Devon and Cornwall still top with UK holiday makers

March 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Devon and Cornwall top the list of the UK’s favourite British holiday destinations, according to data released by www.uktourism.co.uk, one of the leading portals promoting holidays in the UK, on the eve British Tourism Week from 12 to 20 March 2011.  Three brochures from Devon and two from Cornwall dominate the top ten most requested titles.  Cumbria and the Lake District came in at a strong third place, Staffordshire a surprise fourth place, and brochures from East Anglia making up most of the rest of those most frequently requested.  At number ten was Blackpool, an enduring North of England favourite.

A wide selection of brochures is available on www.uktourism.co.uk to coincide with UK Tourism Week and to encourage holidaymakers to “choose the UK”.  Everyone who registers on the website will stand a chance of winning a £1000 luxury UK holiday this year.

“It’s no great surprise that the West Country continues to attract vast numbers of tourists thanks to its milder climate and outstanding scenery and beaches.  Cornwall is clearly a draw for surfers, and our Gardens of Cornwall brochure, which includes the world renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project, has been one of our most popular,” said Ginna Clark from www.uktourism.co.uk.  “Neighbouring Dorset is also still growing in popularity despite not making the top ten – in fact the number of requests so far in 2011 has already doubled from this time last year.”  

www.uktourism.co.uk had expected plenty of request for Cumbrian brochures, as the Lake District has been the top non-beach UK destination for years.  Perhaps more surprising is the appearance of Staffordshire at number four, clearly scoring a hit with The Potteries, and appealing to the young with no fewer than three steam railways, Alton Towers Resort, and Drayton Manor Theme Park.  Ginna Clark added, “Staffordshire’s appeal as a central England location is indicative of the growth of the ‘staycation’ during the credit crunch.  With a wealth of attractions which appeal to young families, it isn’t a long journey for most, keeping travelling costs and carbon footprints low; and with plenty to do and see, it doesn’t rely on good weather in the unpredictable UK climate.”

Just outside the top ten, the young are keen on Scotland, it seems.  From a sample of over 2,000 who made online requests for Scottish holiday brochures, 35% of which were from the 18 - 30 age range; while a further 23% of all requests came from 30-40 years olds.

The most requested Scottish region was Argyll, Loch Lomond, Stirling and The Trossachs, more than 59% of requests for which came from London and the South of England.  10% of requests came from Scots, patriotically holidaying at home.  

Golf is a popular activity holiday theme for brochure requests in Scotland but, less predictably, 72% of all requests came from females.  “It seems that either more ladies are taking up the game, or those that like to go sightseeing while their other halves play golf are determined that they will at least choose where they end up,” concluded Ginna Clark.  

Other highly requested regions which were more surprising were Hull & East Yorkshire and Medway & the Heart of Kent.  This demonstrates a trend away from classic beach-oriented family holidays, towards a best of both worlds combination of one favourite seaside location such as Bridlington in Yorkshire or Herne Bay in Kent, combined with an array of activity venues, historic houses, country parks and specialist museums.  Both regions are popular with history lovers; York boasting The Shambles, Jorvik, York Cathedral and National Railway Museum; and Kent its castles, Dickensian towns, Churchill’s former home of Chartwell and the Historic Dockyards at Chatham.  

For further information and brochures visit: www.uktourism.co.uk.

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