One lucky winner could bag a £1,000 UK holiday voucher as Britain’s staycation boom continues in 2026, with St Ives crowned the nation’s most sought-after destination once again.
The prize comes as Sykes Holiday Cottages’ latest Staycation Index reveals demand for UK breaks remains strong, particularly among younger travellers.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 28% of adults are more likely to take a holiday on home soil this year than in 2025.
St Ives holds onto the top spot as the 2026 most sought-after staycation destination, ahead of Bamburgh in Northumberland, which enters the ranking in second place. Lake District favourites Ambleside and Grasmere follow in third and fourth, with Robin Hood’s Bay completing the top five.
Coastal destinations continue to dominate Brits’ favourite places to stay, making up six of the top 10. Brighton rises to sixth, overtaking Lyme Regis, while Salcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water both move into the top 10.
More than a third of adults are planning to take their main holiday in the UK this year (38%), with younger travellers leading the staycation trend. Over half of Gen Z say they’re opting for a UK break (53%, up from 45% last year), as more people look to explore closer to home.
Brits are also making the most of their time away, with many considering multi-stop trips that take in several destinations in one break (64%), typically visiting around three locations. Scenic locations remain the biggest draw (67%), alongside the chance to relax (48%), visit attractions (48%) and reconnecting with friends and family (38%).
The £1,000 Sykes Holiday Cottages voucher up for grabs can be spent on a trip to one of thousands of UK properties, from coastal cottages in Cornwall to countryside escapes in the Lake District and beyond.
HOW TO ENTER – Simply complete the online entry form below, click here if you cannot view the entry form. The winner will be selected at random and contacted after the closing date of Tuesday, 30th June, 2026. Full terms and conditions available on entry.
James Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “The continued popularity of UK breaks shows that staycations remain a key part of how Brits holiday, with more people choosing to stay at home and prioritising value, flexibility and reassurance when planning time away, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty around overseas travel.
“What’s especially notable this year is the growing influence of younger travellers. Gen Z is increasingly embracing UK holidays, with more people opting for experience-led trips that combine scenery, food, culture and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one break.
“From seaside towns and national parks to countryside retreats, the UK continues to offer an enormous variety of holiday experiences, and that’s reflected in the strength and diversity of destinations featured in this year’s rankings.”
Top 10 UK staycation destinations for 2026:
1. St Ives, Cornwall
2. Bamburgh, Northumberland
3. Ambleside, Lake District
4. Grasmere, Lake District
5. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
6. Brighton, East Sussex
7. Lyme Regis, Dorset
8. Bakewell, Peak District
9. Salcombe, Devon
10. Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
To view the full Sykes Staycation Index report, click here