As the festive season approaches, UK travellers are swapping airport queues and crowded Christmas markets for something closer to home. According to new Airbnb data, a fresh travel trend is emerging — The Great British Winter Retreat — and it’s redefining how Brits spend their holidays.
Staycations Over Stations
Airbnb’s latest findings reveal that 40% of the top trending winter destinations for UK travellers are right here in Britain. From the rolling hills of Yorkshire to the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire, families and friends are rediscovering the charm of local getaways filled with crackling fires, countryside walks, and toasty evenings indoors.
It’s not just about saving travel time either. Many are prioritising space and togetherness — with bookings for properties featuring four or more bedrooms up by 37% year-on-year. Group trips are on the rise, as 36% of staycation searches are made by groups and 31% by families.
“Travellers want homes that balance shared moments with private comfort,” Airbnb reports, highlighting the growing appetite for spacious countryside rentals.
Rural Retreats on the Rise
The data also shows that families are heading for lesser-known, non-urban destinations, with over 34% of bookings in rural areas and most stays (72%) within 300 miles of home. Whether it’s a rustic Yorkshire Dales cottage or a New Forest farmhouse, the British countryside is offering all the magic — with none of the jet lag.
Top Trending UK Winter Destinations 2025/26
If you’re looking for inspiration, Airbnb has unveiled the top ten rural hotspots for winter getaways this season:
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Leyburn, North Yorkshire
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Haworth, West Yorkshire
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Shropshire
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New Forest District
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Northumberland
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Tenby, Pembrokeshire
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Derbyshire
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Wiltshire
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Hope Valley
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Ambleside, Lake District
Airbnb’s Most Magical Group Stays
To help travellers plan their next retreat, Airbnb has highlighted some of the best countryside stays perfect for groups and families:
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Pear Tree House, Leyburn, North Yorkshire – A restored 18th-century cottage blending period character with modern comfort.
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Rose Cottage, Northumberland – A charming stone home near Embleton’s coastal pubs and shops.
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The Farmhouse, Shropshire – A tranquil escape surrounded by private woodland and gardens.
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Merchant’s Cottage, Tenby, Pembrokeshire – A historic harbourfront gem once home to artist Charles Norris.
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Newlands Farm, New Forest District – A thatched luxury retreat complete with hot tub and countryside views.
