The Rising Popularity of the UK Short Break

The forecast for the UK economic is certainly gloomy and the gloriously sunny times we’ve been enjoying are coming to end – for the foreseeable future anyway. Throughout the country UK households are struggling cope with rising living costs and budgets are being squeezed.

In light of this, many are looking for cost savings, from giving up some of life’s luxuries such as gym membership to doing the weekly shop at some of the UK’s budget supermarkets. Surely holidays are another luxury that would be first to go? While the traditional two week holiday is becoming somewhat of a rarity, it seems us Brits are loathe to give up on our leisure time altogether. Instead many are opting for short breaks within the UK, turning their attention to the many varied destinations on the doorstep.

The UK short break market has seen a steady increase of around 5-6% as British people take into account the many factors affecting the household budget and reassess the viability of holidaying abroad. While general household costs continue to rise on an almost weekly basis, a host of other reasons are also putting people off an overseas holiday, including the strengthening Euro.

Cheap flights are also becoming a thing of the past and with the well-documented environmental impact of air travel is also affecting people’s decision on where to holiday. Many are considering the environmental impact of their holiday choices, as global warming becomes an increasing reality.

Considering all these factors, the UK short break market becomes a tempting proposition – no flights, no unpleasant exchange rates, less travel and all for less money. This trend amongst the British public has been reinforced by the Prime Minister’s choice to holiday in beautiful Southwold in Suffolk, while Tony Blair chose Rick Stein’s culinary home of Padstow. Many it seems are embracing the new ‘stay-cation’ – to holiday in the UK.

More central destinations are attracting the most holidaymakers, as people are also taking into account the costs of petrol. The peak district, East Anglia and Dorset are among the most popular and potential visitors are getting a surprise when they look into accommodation and holiday options available to them. UK operators have worked constantly to improve the quality of the UK short break experience and compete with the overseas market. As such holidaymakers are now being offered a much better range from cosy cottages nestled in the Lake District to 5-star holiday resorts for an all inclusive family breaks.

The UK has also a terrific range of cities to explore and luxury city breaks are also a popular choice to divulge in art, culture, shopping, and sightseeing. Cities such as Liverpool, Bath, York, and London, of course, tick all of the boxes, but there is another city that perhaps doesn’t spring immediately to mind but is full of delightful surprises.

Nestled in the home of the Norfolk Broads, Norwich is often sadly overlooked. Once famous for having a pub for each day of the year and a church for every week, this Norfolk city is a short break destination not to be missed. It has deep historical roots; one of the UK’s most stunning cathedrals, along with some very modern shopping that is sure to please.

Like many of the UK’s cities there is also a wide range of accommodation. From cosy bed and breakfasts to the no-frills hotel chains, there is something for everyone. One hotel that stands out from the crowd is Barnham Broom Hotel. It has an exceptional countryside setting yet with all the buzz of the city minutes away plus the benefit of outstanding facilities and warm, welcoming staff.

Guests staying at the hotel can take full advantage of the excellent leisure facilities, that include two championship golf courses and a health and leisure centre with a well-located swimming pool overlooking the grounds. After working up an appetite, the excellent two AA rosette restaurant is the perfect place to dine where a wonderful selection of carefully prepared dishes, made from locally sourced produce will be waiting to tempt you.

So make the most of the UK and explore a different destination as part of a short break.