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Best 30 foodie destinations in UK named - with one spot dominating leaderboard

Research has revealed the top 30 places in the UK for foodies to visit - and it turns out there is one county that dominates the leaderboard

[Padstow traditional fishing harbour at Cornwall]

Cornwall's Padstow is listed as one of the key destinations to visit (Image: tsafreer via Getty Images)

A study has unveiled the top spots in the UK for food lovers, with our beloved fish and chips proving a major attraction. It turns out Brits are particularly keen on taking a culinary road trip, willing to clock up over 150 miles to sample a specific dish or restaurant.

Some of top reasons for visiting these top 30 destinations are to try a local delicacy, dine at a specific restaurant or to source local ingredients. The research found that a fifth of Brits admit their holiday enjoyment hinges heavily on their meals, with many rebooking a destination just to revisit a favourite eatery.

[United Kingdom, England, Cornwall, July 13, 2013, people walking along an alley near the small port of Padstow on River Carmel]

Brits plan to go on three staycations this year(Image: Guido Cozzi/Atlantide Phototravel via Getty Images)

This tasty research was cooked up by Sykes Holiday Cottages for its annual Staycation Index report. The results crowned St Ives as the top foodie destination, with Cornwall claiming the culinary crown as it bagged the top three spots.

The study of 2,000 Brits revealed Padstow and Falmouth as runners-up in the nation's top food destinations, while Brixham, Blackpool, and Great Yarmouth also bagged a spot in the limelight.

Dorset also featured three times in the top 30 foodie towns list with people wanting to dine in Bournemouth, Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "Food is an essential part of the staycation experience. People are increasingly planning their holidays with their palates in mind and that's great for local businesses across the UK."

Traditional British pubs are still the top pick, followed by independent local restaurants and chippies. Some holidaymakers still enjoy making a visit to tearooms, but farm shops and street vendors appear to be gaining popularity.

The research suggests staycations are simpler, less stressful and more cost-effective alternative to jetting off abroad, with plenty of activities on offer such as countryside strolls and exploring historical sites.

[Close up of take out fish and chips in boxes being eaten outdoors on cafe table]

Fish and Chips are still a key attraction (Image: SolStock via Getty Images)

On average, holidaymakers are expected to go on three UK breaks this year, each lasting an average of six days. But it seems like young adults are steering the trend, as seven in ten are planning a staycation.

The most popular types of UK trips were revealed as city breaks, lakes and mountain locations and beachfront holiday homes.

In addition, while the majority of people usually holiday with their friends or family, one in three reckon they're more likely to embark on a solo trip now than they were five years ago.

James added: "Our annual report takes a deep dive into the latest UK travel trends, and it's clear that staycations are continuing to grow in popularity something that's welcome news to the communities across the country that rely on tourism.

"Now in its seventh year, the index shines a light on the evolving habits and motivations shaping domestic travel from an apparent Gen Z UK travel boom to a rise in solo staycations and a focus on food while away.

"Brits are seeking more meaningful escapes and fresh adventures, all without needing a passport."

TOP 30 UK LOCATIONS FOR FOOD:

1. St Ives, Cornwall
2. Padstow, Cornwall
3. Falmouth, Cornwall
4. Brixham, Devon
5. Blackpool, Lancashire
6. Bournemouth, Dorset
7. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
8. Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
9. Lyme Regis, Dorset
10. Weymouth, Dorset
11. St Andrews, Fife
12. Windsor, Berkshire
13. Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
14. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
15. Barnstaple, Devon
16. Barnard Castle, County Durham
17. Warwick, Warwickshire
18. Margate, Kent
19. Folkstone, Kent
20. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
21. Alnwick, Northumberland
22. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
23. Llandudno, Conwy
24. Broadstairs, Kent
25. Southport, Merseyside
26. Loughborough, Leicestershire
27. Rochester, Kent
28. Formby, Merseyside
29. Hereford, Herefordshire
30. Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire

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