Cost-conscious Brits booking more last-minute UK breaks

Many Brits are saving money on their summer holidays by taking advantage of good weather at home.

For many, summer means heading to the airport and jetting off for sunnier climes overseas.

But the BBC has found that a growing number of people are opting for shorter breaks closer to home and leaving it later to book.

Booking.com said the number of people searching in July for a UK trip within the next six weeks was up 23% compared with last year. 

Meanwhile, a quarter of bookings on Pitchup.com this year were made just two days before arrival. 

And Sykes Holiday Cottages has found that the gap between booking and travel has fallen by 8% in 2025.

The shift is being driven by people trying to save money while making the most of sunny spells.

As Nigel Dutton, owner of Manor Wood Country Caravan Park, puts it: "Short breaks seem to be the name of the game at the moment.

"People can pre-pay, it's all budgeted, so they know exactly what it's going to cost them."

Where are people going?

According to new data from the AA, Cornwall is the most popular UK holiday destination this summer.

Edmund King, president of the AA, believes this is “no surprise”.

"With its stunning coastline, charming villages and family-friendly attractions, it’s the perfect destination for a summer road trip,” he said.

Other popular destinations this year include:

• Scotland
• Devon
• Norfolk
• London
• The Lake District
• Yorkshire
• Dorset

How to keep your holiday budget in check

If you’re planning a short UK getaway, you can keep costs down without compromising on fun.

1. Compare prices across sites

Don’t just stick to one booking platform.

Check different ones to find the best deals - and don’t rule out contacting accommodation providers directly to see if they’ll beat the price.

2. Travel midweek if you can

Accommodation can often be cheaper on weekdays - and the roads might be a bit quieter too.

3. Try camping or glamping

With campsites charging a fraction of hotel rates, pitching a tent or booking a cosy glamping pod could be a much cheaper accommodation option.

4. Self-cater where possible

Self-catering means you can be fed and ready for the day without having to pay for expensive meals.

5. Keep travel local

You don’t have to travel great distances to enjoy a holiday.

If you’re lucky enough to live within a few hours of places like the Lake District, Cornwall and the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll be able to save on travel so you can spend more on precious experiences.

6. Look for late-deal discounts

If you’re flexible, you could save lots of money by waiting until the last minute to book.

Hotels and campsites don’t want empty slots, so they’ll often cut prices if they want to get them filled quickly.