Despite the recent announcement of "green list" countries in the UK, travelling abroad is still looking uncertain for a second summer running, with many European destinations missed off the list entirely and fear of cancelled flights come July. So, once again, staycations [1] have jumped to the top of everyone's list — and the search for the best UK escape (before everything gets booked up) is on people's minds.

So much so that a recent study carried out by Tripadvisor [2] revealed that travellers in the UK searching for British staycations increased by 384 percent in April, compared with the first week of January, with many travellers planning on taking two holidays to make up for the lost time over lockdown in the summer months. It also revealed that more than one in three Brits who plan to travel this summer are choosing a staycation over a holiday abroad and that the most popular travel weeks are set to be weeks commencing 28 June and 26 July.

Not only are they the less stressful and easier option currently, when compared with the possible risk attached to international travel or worry of cancelled flights, but there's also opportunity to discover some new destinations around the UK: from Brighton's trendy coast all the way to Yorkshire, and plenty in between. According to Tripadvisor, some of the most-searched, summer-holiday favourites this year include seaside town and hotspot Torquay, Windermere lake, and the lovely medieval town of York. So, if you're still searching for your next UK spa staycation for some respite away from the city, or you're planning on heading for a coastal getaway for some sea air, let these trending travel destinations inspire your next UK break.

Torquay, Devon

With both seaside and countryside at its fingertips, it's no wonder why this small English town in southern Devon is set to be summer's most popular travel destination. Found on the pretty English Riviera, it offers sweeping coastline views, swaying palms, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. What to do here? Head to Torquay Harbour, visit the famous caves, and spend long lazy days on quiet beaches for a lovely staycation to be enjoyed with family or friends.

Windermere, Cumbria

Located only a mile from the largest lake in England in the Lake District's National Park, this town attracts visitors looking to explore one of the country's most breathtaking natural landscapes, with mountain scenery, lake views, and lots of little villages to visit. A weekend here is all about fresh air, hikes, and outdoor activities, of course, with plenty of great pubs along the way to refuel after a day of action-packed activity.

York, Yorkshire

Steeped in history, York is home to some incredible architecture, including the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It is best explored by foot: a stroll along the winding Shambles, a tiny medieval street filled with equally tiny tea rooms, is a must, along with a visit to Betty's. For those wanting to explore York's history, there's the York Castle Museum and the National Rail Museum, but you'll get a taste of its rich past just by wandering around.

Newquay, Cornwall

With some of the UK's best surf spots, it's no wonder why people flock to this corner of Cornwall as soon as signs of sunshine appear. Whether you're a novice or an expert, Newquay guarantees catching great waves, with schools and camps for kids, too. Expect crowds, but when you see the long stretches of sand at Fistral, or the National Trust's Crantock Beach, you'll know why. For family fun, head to the rock pools and caves at Whipsiderry Beach or take a picnic to Watergate Bay.

Bath, Somerset

If you haven't visited the impressive Roman Baths, famous Crescent, and winding cobbled stone streets, now is a prime opportunity to add Bath to your holiday bucket list. One of the UK's most quintessential and charming cities, Bath is only a short hop from London and offers up plenty in the way of activities, including a crop of first-class food spots, too. Foodies will enjoy the likes of Clayton's Kitchen, The Bath Priory, and the very IG-friendly plates at Gordon Jones.

Whitby, Yorkshire

Home to some of the best fish and chips and white sandy beaches, Whitby has everything you'd want from a coastal getaway. Set on the coast in North Yorkshire and full of old-school charm, highlights include a visit to Whitby Abbey, the famous Brewery, and lazy, sunny days spent at Whitby Sands, a long stretch of sand lined by multicoloured beach huts.

Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria

Thanks to its dreamy location in the Lake District and close proximity to the famous lake, it's no surprise that this teeny-tiny village is set to be a popular destination this summer. Keen walkers can take the scenic route with a 45-mile path that spans the whole of Windermere lake before stopping off at a lakefront pub for a well-deserved feast. Or if that's not your thing, there's plenty of water sports and activities taking place on the lake during the summer months, too.

Brighton, East Sussex

With world-famous nightlife, a thriving food scene, and some of the best vintage shopping — what's not to love about trendy Brighton? Just a quick hop from London via train (nicknamed London by the sea) and you'll find yourself along the famous Brighton pier, fish and chips in hand and ready to explore this eccentric city. There is so much to do in the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK, from getting lost in the lanes to record shopping and cafe hopping. Hotels here range from the hip and fashionable to the more sophisticated, like Hotel Du Vin.

Portree, Isle of Skye

A charming port in Scotland, this lovely pocket of the UK earns its stripes thanks to Quiraing, a unique set of rock formations with breathtaking views from every angle. Other activities around Isle Of Skye (which means cloud island) include wild swimming in the deep blue Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle.

Bournemouth, Dorset

Between zip lining and rock climbing, beach and town hopping, there's plenty to keep you busy in Bournemouth. On the south coast of England, it might not be as glitzy as its other neighbouring coastal towns; however, if it's lovely beaches and sea air you're looking for, it's well worth a visit. Located at the start of the Jurassic Coast, you'll get all the dramatic, craggy coastlines synonymous with part of the world and the famous Durdle Door to marvel at, with plenty of great towns a short drive away, too.