The Best Autumnal Staycation Destinations in the UK | Aqua

Aqua reveals the best, and most affordable, autumnal staycation destinations to visit in the UK.

Written by Team Aqua

Published: 19/09/24Published on September 19th, 2024

Last reviewed: 19/09/24Last reviewed on September 19th, 2024

12 mins read

As summer draws to a close, many in the UK are just beginning to plan their getaways. With off-peak prices, shorter travel times, and no need for airports, autumnal 'staycations' are becoming an increasingly appealing alternative to overseas holidays. In fact, 76% of Brits prefer to take at least one staycation per year over going abroad. But with so many beautiful spots to choose from, which is the best staycation destination?

To find out, we conducted new research to find out the best places for a UK staycation in autumn. Our study considers factors such as the average cost of accommodation, as well as the temperature and rainfall levels in autumn. Additionally, we’ve shared some top tips for saving for a staycation and managing your finances while you're away.

The best staycation destinations in the UK

1. Liverpool

Among all the UK locations we analysed, Liverpool stands out as the best place for a staycation in autumn, with the city's extensive history and culture attracting holidaymakers from across the country. The city is also a hit online, receiving the highest number of Google searches, at around 2.4 million searches per month. Although the Liverpool football team will make up for many of these searches, the increased interest will also boost the city’s popularity with fans coming in to watch the team play.

With so many attractions, you can save some pennies on Liverpool’s relatively affordable accommodation, with an average weekend stay for two adults costing just under £100.

Weather-wise, Liverpool is still relatively pleasant in autumn. With average temperatures of 11°C, staycationers can enjoy exploring attractions like The Maritime Museum or the famous Beatles music venue, The Cavern Club. The city typically receives 90mm of rainfall in October. Although this isn't the lowest amount, it's manageable and doesn't greatly affect the overall staycation experience, as there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the city, rain or shine.

2. London

Coming in second is England’s capital, London. The city garners about 359,000 Google searches each month, the second highest in the study, reflecting a healthy interest in the autumnal charm and offerings of the city. The capital also has the highest number of Instagram posts tagged with the hashtag ‘#london’, surpassing an impressive 165 million posts.

Off-peak season can be a great opportunity to bag a bargain with accommodation, and London does not disappoint. With an average weekend stay for two adults in October costing around £148, there will still be money left over to explore the city.

Despite the changing season, visitors to London can still expect mild temperatures of around 12°C, ideal for walking along the Southbank on a crisp day or finding seasonal produce at Borough Market. The city also averages 79mm of rainfall in October, but with so many museums and galleries to explore, this should not be a problem when visiting the big city.

3. Portsmouth

Taking third place for the best staycation destination is a maritime history treasure, Portsmouth. The south coast city takes third place for affordability alone, with accommodation costing an average of £88 for a two-night stay. There are also many free attractions, such as museums and galleries, which help keep expenses down.

An autumnal walk is also an option in this seafront city, where visitors can expect average October temperatures of 13°C, the joint-highest on the list. This climate is ideal for days at Southsea or West Wittering Beach or for those participating in the annual Great South Run. However, with only receiving 83mm in October on average, your running route should remain relatively dry.

4. Torquay

Torquay claims fourth place on our list of the best UK staycation destinations in autumn. The seaside city has an average cost of just £74 for a weekend stay in October, the most affordable of the 50 destinations.

The town has 60,000 average monthly Google searches and makes the top ten for best temperatures this autumn, averaging 13°C. This climate is ideal for days walking along Torre Abbey Sands, or strolling through Cockington Country Park.

Although the town expects an average 102mm of rainfall during the month of October, there are still plenty of weather-resistant activities to enjoy here. For example, families looking for a spooky activity during their staycation may enjoy The Creepy Creatures Halloween Trail held at Torquay Museum this autumn.

5. Eastbourne

Rounding off the top five best places for a UK staycation this autumn is Eastbourne. It costs around £96 for a weekend stay in the seaside town, where you can expect average temperatures of 13°C as you walk along Eastbourne Pier.

In terms of rainfall, the city sees about 93mm in October but even in times of rain, visitors can enjoy the Eastbourne Beer Festival or visit the Sovereign Leisure Centre with the kids.

The most affordable staycation destinations in the UK

Travelling within the UK can be a budget-friendly way to escape daily life this autumn, avoiding the costs of flights and other international travel expenses. However, we understand that every traveller has different financial situations and budgets. That's why we've created a list of the most affordable staycation destinations to help you plan your next getaway.

1. Torquay

Torquay claims first place, with a weekend getaway for two costing just £74 – or £37 per person. The vibrant seaside town is known for its quintessential charm, including attractions like Babbacombe Model Village and boat trips off Devon’s English Riviera.

2. Blackpool

The city of Blackpool takes second place, costing an average of £79 for accommodation over one weekend. Though slightly more expensive than Torquay, this is one of the best rates in the country for accommodation.

Autumn visitors can enjoy the Blackpool Illuminations along the Promenade, lighting up from September through to January. For any artists looking for activities in this lively city, travellers can explore Grundy Art Gallery for free.

3. Portsmouth

Portsmouth takes third place for the most affordable location, costing £88 for a two-night stay in October. Travellers can visit Southsea Castle free of charge, or walk along the Millenium Promenade where information boards will unveil the historic battles that took place there.

The UK’s most ‘viral’ staycation destinations

From strolling through the autumnal leaves of Hampstead Heath in London to admiring the serene waters of the Lake District, the UK is bursting with breathtaking autumn scenery and endless photo opportunities. With staycation holidays in such high demand, we looked at how many Google searches each location receives to determine the most coveted destinations for UK holidaymakers. Combining both metrics, here’s what we found:

1. London

It comes as no surprise that England’s capital city, London, steals the crown for the most viral staycation destination in the UK. When it comes to snapping Instagram-worthy pictures, London is the UK's hotspot, with over 165 million posts tagged with the hashtag ‘#london’.

From illuminated photos of the iconic London Eye to artsy pictures of Regent Street, millions of visitors capture and share their experiences at famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the bright food stalls at Spitalfields Market. The city's diverse boroughs, historic architecture, and scenic parks provide endless opportunities for striking photos.

As we’ve seen, London also receives 359,000 Google searches each month. Though not as popular as Liverpool, this is still a significant number of searches, demonstrating the city’s popularity and interest around the UK.

2. Liverpool

Liverpool takes second place for the most viral staycation destination. The city takes third place among photo-worthy staycation spots, with over 17 million Instagram posts tagged ‘#liverpool’.

Visitors frequently share images of the stunning waterfront at Albert Dock, the historic Liver Building, and the vibrant nightlife along Mathew Street. Iconic landmarks such as the Cavern Club, the stunning Philharmonic Hall, and the Baltic Triangle street art also frequently appear on social media, highlighting the city's rich cultural heritage and dynamic energy.

Liverpool is also the most searched-for staycation destination of all, with close to a staggering 2.4 million Google searches for the city every month in the UK. This high figure could suggest that a significant number of people are eager to spend their holidays in Liverpool. The city's popularity as a holiday destination is clearly on the rise, attracting countless visitors each month.

3. Manchester

Manchester is the next most viral staycation spot this autumn. It's the second-most photographed destination, with 19 million Instagram posts tagged ‘#manchester’. From the gothic atmosphere of the John Rylands Library to the vibrant street art in the Northern Quarter against a backdrop of autumnal colours, visitors are showcasing the city's unique charm. Deansgate Towers stands out as a top Instagrammable spot, while the canals of New Islington Marina are being captured by many.

Manchester also receives an average of 207,000 searches each month. This substantial number of searches highlights the appeal of the city as a prime staycation destination.

The UK’s best staycation ‘hidden gems’

While visiting social media hotspots can be exciting, there are times when we want a more peaceful retreat off the beaten path. With this in mind, we took a closer look to uncover the 'hidden gems' on our list, focusing on destinations with the fewest Google searches and Instagram posts.

1. Robin Hood’s Bay

Our research revealed that Robin Hood’s Bay, a charming old fishing village in North Yorkshire, stands out as the UK's top hidden gem for staycations. With only 2,400 monthly searches and 107,859 Instagram posts, this scenic village remains a delightful secret for those in the know.

Robin Hood’s Bay exudes charm, providing an array of shops, cafes, and pubs to explore. From fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast to exploring the scenic walking and cycling paths, the village has plenty to offer. Its convenient location near the popular coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough makes it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

2. The New Forest

The New Forest takes second place for the best hidden gem, with just 5,300 monthly searches and almost 69,000 Instagram posts.

Despite being only a 90-minute train journey from London, the New Forest is a much calmer and relaxed oasis. With its free-roaming horses and numerous walking trails set in stunning landscapes, the New Forest is a tranquil hidden gem for tourists seeking peace, serenity, and a deep connection with nature.

H3: 3. Malvern

Malvern holds third place. Located in Worcestershire, this charming town sits at the bottom of the Malvern Hills, a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is a popular place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. During September, visitors can enjoy the Malvern Autumn Show, with plenty of events celebrating the harvest season. Malvern has only 20,000 searches per month, and 492,046 Instagram posts tagged ‘#malvern’.

Top tips for budgeting for a staycation, and saving money while you’re away

Staycations are a fantastic way to explore new sights and destinations without venturing too far from home. However, like any trip away, staycations can still sometimes be costly. To help holidaymakers, Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua, has shared some top tips for saving for a staycation and managing your money while you’re away.

1. Create a ‘staycation’ savings plan

"In the lead-up to your staycation trip, set up a separate savings account exclusively for your upcoming holiday. This will help you track your savings progress and prevent you from dipping into these funds for other expenses.

“To help budget for your holiday, consider setting up an automated direct debit months in advance. Even small, regular contributions will accumulate over time, ensuring you have a dedicated fund for your trip."

2. Plan your trip well in advance

“A good way to keep costs down is to plan your staycation well in advance. Work out where you’re going, what kind of accommodation you want, how long you’ll stay, and what activities you’ll do once there. Once you have an idea of your schedule, you can work out a rough estimate of how much money you’ll need while you’re away.

“A top tip: it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund in place before your holiday. If anything goes wrong, you know you have a pot of money to help cover the cost of emergencies or extra expenses. That way you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.”

3. Look out for free, or low-cost, activities

"While away on your staycation, sticking to a budget doesn't mean you can't relax and enjoy yourself. There are plenty of free activities and attractions in the UK you can take advantage of, like beaches, nature trails, museums and cultural sites.

“If your accommodation includes self-catering facilities, consider preparing some of your meals to save money. Additionally, when heading out on a day trip, pack snacks and drinks in advance to help reduce costs while you're out and about."

4. Be smart with your money

“A credit card can be a helpful tool to have while on a staycation. Your credit card can help you in an emergency, for example, if you need to pay for unexpected accommodation. Using a credit card can also help you work towards building your credit score if you stay within your credit limit and make your repayments on time.

“If you’re thinking about using your credit card to book any part of your holiday, like travel or accommodation, make sure you have a solid repayment plan and spend within your means.”

Methodology

To uncover the best places for a staycation in autumn, we created a seedlist of 55 popular staycation destinations in the UK. We then ranked these according to the following metrics:

The cost of accommodation for two nights, for two people - Booking.com

The average number of monthly Google searches in the UK - Google Keyword Planner

The average temperature in October (°C) - metoffice.gov.uk

The average rainfall levels in October (mm) - metoffice.gov.uk

We then indexed each individual metric to give it a score out of 10, and then create an overall index by taking an average of each metric’s score. We then ranked these from highest, to lowest, to reveal the final ranking.

Contributors

Team Aqua

Aqua’s contributors are experts in their field, from a range of backgrounds including banking and lending.