The UK destinations Brits plan to visit for the first time this year amid coronavirus travel fears
Two-thirds of Britons have decided against travelling abroad this year amid coronavirus travel fears, and will instead enjoy a UK holiday.
Instead of heading for warmer climates, Britons will opt to visit places in the UK they’ve never visited before, according to research by Jury's Inn and Leonardo Hotels.
The top choices among those looking for a first-time trip a little closer to home are Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Brighton beach, the Lake District and Padstow in Cornwall.
Other landmarks like Durdle Door, Snowdonia and the Tower of London also made the cut.
Read more: Funny people are twice as likely to come from the North, study finds
On 4 July, some countries opened up to UK tourists for the first time in three months.
Countries including France and Spain in Europe and Thailand and Australia further afield have been determined as safe enough for Britons to visit, but this hasn’t put everybody’s minds at ease, with some making the decision to stay in the UK for their summer holidays.
37% of people surveyed confessed that they were looking forward to a UK holiday after usually opting to spend their summer holidays abroad.
Given the toll that the coronavirus has had on the hospitality industry, some people are looking forward to having the opportunity to bolster their favourite British towns and cities.
Read more: Britain’s best-loved cake revealed
The majority of UK holidaymakers plan to drive to Cornwall for their summer holiday, looking to soak in the almost-abroad-like sun at the equally-as-good-as-abroad beaches.
The Lake District came in second on the list, which is always a popular one for adventurers, with hikes and cycling trails aplenty.
“It appears that the nation is feeling positive and even looking forward to a British break this year. It’s no surprise really as the UK is home to some beautiful sights and plenty of ‘bucket list’ activities that the whole family can enjoy,” said Suzanne Cannon, group marketing manager of Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels said.
Read more: Why we’re proud to be British during lockdown
It seems it’s not just about the location, either. For some, it’s all about the food and drink.
With restaurants, pubs and bars having been closed during lockdown, people are looking for a classic British experience – to make up for what they’ve missed.
What’s more British than a good old-fashioned meal of fish and chips? 65% of people said they were most looking forward to heading to the nearest seaside town and getting their hands on some.
Others are thinking longingly about sitting in a sun-trap beer garden for the first time since lockdown.
Top 30 first time UK holiday destinations:
Padstow, Cornwall: 18%
The Lake District: 16%
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh: 10%
The Yorkshire Dales: 10%
The Rock (Cornwall): 10%
Snowdonia: 10%
Jersey: 10%
Stonehenge, Wiltshire: 10%
Port Isaac, Cornwall: 10%
Hadrian’s Wall: 10%
Loch Ness, Scotland: 8%
London Eye: 8%
Durdle Door: 8%
Peak District: 8%
Ben Nevis: 8%
Blackpool Tower: 8%
Tower of London: 7%
Brighton Beach: 7%
The Scottish Highlands: 7%
Brighton Pier: 7%
The Eden Project, Cornwall: 7%
Land’s End, Cornwall: 7%
Guernsey: 7%
Edinburgh Castle: 6%
The Jurassic Coast, Devon to Dorset: 5%
The Roman Baths, Bath: 5%
Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Somerset: 5%
Salcombe: 4%
Dawlish Beach, Exeter: 4%
The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland: 4%
