The Staycation Boom - Why UK Holidays Are Here to Stay
The way people holiday has changed. For decades, the default for many families was to go abroad. But in the past five years, something has shifted. More and more people are discovering the value of staying closer to home, and the UK staycation market is booming.
At Plas Coch Luxury Escapes (PCLE), we have seen this shift first-hand. Bookings have grown year on year, and 2025 is already on track to exceed our strong results from last year. In 2024 alone, PCLE generated more than £90,000 in revenue, with occupancy rates regularly exceeding 70%. That kind of growth shows just how strong the demand for UK breaks has become.
The wider picture backs it up. Research shows that 73% of adults in the UK are now more likely to choose a staycation over a holiday abroad. Snowdonia alone attracts over four million visitors a year, with numbers up 40% since 2018. By 2025, the UK tourism industry is expected to be worth more than £257 billion. These are not short-term trends. They are long-term changes in how people travel.
For families, the appeal is simple. Staycations are more affordable, more flexible, and often less stressful than travelling abroad. Parents can avoid the cost of flights, the hassle of airports, and the risk of cancellations. Instead, they can enjoy some of the most beautiful parts of the UK, from national parks to coastal escapes.
For local communities, the benefits are huge too. Every staycation supports local businesses, from cafes and pubs to cleaners and tradespeople. At PCLE, we always try to employ locally and work with local suppliers, because we know that the ripple effect of tourism can be transformative.
For investors, the staycation boom represents a major opportunity. Demand is rising, supply is limited, and well-managed properties in the right areas can generate strong returns. At PCLE, we have built our reputation on creating unique, comfortable stays that meet this demand, whether through barn conversions, cottages, or bespoke holiday pods.
What I have learnt through PCLE is that the staycation market is not just about offering a place to sleep. It is about creating experiences that people remember. Guests want comfort, but they also want authenticity. They want to feel part of the local area, to enjoy the landscape, and to create lasting memories with their families.
Staycations are here to stay, and I believe they will continue to grow for years to come. For me, the most rewarding part is knowing that our projects are not only successful as businesses, but also bring joy to families and contribute to the communities they are based in.