Due to the Covid-19’s impact on the travel industry, it’s no surprise to see a 156% increase for the search term “UK staycation” compared to this time last year – but which locations are holidaymakers likely to flock to as restrictions are expected to be eased from 4 July?

Leading caravan insurance provider Safeguard has analysed Instagram’s location hashtags to reveal the nation’s favourite English and Scottish staycation hotspots – with Devon taking the top spot.

Safeguard has combined this social media insight with Accu Weather, weather data to highlight which location is best to visit if warm weather is a high priority on someone’s list – and Exmoor weather predictions are currently showing 30-34 degrees for July 2020 – meaning we can expect to see plenty of visitors if opening is permitted. 

The Top 10 UK Staycation Hotspots	Instagram posts	Suggested Camping sites
Devon	3,440,167	Langstone Manor Holiday Park
The Lake District	2,635,488	Irton House Farm
Dorset	1,929,328	Burnbake Forest Lodges& Higher Moor Farm Campsite
Northumberland	979,524	Straker Lodges&Riverside Country Park
Yorkshire Dales	432,717	Bainbridge Ings&Pembroke Caravan Park
Oban	200,285	Oban Caravan and Camping Park
Exmoor	164,054	Quantock Orchard Caravan Park
Aviemore	123,067	Glenmore Campsite
Dumfries	102,34	Southerness Holiday Park
North York Moors	96,991	Hillside Caravan Park

The suggested caravan and camping sites for each location have been contacted and verified for opening early July, depending on the progress and circumstance of COVID-19. 

What about Wales?

The top 10 list doesn’t feature sites in Wales, where caravan & camping parks and holiday cottage providers are anxiously awaiting the First Minister’s announcement tomorrow to see if they will be able to open.

Gower holiday cottage owner, Jon Dickson, said they were ready to reopen once the Welsh Government gives them the green light:

“We were fully booked before lockdown and many of our clients still want to come, we can’t wait to start welcoming guests to our cottages again. We are committed to keeping clients safe and the cottages are completely cleaned and sanitised in between groups – Gower’s remote location is perfect for a quiet break in stunning scenery. My wife and I used the lockdown time to add a new pond to Hael Farm Cottage – hopefully guests will love it as much as we do!

Pembrokeshire campsite owner Geraint Jenkins added:

“Dunston Hill campsite is just a few miles from beautiful beaches at Newgale and Little Haven, so we’d normally be busy at this time of year. Rural Welsh businesses depend heavily on tourism, so as well as being great to see our regular campers and caravanners, it will also help our local economy. We really hope the First Minister brings good news tomorrow – although like everyone, our first priority will be the safety and comfort of our guests when we re-open.”