The UK's half-term holiday bookings have surged by 40% as families seek to escape the persistent rain, according to industry figures. However, the sudden imposition of the rule of six in England two weeks ago has led to around 40% of self-catering bookings between now and Christmas being cancelled, said Alistair Handyside, chair of the Professional Association of Self-Caterers.
Despite the cancellations, demand for next year's breaks is soaring. Cottage companies, campsites and glampsites report a significant rise in forward bookings, with popular coastal properties already snapped up. “We are about six months ahead of the normal booking pattern. People don’t want to miss out like they did this summer,” said Handyside.
In north Devon, all eight cottages at North Hayne Farm are fully booked for 2021, and some families have already reserved for 2023. Cool Camping reports forward bookings up 50% on the same time last year, with sites in Cornwall, Dorset and rural areas near London selling fast. Cornwall is the top destination, accounting for 30% of bookings on Pitchup, followed by Devon, Cumbria and Pembrokeshire.
The appeal of outdoor spaces and concerns about overseas travel are driving the trend. “One thing that has come out of this year’s travel and social restrictions is that people have spent a lot more time outdoors and are really recognising the mental and physical benefits of that,” said Cool Camping editor James Warner Smith. The east of England, particularly Norfolk, is also seeing increased interest, with Hippersons floating cabins receiving 56 bookings for 2021 compared to the usual 13-14.
While UK breaks are not immune to disruption, as the rule of six demonstrated, they are perceived as less volatile than foreign travel. The growing appetite for outdoor activities, regardless of weather, is also boosting demand for self-catering and camping holidays.
