The rise of ‘nostalgia travel’ – 68% of UK staycation goers re-visit their favourite childhood destination with their family

Repeat travel trend sees 68% of UK staycation goers re-visit their favourite childhood destination 

• Data from holidaycottages.co.uk reveals that 68% of people revisited their childhood staycation destination, at an average of 4.5 times as an adult
• Their biggest reasonings for revisiting the destination included reliving childhood memories (56%), relaxation and escape (48%) and sharing the experience with loved ones (43%)
• Over half (51%) say their staycation destination is their happy place
• Coastal towns were the most popular repeat travel destination with St Ives placing top

In 2025, many travellers are looking through the lenses of nostalgia, as many look to revisit childhood destinations — an emerging trend known as rosy retrospection. In fact, a poll of 2,000 UK staycation goers by holidaycottages.co.uk¹ revealed that 68% of people have revisited their childhood staycation destination in adulthood, at an average of 4.5 times.

The research which surveyed Brits on the connection to their childhood holiday destinations, their favourite memories, and the destination’s lasting impact, also noted that their destination gave them an enhanced appreciation for the UK landscape (35%), with 56% saying their main reason for revisiting was to relive their childhood memories.

So, why are so many staycation goers choosing repeat travel over discovering new pockets of the UK, and just how have their childhood staycations shaped them into adulthood?

Over two-fifths are heading back on their staycation to share the experience with loved ones

Many of us have left a travel destination itching to return, with many happy memories, so it’s no surprise that 51% of people said their childhood staycation destination was their happy place. With the average UK staycation goer re-visiting as an adult 4.5 times, and 15% saying they have revisited upwards of 10 times, what are the biggest draws for a re-visit?

From buckets and spades on the beach to intrepid dips into the British sea, the main reason for UK staycation goers to revisit their childhood destination was to relive childhood memories (56%). Touchingly, 43% said they also wanted to share these experiences with loved ones.

For many people, travel is all about immersion so it’s no surprise that the main pull for many lies in the culture and landscapes the UK has to offer. With so much rich biodiversity from vibrant moorlands to picture-perfect coastlines, 43% said it was the landscapes that drew them back in, with 34% noting the attractions and activities, and 18% citing the local cultures and traditions.

Over a third of staycation goers also say their childhood holiday destination has given them an appreciation for the UK landscape

The UK is famed for its diversity in culture, experiences, and landscapes – you can spend the day paddling in the sea and drive up the road to find woodlands bursting with fauna. Visiting a new area can enrich us in so many ways, from stepping into years gone by via heritage sites, to trying local delicacies. So, how have childhood destinations influenced the lives of those surveyed?

The biggest impact their childhood destination had on the lives of staycation goers was an enhanced appreciation of the local landscape (35%). With many people living in urban environments, we can lose touch with just how lucky we are to live in such a biodiverse country, and our trips can really help us reconnect with nature. In fact, this has led 16% of staycation goers to note an increase in environmental awareness.

Delving back into our brain’s nostalgia banks, we might remember the museum that sparked our interest in a certain period of history, or the first taste of our now favourite food, as 13% of those surveyed outlined that their childhood destination culturally enriched them, and 14% said they gained appreciation for local food and culture.

When it comes to relationships 29% said their staycation destination had strengthened their family bonds with 10% saying they made lifelong friendships, and 9% even re-connected with their ancestry.

St Ives revealed as the UK’s most popular childhood destination

Many staycation destinations are highly favoured by families across the UK, due to their local attractions, landscapes and eateries. When polled on their favourite childhood destinations, the most popular for UK staycation goers were revealed as:

• St Ives
• Whitby
• Weymouth
• Tenby
• Cromer

Seaside towns dominated the list with St Ives, Whitby, and Weymouth among the top selected. When it comes to why they selected the destination as their favourite 73% said it was due to their childhood memories, with 44% selecting it due to its natural beauty and 40% noting the activities and attractions.

Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “The UK has so much to offer from its rich biodiversity to its deep history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming seaside locations. However, for many of us, there is that one childhood destination that always calls back to us, and we want to share it with the other people in our lives, whether that be our partner or our children.

“Staycations leave us with beautiful memories to cherish for years to come, and beyond the memories they can even leave us with newfound hobbies, favourites, and knowledge – whether you’re visiting a British heritage site, wandering the landscapes that inspired writers of the past, or picking up a newfound love for a local pastry. We hope our research has inspired people to revisit their favourite childhood destinations.”

To discover the full details of the survey and for further recommendations please visit: