BRITISH HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

Cornwall is Britain’s Favourite and Best for Families

London’s Lively but Unfriendly

Norfolk Most Boring

Bouquets and Brickbats for Blackpool

The Highlands and Islands Most Friendly and Best for Relaxation

The end of summer is fast approaching and despite the lousy weather it appears that 2008 could have been a bumper year for British holiday destinations, as many people opted for a “staycation” in response to economic woes. But did we all have a lovely time? TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, conducted a poll of over 500 British travellers to find out what they think are the best and worst of what Britain’s coastal resorts, lakes, mountains and cities have to offer. 

The favourite holiday destination for British travellers is Cornwall. The West Country resort area was also selected as the best for families and was runner-up in both the best for food and best for value categories.

The nation’s capital was considered to have the most unfriendly locals, followed by the Welsh Coast. London, however, confirmed its lively reputation and topped the voting for both best nightlife and best entertainment, as well as best accommodation and best food. On the other hand, the Norfolk Broads was chosen as Britain’s most boring holiday destination.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach received bouquets and brickbats. It was ranked number one for value and also runner-up in three categories - best for families, best for nightlife and best for entertainment. However, the Lancashire seaside resort was also nominated by an overwhelming 76 percent of TripAdvisor British travellers as being the worst holiday destination in the country for rowdy behaviour.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands were considered to have the friendliest locals and also the best holiday destination for getting away from it all. The Highlands and Islands were also runner-up in TripAdvisor members’ nominations for overall favourite destination.

"People who have opted for a "staycation" have the chance to discover what a huge diversity of holiday destinations are available in this country,” said Luke Fredberg, director of communications, TripAdvisor Europe. “Ranging from the peace and tranquillity of the Scottish Highlands to the buzz and excitement of a city like London. The weather may not always be kind, but with so much choice it does not really seem to matter."

Top British Holiday Destinations as Selected by TripAdvisor Travellers:

Favourite Destination
1.Cornwall
2.Scottish Highlands and Islands
3.Lake District
4.London
5.Yorkshire Dales

Most Boring
1.Norfolk Broads
2.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
3.Bournemouth & Poole
4.Dartmoor
5.Chilterns

Friendliest Locals
1.Scottish Highlands and Islands
2.Yorkshire Dales
3.Cornwall
4.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
5.Lake District

Best Food
1.London
2.Cornwall
3.Scottish Highlands and Islands
4.Yorkshire Dales
5.Edinburgh

Best Entertainment
1.London
2.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
3.Edinburgh
4.Brighton & Hove
5.Bournemouth & Poole

Most Unfriendly Locals
1.London
2.Welsh Coast
3.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
4.Snowdonia
5.Edinburgh

Best Nightlife
1.London
2.Blackpool
3.Brighton & Hove
4.Edinburgh
5.Bournemouth & Poole

Best Accommodation
1.London
2.Cornwall
3.Lake District
4.Edinburgh
5.Scottish Highlands and Islands

Best for Good Value
1.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
2.Cornwall
3.Tie Scottish Highlands and Islands, Yorkshire Dales
4.Lake District

Best for Getting Away From it All
1.Scottish Highlands and Islands
2.Lake District
3.Cornwall
4.Yorkshire Dales
5.Cotswolds

Best for Families
1.Cornwall
2.Blackpool Pleasure Beach
3.English Riveria
4.Bournemouth and Poole
5.Lake District

Most Rowdy Behaviour
1.Blackpool
2.Brighton
3.London