Derbyshire hoping for hot summer

April 8, 2024

Derbyshire Destinations Are Most Popular for Summer Getaways: UK Holiday Provider Reveals Where Brits Are Planning to Flock to This Summer Season Across the Country

Recent research reveals that 70% of Brits have a staycation on the cards for this year, with further reports highlighting that they plan to spend more on a break compared to 2023.

In light of this, a UK staycation provider has shared exactly where Brits are planning to venture to during the approaching summer holidays. 

As we near the end of spring, the next big holiday period is just around the corner, with many Brits ready to make the most of longer days and warmer weather. 

Independent Cottages, a specialist UK self-catering accommodation provider, analysed its internal enquiry data from the past 12 months to see where holidaymakers were planning to stay in the UK this June, July, and August.

The company hopes sharing this data will help Brits who are looking for inspiration on where to have a staycation break this summer, and who may want to expand their horizons beyond go-to destinations and popular hotspots. 

Most interestingly, its data reveals that several destinations in Derbyshire came out on top as the most popular amongst Brits in search of a summer getaway, with three towns in the county sitting in the top five rankings from the holiday provider. 

The top five most popular destinations for the summer season were:

  1. Matlock, Derbyshire
  2. Buxton, Derbyshire
  3. Little Haven, Pembrokeshire
  4. Ashbourne, Derbyshire
  5. Taunton, Somerset

Matlock

The county town of Matlock reigns supreme as the most popular destination for holidaymakers across the country this summer. The settlement is known for being a great location to explore the Peak District, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons why 4.27% of the total enquiries made by British holidaymakers for this summer were to stay here.

 Once famous for being a glamorous spa town during the 19th century, its thermal springs made the area a destination where wealthy families would flock to make the most of its hydro spa treatments. 

Now, it’s a charming market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, dotted with characterful Victorian stone homes, and filled with independent stores and eateries. Its verdant green spaces and fantastic attractions, including its famous cable cars soaring over the Derbyshire Dales, are popular amongst all ages.

Buxton

Next in the rankings is Buxton, which had 3.72% of all enquiries made by Brits hoping to stay in its beautiful borders this summer.

Another destination renowned for its Victorian, as well as Georgian, architecture, it seems that travellers may be falling for the historic charm and character of destinations this summertime.

Visitors have been flocking to Buxton since the 14th century, given its close proximity to the Peak District’s most popular sights, its inviting atmosphere, and ample attractions.

Home to natural baths, the Devonshire Dome - one of Britain’s most dramatic spaces - as well as many outdoor and cultural attractions like the Heritage Trail and the Buxton Opera House, it’s no wonder why travellers have their eye on a summer staycation here. 

Little Haven

When it comes to the other popular destinations for summer getaways outside of Derbyshire, Independent Cottages reveals that the lesser-visited spot of Little Haven came in third in the rankings, with 3.08% of all enquiries for summertime being for visits here. 

The picturesque seaside village, which is nestled on Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast, has gained less attention compared to other Welsh holiday hotspots, but it looks like its peaceful setting filled with less crowded beachfront spots and a rugged coastline is the scene where Brits want to unwind during summertime this year. 

Ashbourne

The next destination in Derbyshire, ranked in fourth place in the analysis with 2.03% of all enquiries being made for stays in its town in summer,  was Ashbourne. 

Situated on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park, Ashbourne is shaping up to be an ever-popular destination that rivals even some of the Peak District’s favourite settlements, including Bakewell and Leek.

Ashbourne can be reached in just 3 minutes from the Peak District itself, and the elegant town makes for a great destination to explore, with beautiful antique stores, a cobbled marketplace, and other interesting shops to discover.

Taunton

Coming in fifth place in the rankings is Taunton, which has seen 1.94% of all enquiries for the summer season being made by those hoping to stay in its popular spot in the rural county of Somerset.

This charming countryside town may have been overshadowed by Somerset’s other popular holiday destinations - including Dunster, Wells, and Minehead - but now it’s got the spotlight shining on it as Brits shift their attention to uncovering its beauty.

With plenty of opportunities for shopping - from high street favourites to independent stores - ancient monuments, and enticing museums, it’s a town filled with brilliant history and relaxing holiday activities that visitors are bound to enjoy.  

Independent Cottages are specialists in self-catering accommodations across the UK. The British-based travel provider offers stays across the UK’s most popular holiday destinations during summertime and throughout the rest of the year, including those mentioned above. 

To find out more about the locations of the company’s properties you can visit > https://www.independentcottages.co.uk

Notes to the Editor:

Enquiry data for these destinations was pulled from Independent Cottages’ holiday destinations between April 2023 and April 2024