A new study has revealed the UK’s top staycation spots for a weekend getaway – and three Scottish cities feature in the top spots.
The research, conducted by travel insurance experts Forbes Advisor, scored UK locations based on factors such as the cost of eating out, the average price of a local Airbnb, and transport costs in and around each town or city.
It also analysed the number of attractions per 10,000 people to discover where offers the best experience for a staycation this autumn.
The research found that Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh were all among the top cities in the UK, Aberdeen is the cheapest on the list, costing an average of £137.50 per night in total.
The captial was found to offer the highest proportion of restaurants with 32.09 per 10,000 people, while Dundee also scored highly, placing just behind Aberdeen in 8th.
Oxford was namded the best staycation hotspot in the UK for a weekend away due to its choice of restaurants and local attractions and cost of Airbnb stays, eating out and local transport, while York and Cambridge took second and third place respectively.
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Commenting on the findings, Laura Howard, personal finance expert at Forbes Advisor, said: “The continued prospect of flight and airport disruptions, lingering Covid testing requirements in some popular overseas destinations, and rising living costs are just some of the many good reasons why a short break within the UK might appeal this autumn.
“And the good news is, our very own shores have so much to offer in terms of history, architecture, nature and scenery.
“Our research ranks the top staycation hotspots based on costs of local accommodation, eating out, and transport in and around the town or city – as well as the number of local attractions to visit once you are there.
“As the weather turns, it’s good to know that a fun-filled and inspiring weekend staycation is within reach without weighing too heavily on your stress levels or bank balance. Bear in mind travel insurance is still a good idea when travelling within the UK. It’s inexpensive and will provide cover for unforeseen events which mean you are forced to cancel your trip.”
The top 10 'best staycation hotspots in the UK' for a weekend away
# |
Area |
Three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant |
Average cost of a bottle of beer |
Average cost of Airbnb per night (past three months) |
Average taxi fare (per mile) |
Total cost |
Number of attractions per 10,000 people |
Number of restaurants per 10,000 people |
Staycation score out of 100 |
1 |
Oxford |
£50.00 |
£5.00 |
£116 |
£1.75 |
£172.75 |
30.68 |
14.18 |
93.6 |
2 |
York |
£55.00 |
£4.00 |
£150 |
£2.20 |
£211.20 |
32.73 |
16.58 |
92.8 |
3 |
Cambridge |
£60.00 |
£3.75 |
£107 |
£2.43 |
£173.18 |
29.51 |
14.48 |
91.4 |
4 |
Guildford |
£60.00 |
£3.25 |
£108 |
£1.80 |
£173.05 |
19.47 |
12.72 |
90.1 |
5 |
Nottingham |
£50.00 |
£3.75 |
£102 |
£1.75 |
£157.50 |
17.11 |
11.17 |
88.3 |
6 |
Brighton |
£60.00 |
£4.00 |
£173 |
£1.71 |
£238.71 |
19.99 |
17.75 |
87.6 |
7 |
Aberdeen |
£52.50 |
£4.00 |
£79 |
£2.00 |
£137.50 |
16.36 |
10.28 |
87.5 |
8 |
Dundee |
£50.00 |
£4.00 |
£107 |
£1.48 |
£162.48 |
16.92 |
9.30 |
87.4 |
9 |
Newcastle upon Tyne |
£57.50 |
£4.00 |
£113 |
£2.14 |
£176.64 |
22.91 |
13.92 |
87.1 |
10 |
Edinburgh |
£60.00 |
£4.50 |
£165 |
£3.38 |
£232.88 |
32.09 |
18.37 |
85.7 |
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