The recent heatwave in Britain has led to a surge in sales for the staycation industry. High temperatures attracted day-trippers to popular tourist spots and increased overnight stays, coinciding with the bank holiday weekend and school breaks.

Awaze, Europe’s largest holiday rentals provider, has noted a significant uptick in last-minute bookings to British seaside destinations. Bookings for coastal properties in north-west England through Cottages.com spiked by 50%, while Hoseasons saw a 62% year-on-year increase in bookings for seaside homes.

Popular destinations like Whitby, Bridlington, and Filey have experienced high demand through Cottages.com, while places like Great Yarmouth, Bude, and Weston-Super-Mare have been favored through Hoseasons.

The rise in demand for staycations is not only due to the heatwave but also attributed to concerns about traveling abroad, such as costs and long queues at passport control.

According to Matthew Price, the CEO of Awaze, the surge in coastal bookings reflects a preference for quick and affordable getaways, with holidaymakers seeking coastal charm and relaxation closer to home.

Gulliver’s Theme Parks and Resorts’ managing director, Julie Dalton, mentioned that scorching temperatures deterred some visitors initially, but they are now seeing positive signs, driven by changing customer habits towards more cost-conscious activities like picnics.

The tourism industry is expected to receive additional support following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement to reduce VAT on summer attractions and children’s meals to ease the financial burden on families.

While the industry remains cautiously optimistic, the impact of these measures is yet to be fully realized.