UK hotels report boost in leisure demand as guests look to stay closer to home

UK destinations have reported an increase in leisure demand amid suggestions of a 2026 staycation boom, with bookings surging by upwards of 40% year-on-year.

Operators believe the surge in bookings is in part due to the global ramifications of the US-Iran war, further boosted by favourable weather reports for the bank holiday weekend.

Nick McIvor, general manager of Three Mile Beach in Cornwall, said the collection of luxury beach houses had seen a sharp increase in bookings since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.

He explained: “We’ve seen a notable increase in demand over the past few months, with bookings 41% ahead compared to the same period last year, since 28 February – ahead of what we’d usually expect early in the summer season. There’s a definite shift towards UK coastal stays, as guests look to stay closer to home and avoid uncertainty around overseas travel.”

Mike Warren, chief executive of Harbour Hotels, has also reported a “significant” year-on-year increase in leisure bookings.

The business, which combines coastal and city assets, said the increase had more than offset a slight deceleration in corporate travel.

Warren said the trend was evidence of guests opting to holiday in the UK, rather than heading overseas.

However, while bookings have seen a positive uptick, there are concerns that economic uncertainty could impact discretionary in-stay spend, which operators said was particularly crucial in the face of increased running costs.

Warren said the business was conscious of price sensitivity and in response had ensured entry-level prices and promotions ensure accessibility.

As well as an increase in bookings, operators have reported lengthening lead times, which have remained stubbornly short since the Covid-19 pandemic, and an increase in average length of stay.

Jen Paylor, commercial director of the Signet Collection of boutique hotels, said: “We’re in the fortunate position of having three hotels with outdoor pools and one situated on the banks of the River Thames, so when the sun is set to shine we see a positive increase in bookings too.

“Looking ahead at bookings across the summer and through to August we have seen our average length of stay increase from 1.9 nights to 2.3 nights based on the same time last year, which only serves to back up the stories we have all been seeing in the news that people are planning to spend more of their holidays in the UK this year.”

Hannah Harrison, commercial director of the Coaching Inn Group, said the business had seen an increase in four- to six-night bookings of more than 20% compared to 2025.

She added: “We’re heading into the bank holiday and half-term period with healthy demand, and staycations continue to perform well thanks to their convenience and flexibility. Guests can decide later, travel shorter distances and still feel they’ve had a proper escape, and that’s something we’re seeing more of this year.

“Booking patterns are seeing a blend of both early planners and spontaneous bookers. Around 22% of our late May and early June bookings were made in the 31-60 day booking period, and that pattern is carrying into summer. At the same time, the one- to two-week booking window is gaining momentum, with good weather forecasts driving quick spikes in demand.”