A survey has revealed four in 10 UK staycationers are returning to the same destination out of a desire to “play it safe”.

Knowing which part of the UK to visit can be a tough choice when planning a tour, whether you choose one of the best caravan sites to pitch up at or are thinking of caravanning off-grid and staying at a more rural site, with plenty of varied and fascinating areas to explore.

Now, research conducted on behalf of the Camping and Caravanning Club by One Poll, has revealed 77% of UK travellers will “at least sometimes” return to a place they’ve previously visited.

The poll of 1,200 UK travellers saw 37% say they like returning to the same destination so they can return to a beautiful spot, while for 31%, it’s for the memories. 20% also said they like visiting somewhere that feels like “a home away from home”.

The UK’s beautiful scenery can play a part here too, with 48% of holidaymakers who are returning to a particular area saying they intend to visit a particular beach again, while 32% say they want to take in a scenic viewpoint once more. A good eatery can play a part too, with 37% wanting to return to a certain restaurant.

Despite all this, 36% say they think getting to try new things is the best aspect of a UK holiday, while 86% said they like trying new things while away.

Those who enjoy embracing pastimes on tour, such as picking a caravan site for fishing, will be unsurprised to hear that for 15% of people, it can be a great way to try a new hobby, while 47% enjoy it for getting the chance to bond with their families. Favourite activities included:

  • Discovering a hidden gem (41%)
  • Embarking on a cross-country road trip (24%)
  • Visiting a favourite film or TV show set (23%)
  • Wild swimming (14%)
  • Paddleboarding (13%)
  • Mountain climbing and biking (12%)

Picturesque holiday spots are also high on the agenda, with the Scottish Highlands (36%), Cornwall (36%) and the Lake District (35%) among the areas people are most keen to explore.

Darren Whittington, the Deputy Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We can be creatures of habit when it comes to our holidays, but there’s so much to see in the UK.”

“Trying a new activity or taking up a hobby can elevate a holiday to one you’ll never forget.”

“With UK holidays now making up 59 per cent of all the trips we take, there’s a lot of opportunity to discover new places and things to do, creating memories that will last a lifetime along the way.”

The C&CC also recently announced it would be pausing its attendance at the October NEC Show and the 2026 February Show.

Lead image: Phil Russell

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