Best UK staycation destination named – but it isn’t Cornwall

Cornwall, Devon, the Cotswolds and the Peak District are among the most popular staycation spots in the UK, loved for their natural beauty.

But a new winner has been crowned the best destination thanks to its offering of five-star restaurants, hidden gems, well-rated campsites and overall location.

A report by Auto Finance named Worcestershire the must-visit staycation of 2024, beating the likes of Rutland and England’s southwest coast.

The historic county of west-central England is located in the western region of the midlands. Home to the city of Worcester, the area has been highly rated for its overall happiness and low crime rate according to recent surveys.

Worcester’s skyline is dominated by the majestic cathedral situated beside the river, providing a stunning local focal point.

The hills and history are two of the main attractions of this midlands spot, but Auto Finance discovered some other standout gems of Worcestershire.

Its report ranked UK destinations on a range of factors; location, five-star restaurants, Michelin stars, number of campsites rated four stars and above, and the quality of its hidden gems.

Worcestershire stole the top spot with an impressive 41.5 out of 50 total score. The staycation destination scored best for its hidden gems (7.1) and best campsites (8.6).

Jacqui Dance, owner of  Bredon-Vale Caravan & Camping told Worcester News: “Our guests love visiting Worcestershire for the scenery – that ‘good old English countryside’ as one camper said.”

She continued: “They love the hills, the history – everything from the Tolkien references to the Battle of Evesham – and the huge selection of National Trust places to visit.

“It is easy to get to and from most places in the UK and Europe due to its access from the M5, A46 and M40 and there is so much to do, from Morris dancing festivals to organised walks, farm shops and river activities.”

According to Google reviews, the top campsites in the region are Malvern Hills Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Broadway Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, and Out To Grass Camping, Glamping and Events, which was branded “the best campsite in the UK” by one visitor.

As for hidden gems, Visit Worcestershire suggests Harvington Hall – a beautiful moated manor house built in the 1300s.

The Fleece Inn has been commended for its roaring log fires and delicious pub classics while Droitwich Spa Lido is renowned for being one of the UK’s last remaining inland, open-air, saltwater swimming pools.

Elsewhere in the ranking of Auto Finance’s best locations for a staycation, Rutland came in second place. Cornwall took the third spot with Kent in fourth and North Yorkshire fifth.

Surprisingly, Herefordshire and Devon came in sixth and seventh respectively, though both ranked highly for their hidden gems, more so than Worcestershire. Cornwall was the most highly ranked in this department with a score of 10.