Roadtrip Roadtrip

On the road again: 2021 Top Travel Destinations


A whistle-stop guide to the most desired UK holiday locations for 2021


Over half of Brits (58%) regret saying no to travel opportunities in the past
78% of those who took staycations last year plan to have another one in 2021
A new survey by Zipcar UK reveals that once lockdown restrictions lift, people are planning to travel by car (65%) over bus (7%), train (15%) or plane (9%)
Lake District (28%), Cornwall (27%), Yorkshire Dales (22%), Scottish Highlands (22%) and Cotswolds (17%) are the top choices for staycations this year
Zipcar UK reveals a guide to the UK travel wish list for 2021
 
UK, Feb -  More Brits than ever before are planning to travel this year, with staycations top of the agenda as people are excited to explore the nation after additional months of being cooped up in the house. As we exit the third national lockdown and domestic travel is looking hopeful for the summer, the nation is dreaming of their next holiday and are still determined to make the most of 2021.  
 
A new study by Zipcar UK reveals Brits are keen to make the most of their time this year and over a whopping eight out of ten people want to turn 2021 into the ‘Year Of Saying Yes’ by being more spontaneous. 

Internal data for Zipcar UK shows that Saturday is the most popular day of the week to book a road trip (35%), proving that Brits love using their weekends for exploring and will likely continue to make the most of their weekends with trips away once travel restrictions ease. Sunday is the most popular day for these trips to end (43%), showing that people are keen to get away, even if only for 24 hours!
 
With over two thirds (65%) of Brits planning to travel by car this year, Zipcar UK reveals a guide to the nation’s top staycation spots to inspire people looking to embark on a British road trip once lockdown restriction are eased. 
 
 

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The Lake District
It’s no surprise that the Lake District tops the UK travel wish list, with over a quarter of Brits (28%) listing it as their top destination for 2021 travel. With its serene lakes, timeless villages and quirky museums, the Lake District is the ultimate British staycation spot. 
 
Popular activities include a trip to Beatrix Potter’s house, the Cumberland Pencil Museum and boat tour of the iconic Windermere Lake. There are also plenty of walking trails to 
discover the magnificent lakes on foot - be sure to treat yourself to a spa evening after a day exploring!  
 

Cornwall
Gorgeous harbour villages, miles of rugged coastline and home to the Cornish pasty, Cornwall really does have it all! Over half of Brits (56%) are hoping to head for the coast this year and Cornwall is a top choice for seaside retreats.
 
Spend the day meandering down the gorgeous cobbled streets of St Ives, trying the infamous Cornish cream tea or riding the waves at the nation’s top surf beach, Fistral Beach. 
 

Yorkshire Dales
Over half the nation (51%) are planning a trip to the countryside this year, and the Yorkshire Dales is the perfect place for that rural retreat. Many visitors enjoy gazing out over Ruskin’s view, the site of a famous Turner painting, enjoying wonderful views of the River Lune below. For a scenic road trip, make your way to Wensleydale via the B6255. Along this dramatic road you’ll drive right through two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks: Whernside to the left and Ingleborough to the right. For a true adventure, challenge yourself to the climbing on the Three Peaks themselves. 


Scottish Highlands
With cars being the preferred method of transport for 2021 holidaying by 65% of Brits, the Scottish Highlands is the perfect destination for the ultimate road trip. Navigating the highlands by car couldn’t be more spectacular, as Scotland boosts some of the most dramatic road trip scenery in the UK. 
 
The North Coast 500 route brings together 500 miles of beautiful coastal scenery. The route follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands, taking you through historic castles, stunning beaches and years of heritage. 
 
Cotswolds   
Nearly half of us (43%) are going to go for more weekends away this year and a road trip to the Cotswolds is the perfect relaxing getaway. With its rolling hills, idyllic country pubs and honey-stone cottages, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the Cotswolds charm. 
 
Get up early to explore Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, then head to the old mill town of Bibury, famous for starring in movies such as Stardust and Bridget Jones’ Diary! Make sure to end the day with a trip to Broadway Tower for the best sunset views in the Cotswolds. 

 

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Research methodology  
An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 2004 adults aged 18+ from the UK. The research fieldwork took place on 4-7 December 2020. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.  


 

 

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