Cornwall has once again cemented its reputation as one of Britain’s favourite holiday regions, with this coastal spot named the UK’s most popular staycation destination for summer 2026.
The seaside town, long known for its golden beaches, arty atmosphere and postcard-perfect harbour views, came out on top in new research from Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The ranking suggests that British holidaymakers are still leaning heavily towards coastal escapes, with the charm of a classic beach break proving hard to beat.
Why St Ives stands out as the UK’s most popular staycation destination for summer 2026
St Ives beat a mix of coastal and countryside favourites, including Bamburgh, Ambleside and Brighton, showing that the appetite for domestic travel remains strong this summer.
St Ives has built a reputation as one of Cornwall’s most appealing towns thanks to its combination of beaches, galleries, independent shops and relaxed seaside energy.
It has long attracted visitors looking for a holiday that feels both scenic and culturally rich, which helps explain why it continues to perform so well in travel rankings.
The town’s appeal is broad enough to suit families, couples and solo travellers alike, offering everything from beach days and coastal walks to food-led trips and arts-focused weekends.
That mix makes it especially attractive at a time when many travellers are choosing shorter, easier-to-plan breaks closer to home.
The top 10 UK staycation spots this summer 2026
Sykes Holiday Cottages’ 2026 ranking, places St Ives at number one, followed by a strong showing from other well-known UK destinations. The top 10 are: St Ives, Bamburgh, Ambleside, Grasmere, Robin Hood’s Bay, Brighton, Lyme Regis, Bakewell, Salcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water.
It is a telling list because it blends seaside favourites with rural and scenic inland spots, underlining how varied the UK staycation market has become. Still, the fact that a Cornish town leads the pack shows the continued pull of the British coast when temperatures rise.
