New data reveals Britain’s fastest-rising holiday destination

The UK is known for rolling countryside, rich history and diverse culture. From natural beauty spots like the hills of the Lake District and the chocolate-box coastline of Cornwall to iconic institutions like Buckingham Palace, there is no shortage of places high on many travellers’ bucket lists.

But in 2026, a new and perhaps… unexpected suburb has shot to the top of the country’s destinations. Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire has just been crowned the top spot for a holiday in the UK according to new research from Expedia. With a unique history and handy proximity to London, perhaps Bishop’s Stortford is worth an upcoming day trip or staycation.

New research from holiday booking site Expedia has found a huge increase in popularity for domestic holidays, with overall searches increasing by 77 per cent compared to last year.

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The study examined social media mentions from UK holidaymakers and found that posts about Bishop’s Stortford had increased by 90 per cent compared to the year before.

“As major global events and rising costs influence decisions, travellers are either staying closer to home or seeking out destinations where they can get more for their money,” said Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson at Expedia Group.

If you’re new to Bishop’s Stortford, it’s known as a historic market town. It’s situated along the River Stort and close to the Essex border.

Sites include Waytemore Castle – a historic castle mount near the town centre. It’s surrounded by Castle Gardens, providing the perfect scenery for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The area is perfect for a scenic walk along the waterways and surrounding countryside, too or better yet, hire a boat and meander down the River Stort.

Just a short drive away is Hatfield Forest, a National Trust property and a medieval hunting forest. Bishop’s Stortford Market, with a history dating back centuries, has a variety of stalls, from fresh produce and flowers to unique gifts.

St Michael’s Church is another site worth viewing. The Grade I-listed building is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks thanks to its striking Gothic architecture and rich history dating back to the 13th century.