Morecambe, a seaside town in Lancashire, England, is experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, becoming the UK's fastest-rising staycation destination. According to Booking.com's Summer Getaway Report, the town has seen a 106 percent increase in popularity. This turnaround marks a notable shift for a town historically nicknamed the 'Costa Geriatrica' due to its large retiree population and a period of decline.
Several factors are contributing to Morecambe's renewed appeal. The general rise in demand for domestic UK holidays has played a role, alongside increased interest from property investors and landlords, as reported by Residential Estates. The town also received a boost in attention following the airing of the second season of the Netflix series 'At Home With The Furys' in April, which featured boxer Tyson Fury, a former resident. Parkdean Resorts noted a 147 percent increase in searches for their Ocean Edge park in Morecambe on the day the show's second season was released.
However, the most significant catalyst for Morecambe's transformation is the development of Eden Project North. This £100 million eco-tourism and education destination, slated to open in winter 2028, aims to revitalize the Morecambe Bay seafront into a world-class attraction for visitors and learning.
Beyond these developments, Morecambe offers established attractions. The town's traditional seafront promenade stretches for five miles, providing views of the Lakeland Fells. Local establishments like Brucciani’s, an ice cream parlor over 100 years old known for its Art Deco style, and the dog-friendly Half Moon Bay Cafe, situated on the National Trust coastal pathway, are popular with visitors. The Clock Tower cafe on the promenade offers classic seaside treats such as doughnuts, sundaes, and fish and chips, with views across the bay.
The trend of increasing popularity extends to other UK destinations as well. Booking.com data indicates growth in areas such as Carnforth (up 86 percent), Exmouth (up 76 percent), Penzance (up 45 percent), and Stratford-upon-Avon (up 42 percent). This suggests a broader national appetite for new experiences and domestic travel.
Ryan Pearson, regional manager for UK & Ireland at Booking.com, noted that travelers are becoming more intentional, seeking new discoveries, solo adventures, child-free breaks, or opportunities to pursue personal passions. This indicates a shift towards more purpose-driven travel, with people feeling more inspired and adventurous.
While Spain remains the top international summer destination for Brits, with 32 percent of holiday wishlists, the data also shows an increase in bookings for global destinations. Shanghai, China, has seen an 88 percent year-on-year rise in searches by Britons for this summer.
