations on Airbnb this summer***:
- Benllech, Wales
- London, England
- Lossiemouth, Scotland
- Mundesley, England
- Fort Augustus, Scotland
- Slough, England
- Kilgetty, Wales
- Linlithgow, Scotland
- Criccieth, Wales
- Lytham St Annes, England
With such fantastic weather, it’s no wonder that Brits are deciding to stay closer to home and enjoy the beautiful beaches and countryside that the UK has to offer this summer. So many of the fantastic homes listed on Airbnb have BBQs, swimming pools and amazing beachside locations, perfect for enjoying the sunshine at home or further afield.
Airbnb spokesperson
All homes in this press release are intended purely to inspire and illustrate.Airbnb does not recommend or endorse these listings or any other homes on the platform.
*Airbnb data taken from 21st June 2018 to 22nd September 2018. Stats pulled on 26th July, as time goes on more listings will become available and more bookings will be made, so the figures are expected to rise.
**Taken from the Met Office: https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1022069509195227136
***Trending destinations in the UK this summer in terms of YoY growth in inbound guest arrivals (2018-06-21 to 2018-09-22 vs 2017-06-21 to 2017-09-22)