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Whitby has been named the UK’s most sought-after staycation destination.

The Sykes Staycation Index analysed Sykes Holiday Cottages’ bookings data and consumer research to reveal the most popular places for a UK break, as well as the nation’s views on holidays at home and the current traveller trends shaping staycations.

It found that Whitby, with its heritage coastline, famous fish and chip shops and nearby North York Moors National Park, was top of the list for homegrown holiday makers in 2018.

Scarborough and Filey also placed eighth and ninth in the list of popular staycation locations, with towns in Cumbria, Devon, Dorset and the Isle of Wight making up the rest of the top 10.

(Image: Getty Images)

Sykes’ own data shows that bookings to its 800 holiday cottages throughout Yorkshire were up 18% in 2018, with this trend set to continue.

When choosing a holiday home to visit, people in Yorkshire claim that the top three things they look out for is a property with a garden or outdoor space, the family-friendly things they can do nearby and how close it is to a pub.

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "Holidaymakers have been flocking to Whitby for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to see why.

"The area’s spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, amazing seafood and rich history means visitors to Whitby keep coming back.

"The town is a national institution and tourists know they can expect amazing accommodation and a warm Whitby welcome whenever they come here.

"The growing staycation trend is also good news for the local economy – tourism is a great income boost for those who run holiday homes and other business owners, both in Whitby and throughout the county."

Commercial director of Welcome to Yorkshire, Peter Dodd, added: "The Scarborough borough, which contains Whitby, Scarborough and Filey is the most visited place in England outside of London, so it’s brilliant to hear all three make the top ten when it comes to staycations.

"From the gothic splendour of Whitby’s historic Abbey and Filey’s award-winning beach to Scarborough’s traditional, family friendly seaside fun and some of the best fish and chips you’ll find anywhere in the world at all three locations there’s so much to see, do and taste.

"With all this, and one of the three stunning National Parks we have in Yorkshire, the North of York Moors, right on the doorstep, the area has so much to offer; it’s the perfect place to holiday at home."

The top 10 most popular towns for staycations

1. Whitby, North Yorkshire

2. Salcombe, Devon

3. Dartmouth, Devon

4. Keswick, Cumbria

5. Weymouth, Dorset

(Image: PA)

6. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

7. Windermere, Cumbria

8. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

9. Filey, North Yorkshire

10. Ambleside, Cumbria

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