Data reveals that online demand for “UK holidays” has reached similar levels to that experienced in lockdown, as British holiday makers search for other ways to have a holiday in the wake of the summer holiday cancellation chaos.

Online searches for “UK holiday” are the highest they’ve been since travel restrictions were lifted according to Google trends data, with interest peaking in recent weeks following airport delays and flight cancellations (timeline January 1, 2021 – June 1, 2022).

It may be June, but the Great British Summer isn’t off to a flying start. Brits have experienced a string of airport issues, flight cancellations and unbelievable delays and now it seems that UK holiday makers have had enough.

The airport issues are causing us to rethink travel plans, with Google searches for “UK holiday” peaking towards the end of May – when the cancellation chaos reached its peak during half term week. Demand online is just per cent short of the summer 2020 pandemic levels – when we were unable to holiday abroad due to the pandemic travel restrictions.

Thousands of British people have been left disappointed amid the airport chaos, with long-awaited holidays being cancelled at the last minute and children being left stranded abroad as school starts.

Data suggests that so-called ‘staycations’ weren’t a lockdown fad and are really here to stay, especially as UK air travel disruption continues.

In light of the findings, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has released data on the most popular UK seaside holiday destinations based on Google data.

The most popular seaside locations for UK holidays in 2022 according to Google search data are:

  • Blackpool - “Blackpool hotels” 60,500 Google searches a month
  • Brighton - “Brighton hotels” 49,500 Google searches a month
  • Llandudno - “Llandudno hotels” 22,200 Google searches a month
  • Whitby - “Whitby hotels” 22,200 Google searches a month
  • Bath - “Bath hotels” 22,200 Google searches a month
  • Weymouth - “Weymouth hotels” 14,800 Google searches a month
  • Tenby - “Tenby hotels” 12,100 Google searches a month
  • Hastings - “Hastings hotels” 9,900 Google searches a month
  • Lyme Regis - “Lyme Regis hotels” 6,600 Google searches a month
  • St Andrews - “St Andrews hotels” 6,600 Google searches a month

Commenting on the data, Robert Owen, Director of Marketing from Blackpool Pleasure Beach said:

“While it may have taken a worldwide pandemic for Brits to recognise the perks of holidaying in the UK, it’s great to see it’s here to stay.”