Travel experts have ranked the North East county as the second-best staycation location in the UK thanks to its ‘idyllic’ countryside and coastline
As temperatures drop and evenings draw in, many Brits are already planning their next escape – with staycations proving increasingly favoured over the fuss of holidays abroad. Northumberland has once more been recognised as amongst the finest destinations in the country.
Holiday experts at Sykes Holiday Cottages placed the North East county in second position on their essential destinations list, determined by booking numbers for holiday properties through their platform. Finishing just behind the Scottish Highlands and Islands whilst claiming top spot in England, those fortunate enough to have explored Northumberland will appreciate the endless adventures awaiting visitors.
The company particularly highlighted Northumberland National Park as a “wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life”. Spanning an impressive 405 square miles, this stunningly beautiful region serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, heritage buffs and avid walkers, offering countless hidden treasures to uncover.
Whilst Northumberland National Park stands as England and Wales’s most isolated and sparsely inhabited National Park, charming accommodation options remain available throughout the vicinity. Previously this year, travel specialists at holidaycottages.co.uk similarly identified Northumberland National Park amongst Britain’s premier locations to experience a “nature’s paradise”, whilst also declaring it the finest destination for stargazing.
Boasting the most ‘pristine dark skies’ in England, Northumberland National Park, along with much of Kielder Water and Forest Park, became England’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2013. On a cloudless night, visitors can observe thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light years away with the naked eye, whilst it’s also the perfect spot to witness a Northern Lights display when conditions align, reports Chronicle Live.
Tourism body Visit Northumberland describes the county’s National Park as being “home to some of our most peaceful hidden gems, remotest footpaths and most astounding nature”. There’s no shortage of exploration opportunities here for holidaymakers seeking a fresh-air adventure, from the 2,000 year old history of Hadrian’s Wall weaving through the landscape to the towering Cheviot Hills offering unforgettable hiking routes and breathtaking vistas.
The specialists at Sykes Holiday Cottages also highlighted the coastline as one of numerous reasons making Northumberland among the top destinations to visit in the UK, singling out Alnmouth, Bamburgh, and Berwick-upon-Tweed as particularly memorable locations. The Northumberland Coast has jointly topped a Which? survey to discover the finest National Landscapes and Scenic Areas across the UK, sharing first place with the Isles of Scilly off Cornwall’s coast.
Securing an impressive 89% overall score from visitors, the region triumphed thanks to its striking scenery, excellent walking routes, opportunities for spotting wildlife and attractions suitable for all age groups.
Sykes Holiday Cottages noted in their rankings: “Taking the second spot on our list of the best UK holiday destinations for 2026 is Northumberland, a region that’s seen a massive uptake in staycations for the past few years, jumping from 6th place to 2nd! We expect to see a lot more bookings as people continue to discover this breathtaking region and all it has to offer.”
The company continued: “It’s also worth noting that despite its growing popularity, Northumberland still remains to be one of the cheapest UK holiday destinations, making it an excellent place to visit if you’re hoping to make a saving on your next getaway.
“With an idyllic coastline, picturesque countryside and wonderous Northumberland castles, it’s not hard to see why Northumberland is one of the best UK holiday destinations in 2026.”
