Many Brits are booking staycations this year, choosing holidays free from flight cancellations and travel warnings. Coastal and countryside escapes are soaring in demand, including the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and prime coastal resorts in North Wales, Norfolk, and across the South West, according to UK holiday specialist Together Travel.
Expedia Report Highlights Shift
Expedia's new Summer Travel Trends report reveals that 45% of Britons are more interested in UK breaks than they were last summer. One destination, Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, is proving particularly popular, with a 90% increase in searches compared to last year.
Why Bishop's Stortford?
This charming town attracts visitors with its access to rural walking routes and rich history. Bishop's Stortford grew into a bustling market town in the Middle Ages and had a population of 2,300 by 1801. Today, it is home to around 44,000 residents and welcomes many tourists.
Conveniently located near the M11 motorway, the town is within easy reach of London—just an hour's drive or 45 minutes by train. Hotels in the area are affordable, with weekend rates in July starting from £69 a night on Booking.com.
Things to Do in Bishop's Stortford
Visitors can enjoy a busy high street filled with independent shops and well-known brands. The town market runs every Thursday and Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. A farmers and crafts market takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 9:30am to 1:30pm, offering locally-made crafts and artisan produce.
Walking routes abound along the River Stort and through the town. Bishop's Stortford is also home to Hatter's Farm, a popular pumpkin patch with tractor rides and spooky Halloween decorations. Cammas Hall, a pick-your-own farm opened in 1966, allows visitors to collect seasonal fruit and vegetables from June to October.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Bishop's Stortford Museum offers a range of exhibits and local finds. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "What a lovely little museum. My daughter (six) loved it, we enjoyed it too. Plenty of interactive elements to keep her entertained and lots of interesting things to read too." Another wrote, "Charming little museum housing artefacts from daily life in the town across the centuries. Nice way to pass an hour."
For drinks, The Belgian Brewer ranks as the fourth top attraction. Founded in 2018, it produces 3,000 bottles weekly and has a taproom open to visitors, serving soft drinks, wine, prosecco, cocktails, and cider. Bailey Hills Estates, a family-owned vineyard, produces sparkling wine and offers tours and tastings. In summer, it hosts evening drinks by the vines and occasional live music events.
