Great British Foodie Staycation Summer: 25.2 Million Choose Home
Poinews.com – British holidaymakers are increasingly turning their backs on overseas travel this summer, with millions opting for a domestic getaway instead. According to fresh research from consumer bank Chase, the Great British foodie staycation summer is in full swing, as 22.5 million UK adults plan to spend their holidays on home soil during the warmer months. This represents a remarkable 40% increase compared to 2025 figures. Broader travel search trends mirror this shift, with nationwide queries for “UK holiday ideas” climbing 50% year-on-year, while searches for “UK holiday rental” have surged by 56%.
Why Food Tourism is Driving the Staycation Boom
Beyond airport congestion, travel disruptions, and escalating airfares, one of the primary forces behind the British staycation surge is food tourism. The comprehensive research uncovered that nearly three-quarters of Britons (71%) consider dining an essential component of their Great British foodie staycation summer experience. Many travellers are deliberately weaving the UK’s vibrant culinary landscape into their holiday itineraries, making food experiences more central to travel planning than ever before.
“Staycationing is no longer a consolation prize or ‘second best’,” explained Binay Agarwala, Managing Director for Rewards and Lending at Chase. “Rather, the UK is actively seeking out at-home holidays in order to try out the world-class dining scene this country has on offer.”
The statistics reveal that three in five Brits (58%) now identify themselves as “foodies,” while two fifths (42%) place heightened importance on quality dining experiences during their time away. This enthusiasm for food is also evident in the willingness of British travellers to spend more on meals while on holiday.
What Brits Will Pay for a Great Meal
More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents indicate they are prepared to splurge on dinner experiences during their staycations. This figure rises to nine in 10 among self-proclaimed “foodies” (89%). On average, Brits estimate that a special “splurge” dinner costs approximately £54.35 (€63.44) per person. However, younger diners aged between 25 and 34 demonstrate even greater generosity, willing to pay £66.67 (€77.82) for a memorable meal.
Financial investment is not the only consideration—time matters equally. The research showed that the average staycationer dedicates 36 minutes to discovering the best foodie destinations, surpassing the time spent researching transport options (33 minutes) and checking weather forecasts (26 minutes). Among dedicated foodies, this research time extends to 45 minutes, representing 25% more effort than the average traveller.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Great British Foodie Staycation Summer
How much more are Brits spending on holidays at home compared to last year?
According to the latest data, the number of UK adults choosing staycations has increased by 40% compared to 2025, with 22.5 million people planning to holiday domestically during the summer months.
What is the average cost of a special dinner during a British staycation?
Brits consider a “splurge” dinner to cost around £54.35 (€63.44) per head on average, though younger travellers aged 25-34 are prepared to spend £66.67 (€77.82) for a premium dining experience.
How much time do foodies spend researching where to eat?
While the average staycationer spends 36 minutes finding foodie hotspots, self-confessed foodies dedicate 45 minutes to this task—25% more time than the typical holidaymaker.
Why are British travellers choosing to stay at home this summer?
Key factors include airport stress, travel disruption, rising airfares, and a growing appreciation for the UK’s world-class culinary scene, which many now view as a compelling alternative to overseas travel.
