Devon beats Cornwall as ‘best’ staycation hotspot for price, beaches and popularity

Four in a Bed: A look at Devon bed and breakfast

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Devon and Cornwall are among the UK’s most lusted after domestic holiday destinations, thanks to their stunning natural landscape and aquamarine coastal waters. However, according to a new study, it is Devon that takes the crown as the “best staycation destination” between the two.

Experts from hotel booking platform hoo analysed cost, availability, beaches and general tourist figures to determine which of the two southwest regions came out on top for holidays.

According to hoo’s research, “Devon reigns supreme” when it comes to the cost of a stay.

They found that the average hotel room rate for a long bank holiday weekend in Devon comes in at £155 per night.

“The same stay in Cornwall will cost you £172 per night, 10.6 percent more expensive,” states the study.

For those still eyeing a holiday, but yet to book, Cornwall may have the least options on offer.

Although both Devon and Cornwall are almost bursting at the seams with visitors, based on current availability, Britons have “a better chance” of finding somewhere to stay in Devon.

hoo found 98 percent of Cornish accommodation is already booked up, while in Devon this figure sits at 96 percent.

Given these high booking rates, holidaymakers looking to visit either destination might want to solidify plans with haste.

DON’T MISS
Sleep in a 1940’s railway carriage Airbnb [INSIGHT]
Flight attendant explains why Meghan Markle didn’t pay the bill [INSIDER]
France isn’t expecting Britons back this summer: ‘2020 was a shock’ [INTERVIEW]

When it comes to holiday activities, both areas are famous for their glorious beaches and stunning coastlines.

“Both areas are home to some of the best beaches the UK has to offer but Devon takes the top spot once again in this respect,” said hoo’s report.

The experts based this conclusion on Blue Flag awards.

These world-recognised awards assessed beaches based on their quality, as well as the water, environmental aspects and safety.

Cornwall is home to a respectable 10 Blue Flag awarded beaches, but Devon beats this figure by two, with 12 beaches holding the prestigious accolade.

Among them are Blackpool Sands Beach, Dawlish Warren Beach, Exmouth Beach, Oddicombe Beach Sidmouth Town Beach and Westward Ho! Beach.

According to the experts, the proof of Devon’s allure can be found in its annual domestic tourism figures.

Although Cornwall has a notable draw, with around 3.2 million Britons flocking to the region every year, Devon “takes the crown”.

The popular region attracts a reported 3.4 million staycation seekers looking to swim, explore, relax and unwind.

“While it certainly looks as though Devon edges it from a tourism standpoint, our personal opinion is you can’t go wrong with either,” said hoo co-founder Adrian Murdock.

For those who can’t choose, Murdock recommends having the best of both worlds.

With Cornwall having recently been named the best road trip destination in Europe by Honda, it is the perfect excuse for a day trip.

Drive time from central Devon to central Cornwall is just one hour and 33 minutes.

“Combining a visit to both is a win-win situation and doing so can rival any foreign holiday,” he said.

Source: Read Full Article