Brixham in Devon has been named as the UK’s fastest-growing hotspot for staycations in 2025 in a study by Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The town – known for its rich maritime heritage, active fishing industry, and picturesque harbour – has seen the biggest increase in bookings year-on-year, up 62%, according to the analysis.
Sykes said this sends a strong signal for holiday let owners in the area. Indeed, the county features heavily in the holiday let company’s top ten hotspots this year.
Second in the list is Teignmouth in Devon where bookings have increased by 32% and Paignton, also in the county, took fifth place after bookings rose by 25% this year.
Bideford in Devon was in eighth place following a 24% rise in bookings.
Second in the list is Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire where bookings increased by 31%. Sykes said both this, and second-place Teignmouth were set for heightened traveller interest and potentially stronger returns for holiday let owners.
Other rising destinations in the top ten include Newborough in Anglesey (+30%) and Porthmadog in Gwynedd (+25%), suggesting a growing appetite for coastal retreats.
James Shaw, managing director at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “A significant number of Brits are planning to take a break within the UK this year which is positive news for holiday let owners up and down the country.
“Especially those with properties in ‘trending’ locations who are particularly well placed to benefit from increased occupancy.
“While we recognise that some owners are facing increasing pressure from recent tax changes, the continued growth in domestic bookings – particularly in trending locations – presents a valuable opportunity to offset those challenges with strong demand and healthy returns.
“The enduring appeal of UK staycations is not only supporting local economies but also helping many owners navigate this shifting landscape.”
The report also revealed that spending on staycations is up 17% year-on-year, rising to £1,292 per family compared to £1,070 in 2024.
The findings are part of Sykes’ latest Staycation Index report which analyses UK holiday habits and booking patterns.
Top 10 ‘trending’ locations in 2025, based on year-on-year bookings growth (Source: Sykes Holiday Cottages)
| Ranking | Location | Percentage growth in bookings |
| 1 | Brixham, Torbay | 62% |
| 2 | Teignmouth, Devon | 32% |
| 3 | Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire | 31% |
| 4 | Newborough, Anglesey | 30% |
| 5 | Paignton, Torbay | 25% |
| 6 | Porthmadog, Gwynedd | 25% |
| 7 | Warkworth, Northumberland | 25% |
| 8 | Bideford, Devon | 24% |
| 9 | Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset | 23% |
| 10 | Morecombe, Lancashire | 22% |
