Staycations are no longer a Plan B

Almost three quarters (71%) of people in East Anglia previously believed the “holiday feeling” could only be achieved from visiting abroad locations

However, new experiment reveals that people are more likely to feel like they are on a “true holiday” in the UK (77%) vs. abroad (73%)

When asked which unnamed image gave the most “holiday feeling” almost two thirds (64%) selected a UK destination, with 46% admitting they were surprised to find out it wasn’t abroad.

Findings suggest that potential biases for overseas holidays, could be due to 60% believing people could be more envious if they were to holiday abroad.

People in East Anglia claimed that the sound of the sea, sightseeing trips or organised tours and trying new food were vital to the “holiday feeling”.

Original Cottages reveal the top Suffolk “holiday feeling” destinations and activities worth boasting about.

While almost three quarters (72%) may have believed that the “holiday feeling” could only be achieved abroad, a new behavioural science experiment by Original Cottages reveals that UK holiday destinations were the most desirable option (77%), following a blind selection process.

With almost three quarters (73%) having taken or planning to take a holiday in the UK this year, the research highlights the benefits of a holiday in the UK. Being able to drive (61%), no long-haul flights (54%), avoiding the stress of airports (49%) and you can pack as much as you like (44%) are just some of the positives of a staycation.

What’s more 78% of those considered a staycation as a top choice for a family holiday.

Participants were provided with a selection of un-named UK and foreign destination images and asked to select those that provided the strongest “holiday feeling”.

Despite the expected bias towards holidays abroad, almost two thirds of East Anglia (64%) selected a UK destination, with 46% admitting they were surprised to find out it wasn’t overseas.

With new findings suggesting that it is the destination and not the location that matters for getting that sought after “holiday feeling”, further polling research by Original Cottages reveals what people from East Anglia believe are the key ingredients to creating the best holiday vibes.

Sunshine (58%).

Sound of the sea (54%).

Sightseeing trips or organised tours (46%).

Trying new food (42%).

Stepping off the aeroplane (41%).

Whilst UK weather can be unpredictable and was found to be the number one deterrent for people choosing a UK holiday over a holiday abroad (50%), actually in July this year the UK recorded temperatures of 33C, hotter than European destinations such as Marbella and Mykonos.

Those polled were also asked where in the UK created the most “holiday feeling”.

Cornwall (56%) and Devon (35%) topped the list, followed by the Lake District (22%) and Norfolk (13%).

To help Brits discover the best of what the UK has to offer, Original Cottages’ team of local experts have collated the top 10 ‘holiday feel’ places and activities in Suffolk:

Africa Alive, Kessingland: Experience the animals of Africa at the walking animal safari.

Kessingland Beach: The perfect spot for long walks, sunbathing and splashing about.

Walberswick: An idyllic seaside village home to a picture-postcard green, surrounded by pastel-coloured cottages and villas, cafes, shops and pubs.

The Little Ice Cream Company, Felixstowe: Enjoy artisan ice creams, ethically traded coffees, handmade cakes and lunches.

Two Magpies Bakery, Southwold: Pick up freshly baked sourdough bread, morning pastries, savouries, sweet treats and coffee to takeaway or eat in the cafe.

Dunwich Beach: Visit the beach and surrounding heath and woodland, home to a plethora of rare plants and wildlife.

Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge: The perfect family outing to visit the farm to meet all the baby animals.

Southwold Beach: Set in the thriving market town, visit the sandy beach and beach hut-lined promenade.

The Lighthouse, Aldeburgh: A cosy establishment, with a menu that includes fresh local seafood.

Suffolk Ski Centre: Take to the slopes all year round at Suffolk Ski Centre.

Florence Smith, Suffolk brand manager at Original Cottages, said, “We’ve always had a loyal customer base who find that ‘holiday feeling’ in the UK, and over the last 18 months, we’ve seen a broader group of people discover it too. Not only that, but they’ve told us that they’ve enjoyed it so much, they’re already planning their next UK break.

“The results of our research highlight how perceptions of the UK as a holiday destination have changed and with our truly local experts on the ground, we are uniquely positioned to provide tips for an incredible staycation – packed with ‘holiday feels’. Great news for those surveyed who would like to holiday in the UK but feel unaware of what it has to offer (24%).”

When it comes to the distance you need to travel to get into the holiday spirit, over a third (34%) stated they needed to travel between 101 and 500 miles from their home to find that holiday feeling. This means someone living in Southwold would only need to travel to Brighton to find that highly prized vacation escapism.