KESWICK, Sevenoaks, and Bury St Edmunds are the top three socially distanced staycation destinations in the UK according to Instagram data, and with Tier 1 restrictions, they’re all currently suitable locations for a much-needed trip away.
The popular trends app is once again setting, helping travellers decide which beauty spot they should visit next. Though typically showcasing tourist hotspots, Instagram data has here shown the areas that are not only beautiful, but most likely to support social distancing.
With a quarter (25%)[1] of people saying they are looking to holiday within the UK until a Covid-19 vaccine is found and 18% saying they prefer a staycation holiday regardless, the demand for holidays on home soil has undoubtedly risen in 2020, with the requirement to find a safe and beautiful holiday spot to enjoy looking set to stay.
Self-catering accommodation experts, Lakelovers reveal the top destinations on Instagram right now that holidaymakers can enjoy safely within the UK.
- #Keswick, Cumbria – 355,000 mentions
The number one socially distanced spot for Instagrammers to visit is the stunning market town of Keswick, Cumbria, which is the perfect rural getaway to explore. Local Lake District cottages offer the perfect hideaway for couples and families alike between discovering its infamous hiking trails, local history, and bountiful wildlife. Keswick is the ideal getaway with endless open spaces and rural land, making it easy to keep your distance.
- #Sevenoaks, Kent – 217,000 mentions
Sevenoaks, Kent, took second place, with 217k Instagram posts of users enjoying this region. This civil parish town is home to rich and history architecture and several stunning parks and gardens.
- #BuryStEdmunds, Suffolk – 203,000 mentions
The Suffolk region of Bury St Edmunds closely follows with 203k posts, due to this historic market town offering visitors and locals a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The town is known for its impressive abbey ruins and gardens with plenty of botanical areas, walking trails and local businesses.
- #Rutland – 195,000 mentions
The small county of Rutland is home to the UK’s largest man-made lake, Rutland Water. Perfect for walking, cycling, and learning about the local history, Rutland is a great spot to visit if you are looking for a few days of tranquillity.
- #Dunbar, Scotland – 104,000 mentions
Around 30 miles from the English border, Dunbar is known for its coastal countryside scenery on the North Sea coast. Here, there is plenty to discover for visitors, from independent shops on the high street to fresh, locally sourced food hotspots.
- #IsleofHarris, Scotland – 70,000 mentions
The beautiful Isle of Harris could easily be mistaken for an exotic location on the other side of the world, with sandy, unspoilt beaches to stroll across and endless peace and quiet to embrace. This idyllic island offers meadows, lochs and rolling moors, so it is great for those looking for pure escapism away from busy everyday life.
- #Motherwell, Scotland – 61,000 mentions
This small town is home to lots of local activities enjoyed by both visitors and residents alike, allowing everyone to get involved in the town’s sports, attractions, and family days out. Motherwell’s top attractions include Strathclyde Country Park and North Lanarkshire with a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere throughout the region.
- #Holkham, Norfolk – 49,000 mentions
Holkham is a small village and civil parish home to the magnificent Holkham Hall, Holkham Bay and its National Nature Reserve where the seafront wildlife reserve can be visited on the beach front. This region is such a peaceful spot to visit with a relaxing, slow-paced atmosphere.
Following these findings, the least visited places among the parts of the UK that have the lowest population density were found. These are the Scottish town of Kilwinning and Milford in Staffordshire, which both have fewer than 100 Instagram posts. Ringwood, Hampshire is also low on the tourism list for Instagrammers, with only 500+ posts, closely behind Windsor in Berkshire and Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire, with 1000+ posts in these regions.
Before planning your staycation, remember to check the restrictions within the local area to ensure an effortless and stress-free holiday.
