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EXCLUSIVE: Most popular UK staycation spots revealed as heatwave triggers surge in bookings

This week's bumper weather has delivered a much needed boost to the UK tourism industry - but will it last?

[Bude in Cornwall has seen surge in last minute holiday bookings in the heat wave]

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Bude in Cornwall has seen surge in last minute holiday bookings in the heat wave(Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The heatwave has sparked red hot sales for Britains staycation industry.

Record temperatures has seen a flood of day-trippers to tourist hotspots, as well as a jump in overnight stays. It coincided with the bank holiday weekend and the half term breaks for many school kids across the country.

The boss of Awaze, which describes itself as Europes largest provider of holiday rentals, has reported a significant rise in last minute bookings to destinations at Britains seasides.

Coastal bookings to north-west England made in the past seven days through its Cottages.com business jumped 50%, while bookings for Hoseasons seaside homes rose by as much 62% year-on-year.

The firm said Whitby, Bridlington and Filey have been the most popular destinations for Cottages.com, while Great Yarmouth, the surfing mecca of Bude, and classic seaside resort Weston-Super-Mare have been popular through Hoseasons.

[Holiday accommodation firm Hoseasons singled out the Norfolk coastal resort of Great Yarmouth as a booking hotspot]

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Holiday accommodation firm Hoseasons singled out the Norfolk coastal resort of Great Yarmouth as a booking hotspot

As well as the heat wave, Awaze believes demand has also been driven wariness of travelling abroad, whether due to the cost or risk of getting caught up in long queues at passport control.

Matthew Price, its chief executive, said: Weve seen a significant uplift in last-minute coastal bookings as consumers sought respite from the heat through seaside getaways.

Traditional coastal hotspots performed particularly strongly, with holidaymakers drawn to easy-to-reach seaside destinations combining striking coastlines, traditional seaside charm and a genuine sense of escape closer to home.

Whats increasingly clear is that flexibility, convenience and affordability are continuing to shape travel decisions, with UK staycations continuing to appeal to holidaymakers seeking high-quality breaks that can be planned quickly and enjoyed at short notice.

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Julie Dalton, managing director at Gullivers Theme Parks and Resorts, admitted that the scorching temperatures actually deterred some visitors.

After what she said had been a challenging start to the year, she told the BBC it was only now it was seeing the first green shoots, boosted by the weather. But she warned: Customer habits have definitely changed. People are being more careful with their money. We are seeing a lot more picnics. It is one of the key areas we do as a family business. We actively encourage it.

It comes as the tourism industry is set for extra help following Chancellor Rachel Reeves promise to slash ticket prices for fairs, theme parks and zoos this summer to ease the cost of living burden on families.

The Chancellor said VAT on summer attractions will be cut from 20% to 5% alongside childrens meals in restaurants as part of a Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Ms Dalton remained cautious: It is very much too early to say.

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