A district in Cumbria has been ranked as one of the most popular areas for holiday homes in the UK. 

South Lakeland, which includes much of the Lake District and some of the Yorkshire Dales, is perhaps an unsurprising choice for people's second homes given the spectacular views that are often available in that part of Cumbria. 

Figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown that around 70,000 second addresses across England and Wales are used as holiday homes. 

These are mainly concentrated in coastal areas, national parks and areas of outstanding national beauty, with Cornwall (6,080), Gwynedd (2,590), Dorset (2,490), and North Norfolk (2,195) boasting the highest number of holiday homes. 

Census data on second addresses only includes people who said they spend at least 30 days a year at the property, while the total number of second addresses used as holiday homes, and people who use them, are likely to be higher according to the ONS. 

Since April 2023, second homeowners in England have to prove holiday lets are being rented out for a minimum of 70 days a year, and are available to rent for at least 140 days, in order to qualify for small business rates relief.

The Welsh Government recently increased its own letting requirements so properties must be rented out for at least 182 days a year, and available for at least 252 days.

Gwynedd boasts the highest proportion of holiday home visitors in England and Wales with 79 people per 1000 local residents, while the Isle of Anglesey is ranked as the second most popular destination, with 63.3 people per 1,000 local residents coming to holiday homes in the area from elsewhere.

South Lakeland recorded 58.4 per 1000 so was near the top of the list and given the idyllic scenery on show there, it seems likely to remain popular for many years to come.