Most popular UK Airbnb seaside staycations to escape to during the heatwave

Dreading being cooped up during yet another heatwave? These are the UK Airbnb seaside staycations that are most popular to escape to...

Woman sitting reading on beach
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's another UK heatwave on the horizon—making jetting off abroad seem far less of a bright idea. But where to go for a last-minute getaway that's closer to home to make the most of the sunny British weather? Luckily for you, this year's most popular UK Airbnb seaside staycations for summer have just been revealed. 

Because, while you might not be off to the Mediterranean (although, if you are, here are things to do in the Amalfi Coast), what's a holiday without a beach at arm's length? Even better, while the best travel experiences to have in 2022 might generally take you further afield, staying on home soil means you can indulge in all those nostalgic delights that you know so well—from fish and chips to rock pooling.

To kickstart your home-grown travel inspiration, Airbnb has delved into the trending data to come up with a list of the top coastal destinations on British soil. Interestingly, the usual suspects from your mid-pandemic staycations (remember those?)—like Cornwall and Brighton—are absent, suggesting that exploring pastures new is very 'in' for 2022. And you'll certainly beat the crowds, so you can enjoy your best self-care books in peace...

Switch up your staycation this year and visit one of Airbnb's top trending seaside destinations for 2022. Here's where you could be heading to...

  • Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
  • Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
  • Fleetwood, Lancashire
  • Ingoldmells, Lincolnshire
  • Sandown, Isle of Wight
  • Formby, Merseyside
  • Redcar, North Yorkshire
  • Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
  • Bognor Regis, West Sussex
  • Scarborough, North Yorkshire
  • Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
  • Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

Woman walking across field with surfboard

(Image credit: Getty Images)

First place goes to the quaint seaside town of Hornsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire—which has jumped up eight places since 2021. There are also other secret gems that make the cut, including Fleetwood and Formby in the North West. Whitley Bay near Newcastle and Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire also rank high.

Whether you're looking to travel alone successfully as a solo traveler, or are planning a trip with a partner, family or friends, Airbnb insists that there's something for everyone in their top trending destinations. Want a bustling vibe? Bognor Regis is ideal. Love wildlife? Newbiggin-by-the-Sea should do the trick.

Of the resurgence of traditional UK staycations, Amanda Cupples, Airbnb's general Manager for Northern Europe, notes: “We’re continuing to see the resurgence of the Great British seaside holiday with Brits seeking coastal resorts and in particular, lesser-known destinations in all corners of the country."

One of the best things about the platform is the ability to search for unique properties for a more memorable stay. After all, you can book Carrie Bradshaw's New York City apartment through the platform. The Airbnb Categories tool comes into its own when looking for UK-based seaside getaways, taking you direct to that quirky houseboat or charming cottage with an ocean view. What are you waiting for?

Lauren is a freelance writer and editor with more than six years of digital and magazine experience. Most recently, she has been the Acting Commissioning Editor of Women's Health—where she co-produced the Going For Goal podcast—and has previously also written news and features for titles including The Telegraph, Grazia, Stylist, Dazed, The Sun's Fabulous, Yahoo Style UK and Get The Gloss. She covers all aspects of lifestyle, specializing in health, beauty, and travel. Can't live without: oat milk lattes, new podcast episodes, long walks, and great skincare.