Up and coming

Cornwall is #1 on the to-visit list

The most-visited counties in the UK also make up the list of destinations people intend to visit in future, albeit in a slightly different order: Cornwall rises to the top spot and Devon to third, while Yorkshire and Cumbria fall slightly to second and fourth places respectively. Cornwall's popularity is backed up by Google's search trends, in which the county was the only UK destination to rank in the ten most searched-for destinations in 2014: ahead of Italy, Amsterdam and Tenerife.

The 10 most searched-for Destinations in 2014

Cornwall has always been an absolute favourite, but Poldark fever is setting in making it more popular than ever.

Helen Bonner, Operations Director

Discovery, leisure and food

The most popular activities on UK breaks were highlighted by Sykes Cottages as discovering new places, walking/hiking, visiting natural sites, visiting historic buildings and trying local cuisine. Most established destinations already offer a good mix of all of these activities, so holidaymakers simply need to be made aware of what’s on their doorstep once they arrive. And with cuisine tourism on the ascendant, holiday home owners have the opportunity to help their guests discover the area's hidden gems.

Sykes staff predictions

Sykes Cottages staff were also polled to find out what they thought would prove the most popular destinations in 2015. The most common responses included perennial favourites such as the Lake District, Cornwall and Yorkshire, although honourable mentions also went to Snowdonia and Anglesey. When it came to the most-requested cottage features, hot tubs were high on the list while yurts, wood-burners and swimming pools also proved popular.

Impact of sporting events

The impact of events on domestic tourism also shouldn't be overlooked. The Tour de France, which in 2014 held its Grand Depart in Yorkshire, undoubtedly boosted interest from cycling enthusiasts and others in this beautiful corner of England. It's already inspired the Tour de Yorkshire, a three-stage race taking in the best of the White Rose County's towns and dales. The legacy of the 2012 London Olympics also lives on, with 2013 and 2014 each setting new tourism records for the UK, according to VisitBritain.

TV presence can really push areas, even well-established areas. I think with the recent broadcasting of 'Vera' Northumberland may attract even more visitors.

Shelley D'Arcy, UK Property Manager

Quirky attractions on the rise

VisitEngland also recently highlighted the way good old-fashioned British eccentricity seems to be making a comeback for today's customer. Whether it's Peruvian-inspired accommodation and llama trekking in Cumbria or roaring around the Yorkshire Dales on a trike, "quirky firms" were identified as an increasingly important contributor to domestic tourism.