One of the UK’s favourite seaside destinations has been named as the top place to go for a UK holiday in 2024. The travel experts at Airbnb collected search data from Britons to determine the top trending staycation hotspots across the nation, and the much-loved seaside region of Brighton and Hove came out on top. The news comes only a few months after the coastal city also topped the ranking as the UK’s favourite winter staycation destination.
Brighton has long been a favourite for Britons, with its reputation as a holiday hotspot dating back to the mid-1700s when George IV went on to build the Royal Pavilion designed by the renowned architect John Nash. Since then, the city of Brighton and Hove has become an explosion of colourful streets, quirky shops, trendy bars and restaurants.
Of course, the more than five-mile-long pebble beach is one of its most famous assets, complete with a four-mile promenade that is buzzing with life throughout the year. Head out onto Brighton Palace Pier where you can enjoy rides and attractions for the whole family or grab some traditional fish and chips from Palm Court Restaurant and Bar.
If you want unmatched views of the sea, British Airway’s i360 Viewing Tower beachside location is hard to miss. Glide up to 450ft and take in the seaside from above.
For those who want to shop, the area is packed to the rafters with quirky, independent shops and there’s arguably no better spot than the cobbled, colourful streets of The Lanes.
Of course, there are also several big-name retailers who have taken up residency in the coastal city at Churchill Square Shopping Centre.
Brighton has become quite the hotspot for foodies in recent years, with a mix of neighbourhood strongholds and a host of tantalising newcomers to meet every price point. Burnt Orange has been highlighted by the Michelin Guide as a must-visit for those who enjoy Mediterranean Cuisine.
The cost establishment is tucked away near The Lanes, with wood-fired dishes making up the core of the dish. Or if you fancy afternoon tea by the sea, you can find just that in the opulent Victoria Terrace and Lounge in the famed Brighton Grand.
The Brighton Grand is one of the area’s most famous hotels, a historic Victorian sea-front accommodation which has featured in numerous television shows and films over the years. Though the hotel has magnificent features and a prime location, with rooms from an average of £100 a night – you can get deals for less depending on the room type and when you stay.
Brighton is also home to numerous B&Bs, such as the Ginger Pig restaurant and rooms which offer both rooms and mews houses, depending on how much space you’re after.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options in Brighton too, including a Holiday Inn by IHG Hotels & Resorts, where you can snap up a room from approximately £92 a night. However, if you are flexible with your dates or book in advance you can sometimes can rooms cheaper than this.
As well as Brighton and Hove, the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Bath and North East Somerset, Stratford, Ayr in Scotland, Stratford, Wembley, Chichester, Llanberis in Wales and Bristol City were all named in the ranking as key holiday hotspots across the UK in the new year.