Airbnb Reports 11 Percent Rise in UK Staycation Searches for Summer 2026

Airbnb released figures showing that searches by Britons for UK stays rose more than 11 percent compared with the same period last year. Rural areas recorded some of the strongest growth, with locations near National Parks and scenic countryside drawing particular interest.

Herefordshire recorded the largest increase at 76 percent. The county features rolling countryside, black-and-white villages, the Wye Valley, independent food producers and established walking routes. Staffordshire followed with a 50 percent rise. The county includes sections of the Peak District and Cannock Chase, market towns and Alton Towers Resort.

Worcestershire posted a 48 percent increase, citing the Malvern Hills, riverside towns and country pubs. Forest of Dean District and Shropshire recorded increases of 34 percent and 32 percent respectively.

The data coincide with Airbnb’s 2026 Summer Release, which added UK airport pickups at 20 percent off and luggage storage at 15 percent off. Car-rental services are scheduled to launch later this summer. Airbnb stated that interest is rising in short-haul rural escapes, adult “playcations” and renewed Gen Z travel to Spain, Thailand and Greece.