THE Lake District is the top rural staycation destination, according to a new travel report by Travelodge. 

Research findings have revealed that the majority (63%) of Brits have booked a summer holiday this year, a 50% increase from the number of Britons (42%) that went away in the summer of 2022.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of these holidaymakers have opted to holiday on British shores this summer, with the Lake District being the top destination.

Staycationers are splashing out on average £1011.30 for their holiday in the Lake District this year. Whereas last year they spent on average £513.13. 

These findings have been revealed in the latest segment of the 2023 Travelodge Travel Index. This study surveyed 2,000 British adults to seek their holiday plans for this summer. 

Key findings from this report also revealed that 25% of Britons reported that a summer holiday is one of the few things in life that they refuse to cut back on.      

Shakila Ahmed, from Travelodge, said: "Our latest research shows that Britons are prioritising and taking a well-deserved staycation this summer, despite the rising cost of living and the Lake District is the top rural staycation destination. 

"Interestingly in these challenging times, a break has become one of life’s necessities, and our bookings data shows Britons are getting creative and resourceful with their budget and holiday planning.

"New travel trends we are seeing include Britons splitting their holidays into lots of shorter breaks and also planning multi-location holidays. This enables them to combine two different experiences within one holiday and obtain a better return on their money and time.

"For example, holidaymakers coming to the Lake District will be adding a stopover in Manchester for a city break or visiting Blackpool for a coastal escape.

"With a network of over 580 hotels  across the length and breadth of the UK, including four hotels near the Lake District, holidaymakers are using Travelodge hotels as their summer base to explore and experience what makes Great Britain so Great this summer.

"We are seeing a rise in early breakfast bookings, and our hotel teams are stocking up for a busy breakfast service this summer across the Lake District."