Low air fares boosting domestic trips – poll

The emergence of budget air travel is encouraging more people to take breaks in the UK.

A quarter of those surveyed by low fares airline Flybe spent a period of time last year discovering the British Isles with two in five (42%) saying flying was their preferred means of transport.

Despite one in five (18%) people stating that they would never holiday in the UK due to the unpredictable weather, the airline claimed the results challenge the perception of Britain as an outdated and antiquated tourist destination.

The poll was conducted for the airline by YouGov amongst 2,231 people earlier this month.

Among the findings, more than half (52%) said they would had to the Cornish coast for sea and sand and 76% voted the South West as best for surfing.

The Channel Islands were chosen by a third of people as offering Britain’s best family holiday.

Manchester emerged as having the nation’s best party atmosphere by 21%, followed by Newcastle (12%).

One in five respondents also rated Manchester as offering the country’s best shopping experience.

Bristol was voted as offering the best spa experience while one in ten people rated Edinburgh’s green spaces as the UK’s answer to Central Park in New York and the Scottish capital was also rated top for culture.

Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said: “We often forget about the exciting destinations that are right on our doorstep and instead go abroad to discover different cultures and see new sights. 

“However by re-mapping Britain, we have highlighted that there is so much to see and do right here in the UK and we should be celebrating this and taking time to re-discover Britain and all it has to offer.”

Breakdown of results

ACCOLADE        WINNER  RUNNER-UP     

Britain’s Best…surf capital:     Cornwall        Guernsey      

Britain’s Best…beach:    Cornwall        Jersey

Britain’s Best…shopping experience:      Manchester      Birmingham    

Britain’s Best…pavement café culture:    Jersey  Edinburgh     

Britain’s Best…spa experience:   Bristol Edinburgh      

Britain’s Best…central park:     Edinburgh       Jersey

Britain’s Best…party atmosphere: Manchester      Newcastle     

Britain’s Best…family holiday:   Jersey  Guernsey      

Britain’s Best…extreme sports adventure: Manchester      Southampton   

Britain’s Best…cultural hotspot: Edinburgh       Liverpool     

Britain’s Best…18 hole experience:       Edinburgh       Jersey

Britain’s Best…romantic hideaway:        Edinburgh       Jersey

Britain’s Best…walking experience:     Jersey   Exeter

Britain’s Best…city with a view Edinburgh:       Jersey

Report by Phil Davies