As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, the UK is heading for a staycation boom and the future is looking exceptionally bright for the holiday let management industry. Rather than facing the complexities and inconveniences of international travel, many Brits are opting to holiday within the British Isles.
In particular, many holiday goers are planning to rent a furnished holiday home, rather than stay in a heavily populated hotel in which it is harder to socially distance. But the idea of a “home away from home” has been garnering significant interest since before the pandemic, thanks to the ever-growing popularity of Airbnb.
These days, holiday goers are consistently choosing short-stay properties that provide hotel quality services over the traditional hotel experience. This way, they can enjoy the results of high quality cleaning and hotel standard amenities, all whilst enjoying the comforts of a “home away from home”. Guests have their own front door and enjoy an altogether more immersive holiday experience, where they can truly live like a local.
So where are the most profitable locations for holiday letting in the UK?
The Lake District
The expansive, stunning beauty of England’s largest national park attracts millions of visitors every year and is regarded as a World Heritage Site. It isn’t difficult to imagine why letting a holiday home here would be a very lucrative investment. From Windermere’s World of Beatrix Potter, the bustling market town of Keswick and the tranquil, scenic Derwentwater, this is a holiday destination like no other. It’s no secret that it can be rainy in this corner of the world, so when skies are grey, why not visit the stunning local art galleries, relax at a traditional inn or do some shopping at the small, quaint shops that are dotted across the district. As you can imagine, the Lakes attracts all manner of holiday goers, from water sports enthusiasts, casual walkers and city dwellers.
Monmouthshire
Nestled on the border between England and South Wales, Monmouthshire is home to the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as no less than twenty-six historic castles, just waiting to be explored.Thriving market towns such as Abergavenny are dotted across picturesque valleys and hills, and there is no shortage of places to sample the delicious local produce of the area. Monmouthshire is a natural holiday destination for foodies, walkers, cyclists and anybody interested in holidaying amidst stunning natural beauty. Famous attractions include the Old Station at Tintern, Caldicot Castle and Country Park and the Nelson Museum. Adventure weekends in this corner of Wales are also popular with families. Holiday letting in this area of South-East Wales promises to be very profitable!
The Isle of Wight
Famous for its vintage beach huts, characteristic promenades and sandy beaches, the Isle of Wight attracts thousands of visitors each year. Located in the English Channel, it is a perfect destination for beach lovers who are looking for a traditional seaside holiday experience. With its varied beaches, the island is perfect for coastal lovers through all seasons. The island is brimming with adventure parks, stargazing experiences and water sports whilst the annual Isle of Wight festival brings together people from all over the UK and beyond. Traditional seaside towns such as Shankin punctuate this stunning coastline, and the island has the most sunlight hours than anywhere else in the UK.
The Peak District
The Peak District National Park is nestled in the heart of England, famed for its stepping stones, limestone valleys and moorland plateaus. It also has fantastic transport links to cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham; meaning it is extremely accessible for a large percentage of England’s population. The park has stunning views all year round, with many cycle and walking paths, reservoirs and is home to diverse wildlife and habitats. Market towns such as Buxton and Bakewell provide the perfect retreat for holiday goers, with their bustling cafes and independent shops. The Peak District is a great mix of historic points of interest, stunning countryside and charming villages; attracting visitors from all age groups!
North West Norfolk
North Norfolk promises heaps of traditional seaside fun and unspoilt charm. Small wonder it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From stately homes, bustling market towns and stunning coastal paths; North Norfolk has something for everyone. Highly sought after locations include Hunstanton, Wells-next-the-sea and King's Lynn, where tourists can sample the delicious local food, explore the fens and meander through traditional village streets. Whether on the miles of unspoilt coast or further inland, the natural beauty of this historic area is never far away. Norfolk attracts birdwatchers, short break holiday makers, wildlife lovers and walkers all year round; thanks to the plethora of activities this beautiful corner of England offers. Must see areas include Holkham Hall, Cromer Pier and the Royal Sandringham Estate. Short letting a holiday cottage in this historic area promises bookings all year round!
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are renowned for their quintessentially English honey-coloured villages and rolling hills, known locally as the “wolds”. The Cotswolds cover 800 square miles across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire. Tourists can explore the unique identities of each county amongst the stunning beauty of the hills. Visitors can wander across the cobbled streets of bustling market towns like Cheltenham and Cirencester, sampling delicious local cheeses and meats and shopping in boutique shops. This region is also known for an artsy, creative scene, and there are various, frequent festivals celebrating this. With over 3000 miles of countryside, ancient woodlands and enchanting meadows, tourists can become one with nature. A holiday let property in the vicinity of the magical “wolds” will be sure to attract many a guest.
South Pembrokeshire
This area of South Wales is popular amongst families with young children, with its sandy beaches, colourful houses and lively seaside towns. Oakwood Theme Park and Folly Farm are a hit with youngsters but there is lots to do for all age groups in this sunny corner of South Wales. From coastal walks, historic castles, medieval walls, you are never short of things to do. There is a working monastery you can visit by making a short boat trip to Caldey Island, complete with tea rooms. St Govan’s medieval chapel is also worth a visit, a stunning medieval relic nestled amongst the cliffs, where according to legend, Sir Gawain is buried! Bird watchers will find Skomer Island a haven and Heatherton Country Park provides a fun-packed day out. The breathtaking landscapes of this area alone bring tourists from the UK and beyond. Short letting a holiday cottage around coastal Pembrokeshire is undeniably a great investment!
North Yorkshire Moors
The North Yorks moors’ have captured the imagination of many, with their strong literary connections and haunting natural beauty. This national park is famous for its expanse of heather that flourishes across the landscape and is extremely popular with horse riders, walkers, mountain bikers and cyclists. Stargazers and keen astrologists love this area because it has low levels of light pollution with good conditions for astronomy. Visitor centres at Sutton Bank and Danby offer local exhibitions and a contemporary gallery. Dalby Forest also hosts entertainment throughout the year, including outdoor concerts. Popular places to stay include Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and Pickering; where tourists can be sure to be welcomed by the friendly locals. The North Yorks moors’ heritage railway is a popular tourist attraction by itself, it takes visitors into the heart of the national park and promises unforgettable views. The North York moors’ ancient history and diverse attractions are sure to attract a diversity of visitors who will require short let holiday homes across this treasured national park.
If you have a holiday let property in any of these areas, but have reservations about the hassle of short letting, then look no further. Pass the Keys, the UK’s leading short let property management service, will take the stresses of short letting off your hands, and maximise your properties rental, whilst you sit back and enjoy the financial gains. We operate in all of the above locations, and as a certified Airbnb cohost, we are experts at holiday home property management, so you don’t have to be. Eager to rent? Then check out this advice for short letting your property in 2021.
Why not take advantage of the staycation boom and give us a call today on 0208 050 2818 to discuss your property. Or, head to https://www.passthekeys.co.uk/services/ to get a free, no obligation quote on what you could earn by short letting with Pass the Keys.