2026 is shaping up to be the year of the staycation, with holiday let firms reporting record demand for ‘last minute’ half-term breaks around the UK, from Devon and Dorset to Kent, Cornwall and the Lake District.
A St Ives-based holiday let specialist described yesterday as “epic” for bookings due to the heatwave but experts say the surge in demand is also being driven by higher air fares and general uncertainty about travel due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Kate Allen, Owner at Kingsbridge-based Finest Stays, a luxury holiday let firm in Devon, has been busier than ever with bookings.
She said: “Without doubt, this is our busiest and most booked May half-term on record. Revenue during this week alone has increased by 92% compared to the same period last year, whilst occupancy has jumped from 78% to 96%.
“We have just three properties left across our entire portfolio for a full week’s stay. Availability has become about as rare as spotting a mermaid off the Devon coast, as the sunshine arrives in perfect time for half-term.
“This isn’t just a heatwave effect, either. Booking momentum has been strong across the wider year due to travel uncertainty and rising flight prices and the result is you’ve got the ideal conditions for a standout staycation season.
“More and more people want simplicity: less airport stress and more time actually enjoying their holiday.”
Leanne Hemingway, Owner at Dorset Cottage Holidays, also reported surging demand during 2026 to date: “Demand for cottage holidays here on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast has surged this year. 80% of our availability is already booked for May 2026 and only a handful of nights remain over the half-term period.
“With the strong forecast for warm weather and continued interest in UK staycations, we anticipate being fully booked in the coming weeks.”
It’s not just the south coast that is seeing demand skyrocket, either. Niall Mellonie, Managing Director at Windermere-based holiday let firm, Laik, also reported stronger seasonal demand.
He said: “We’re definitely seeing holiday lets heating up ahead of half-term, especially with the warm weather forecast arriving at exactly the right time for the Lake District. Over the past seven days, enquiries have increased by around 35% week-on-week, with a sharp rise in last-minute family bookings.
“Occupancy across our portfolio for half-term is already above 90%, with many larger family properties fully booked.
“We’re also seeing continued demand for shorter, more frequent UK breaks, with many guests now booking within 2–4 weeks of arrival. Homes with hot tubs, lake views, outdoor spaces and dog-friendly features are seeing the strongest demand.”
Claire Gilbert, Owner at The Cottage Boutique, a holiday let firm based in St Ives, described Thursday of this week as “epic” as people sought to book last-minute breaks away during the hot week ahead: “Yesterday was epic, one of our highest booking days ever, with the heatwave central to that.”
3 south coast Staycation Hotspots
Devon
“If you’re looking for dream staycation locations, South Devon has to be right up there. Home to honey pot locations including Salcombe, Thurlestone, Hope Cove and Dartmouth, you’ll find golden beaches made for picnics, emerald waters perfect for paddling and swimming, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered by paddle board. For a family of four, a week in Salcombe can start from around £1,000 (that’s just £35 per person, per night), while a weekend break can start from around £450, making the Great British seaside surprisingly good value.”
Kate Allen, Owner at Kingsbridge-based Finest Stays
Dorset
“For many holidaymakers, the dream UK escape is all about access to coast and countryside. Dorset continues to stand out thanks to its UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, traditional seaside towns and slower pace of life. What makes Dorset particularly appealing is the variety of experiences visitors can enjoy. Families can spend mornings fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast, enjoy afternoons on beaches in places such as Bournemouth or Swanage, and then retreat to a chocolate box cottage. In Dorset, typical self-catering cottages sleeping four people during peak summer season will generally range from around £900 to £1,800 for a week depending on location, views and amenities. Premium coastal properties in hotspots such as Lyme Regis, Swanage or Sandbanks can command considerably more. For shorter breaks, a weekend stay for a family of four in Dorset typically ranges between £450 and £900, with shoulder season dates often offering particularly good value compared to the height of summer.”
Leanne Hemingway, Owner at Wareham-based Dorset Cottage Holidays
Cornwall
“Blending boutique charm with a relaxed Cornish feel, St Ives is the perfect base for a dreamy family break. Golden beaches, artistic heritage and laid-back coastal atmosphere combined with world-class food, independent art galleries and breathtaking coastal walks — it has it all. A family of four can expect to spend anything from £1,300 for a small 2-bed cottage tucked away on a cobbled street just off the harbour, to £2,500 for sea-front luxury in the peak season, but can grab a weekend away off season for just £450-£700. People can book everything from tiny bijou bolt holes to high end spacious seafront homes.”
Claire Gilbert, Owner at St Ives-based The Cottage Boutique
