The Lake District city of Ambleside has claimed the highest spot as Britain’s most sought-after vacation vacation spot for 2026, in line with contemporary reserving figures.
Travellers cannot resist the beautiful waterfront setting and easy accessibility to Windermere, with one TikTok consumer telling her practically 14,000 followers she was “obsessive about this quaint city”.
Coming in second is Bakewell within the Peak District, beloved for its well-known tart and charming market city ambiance. That is in line with new reserving information from holidaycottages.co.uk.
The Cornish harbour village of Porthleven rounds out the highest three. However it’s not nearly the place individuals are heading – it’s who they’re bringing alongside for the journey.

Ambleside was on the high of the listing
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HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Practically half of all bookings made up to now this 12 months embody a four-legged pal, with 45 per cent of holidaymakers refusing to go away their canines behind.
Bigger properties are proving a success too, with lodging sleeping between eight and 11 company, exhibiting a reputation in travellers planning group getaways.
Britons are already eager to get away in spring, as the vacation lettings company information confirmed bookings for the hotter months – together with the Could half-term interval – are already filling up.
Winter stays a peak time for folks planning their escapes, with 2026 shaping as much as be a 12 months of exploring the great thing about the UK.
10 most booked locations for 2026
- Ambleside
- Bakewell
- Porthleven
- Alnwick
- Beadnell
- Keswick
- Aldeburgh
- Holt
- Harrogate
- Padstow
The listing showcases a mixture of what Britain does finest – from the peaceable lakes of Cumbria to the rugged Northumberland shoreline. Alnwick, sitting in fourth place, attracts guests with its well-known citadel, which served as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Bakewell has been really useful as Britons begin to plan their 2026 getaways
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HOLIDAY COTTAGES

The Cornish harbour village of Porthleven rounds out the highest three
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HOLIDAY COTTAGES
In the meantime, the gorgeous village of Beadnell in fifth spot affords a stunning crescent-shaped seashore and incredible water sports activities alternatives. Coastal Suffolk, charming Norfolk, elegant Yorkshire and foodie-favourite Cornwall all characteristic within the high 10.
PR Supervisor for Vacation Cottages, Sarah Pring, stated: “It’s clear from the info that holidaymakers are in search of locations that supply a mix of pure magnificence, distinctive experiences, and a way of escape all through 2026.
“The areas on the listing replicate the varied enchantment of the UK and the sweetness we’ve got proper on our doorstep. Whether or not it’s a dog-friendly retreat or a foodie haven, there’s one thing for everybody to find to benefit from a really joyful escape – and what’s even higher, they’re reachable with out having to take care of airport stress.
“With locations like Ambleside, Bakewell, and Porthleven topping the listing, companies and vacation householders in these areas can capitalise on the inflow of tourists by providing tailor-made experiences, dog-friendly facilities, and packages that cater to bigger teams. What’s extra, as holidaymakers prioritise comfort, consolation, and memorable experiences within the nice outdoor, there’s by no means been a greater time for companies to innovate and showcase the most effective of what the UK has to supply.”
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