Brighton Tops Airbnb’s Staycation Destinations For 2024
The holiday rental website Airbnb has revealed its most popular destinations in the UK for 2024, with Brighton and Hove on the south coast topping the list. The beautiful Scottish Isle of Skye comes a close second, followed by the historic city of Bath in south west England.
The top three destinations are perhaps no surprise as they are well established tourist destinations that attract visitors from all over the world. They are all favourites for coach hire package tours and also family trips out. Here’s a closer look at the list.
Brighton and Hove
The seaside town of Brighton and the adjoining town of Hove became a fashionable seaside resort during the Georgian era, when it was favoured by the Prince Regent, who was later to become King George IV. He commissioned the building of the Royal Pavilion, which was constructed between 1787 and 1823.
It is built in the style of an Indian temple and was lavishly decorated inside with Chinese and Indian influences. In addition, a grand stables and riding school with over 60 horses was constructed in the substantial grounds of the building. However, when the throne passed to Queen Victoria, she disliked visiting Brighton and the buildings were sold to the town.
The royal stables were converted into a concert hall, which today is known as the Brighton Dome. The Royal Pavilion is now a Grade I listed building, and is a licenced wedding venue and events space. Brighton also boosts a large sandy beach with a four-mile promenade and excellent family friendly facilities.
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is celebrated for its imposing Cuillin Mountain Range, panoramic sea views, and diverse wildlife. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with some of the most challenging mountain climbing routes in Europe. There’s also plenty of scope for gentler coastal walks to see sights such as the enchanting Fairy Pools, which have crystal clear blue waters.
There are also castles, distilleries, arts and craft centres, watersports, cycling, and much more to explore on this beautiful island.
Bath
The historic city of Bath is the UK’s only city that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its unique Roman spa baths. Described as a city built for ‘pleasure and relaxation’, it’s remained a firm favourite with visitors over the centuries. The ancient hot spring baths still attract thousands of tourists every year.
Bath is also renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture and vibrant cultural scene. It’s an ideal city to visit if you enjoy urban destinations but find bigger and buzzier cities too large and overwhelming, because it’s compact yet still packed with interest and life.
It is also just a short drive away from the delights of Somerset and Wiltshire, such as the Cheddar Gorge, Stonehenge, Avebury, Wells Cathedral and Longleat Safari Park. The surrounding countryside is some of the most beautiful in the UK, with ample opportunities for walks.