Why holidaymakers are choosing the UK for those all-important getaways
For years, summer holidays have often meant airport queues, packed terminals, long-haul flights and the excitement of heading overseas. But in 2026, many Britons are rethinking what they really want from a break away. Increasingly, the answer is something a little simpler — a UK staycation.
From coast to countryside, the UK is experiencing a rise in summer staycationsRecent research from YouGov suggests that changing global events are having a noticeable impact on how people feel about travelling abroad this year.
But while headlines may be influencing travel confidence, they’re also encouraging many people to rediscover something closer to home: the joy of a UK summer break.
Because sometimes, the perfect escape doesn’t need a passport.
The Appeal of Simpler Summer Holidays
The idea of a “stress-free holiday” has never felt more valuable. For many travellers, the appeal of a UK staycation goes far beyond convenience. It’s about making the most of precious time away without the added pressure that sometimes comes as standard with overseas travel.
That first coffee of the day is one life’s simple pleasuresNo early-morning airport alarms or baggage restrictions. No navigating unfamiliar transport systems or confusion if things get delayed. Instead, guests are increasingly choosing holidays where relaxation begins as soon as they hit the road.
Of course, while many people will still travel abroad this summer, the research suggests that the growing trend represents those deciding a closer-to-home break simply feels easier, calmer and more enjoyable right now.
And when the British summer arrives in full swing, there’s plenty to rediscover right here in the UK.
Why the UK Comes Into Its Own in Summer
There’s something unmistakably special about the Great British Summer.
Long evenings spent outdoors. Seaside walks with an ice cream in hand. Countryside views glowing in the late-afternoon sunshine. Relaxed drinks in the shade, live entertainment drifting through the evening air.
Across the UK, summer creates the perfect backdrop for slowing down and enjoying quality time together — whether that means a few days by the coast, a countryside escape or simply a chance to recharge without travelling too far from home.
The Potters Theatre Company perform nightly at Potters Resorts Five Lakes and Hopton-on-SeaIt’s one reason a UK staycation resonates with those looking for flexibility and comfort. Shorter travel times mean you can make the most of your time off, while familiar surroundings and easy journeys help remove some of the stress that can build up around bigger trips abroad.
And increasingly, people are recognising that a memorable holiday experience doesn’t need to involve crossing continents. It’s about how a break makes you feel.
Relaxed. Looked after. Entertained. Reconnected.
That’s where the appeal of UK breaks becomes even stronger, especially those that come with everything included.
Holidays That Feel Easy Again
One of the biggest changes in travel over recent years is that people are placing greater value on simplicity.
Rather than planning every detail separately — flights, transfers, restaurants, activities and entertainment — many guests are looking for holidays where everything is already taken care of.
Full board dining comes as standard on every Potters breakFully-inclusive or all-inclusive breaks continue to grow in popularity. They offer clarity, comfort and peace of mind at a time when travellers are increasingly conscious of value and convenience.
At Potters — the UK’s Only Fully Inclusive Resorts — that philosophy has always been at the heart of the experience.
Guests can enjoy a five-star experience in Norfolk or Essex that includes delicious dining, refreshing drinks, outstanding live entertainment, daytime activities and comfortable accommodation.
A huge choice of activities is included within one simple break price at Potters ResortsBetter yet, it’s all wrapped up in one hassle-free and easy-to-plan break. Instead of worrying about hidden extras or organising every moment, it’s simply about enjoying time away together from the very moment you arrive.
Discovering the Best of the British Coast and Countryside
One of the joys of a UK staycation is the variety on offer — and summer is the perfect time to experience it.
At Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea, adults can enjoy the charm of the Norfolk coast, where sea breezes, sunshine and coastal scenery create the perfect atmosphere for a summer escape. Days can be as relaxed or as active as you like, whether that means enjoying outdoor activities, exploring nearby seaside spots or settling in for an evening of spectacular live entertainment.
Over the six-week summer holidays, that invitation extends to families and guests of all ages across a packed #SummerOfFun.
Fully Inclusive Family Breaks feature during the school holidays at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-SeaMeanwhile, at Potters Resorts Five Lakes in Essex, guests can unwind among beautiful and peaceful countryside surroundings, with adult-only breaks throughout the summer.
Both resorts offer something many travellers are increasingly seeking in 2026: holidays that feel effortless. No rushing. No complicated itineraries. Just quality experiences, good company and time to properly switch off.
Potters Resorts Five Lakes is set in over 330 acres of Essex countrysideThe Rise of the “Closer to Home” Mindset
The phrase “staycation” once carried the idea of compromise — but that perception has changed dramatically in recent years.
Today, UK staycations are being embraced not as second-best alternatives, but as genuine first choices. Travellers are becoming more intentional about how they spend their leisure time — and there’s also a growing appreciation for what’s already on our doorstep.
In a world that often feels busier and more uncertain than ever, holidays that feel straightforward and comforting carry a special kind of value.
The Boating Lake at Potters Resorts Five Lakes, EssexThat’s why more guests are embracing the idea of staying closer to home this summer — choosing breaks where the focus isn’t on complicated travel plans, but on enjoying every moment away.
At Potters Resorts, that simplicity goes many steps further. With inclusive dining, drinks and daytime activities to outstanding live entertainment and award-winning hospitality, it’s a refreshingly different option.
Enjoy the summer sun over your favourite drink and live entertainment on outdoor terracesPotters is a place where every detail is centred around helping guests switch off and enjoy their time together, without hidden extras and holiday hassle. It’s hospitality at its best.
And if you’re yet to experience it, just remember — sometimes the most rewarding escapes are closer than you think.
Start your staycation journey with the award-winning Potters Resorts, by tapping below:
