Brits are swapping Spain and Greece for destinations closer to home this summer
Holidaymakers are flocking to Wales this summer, and two seaside towns in North Wales are particularly popular (Image: Getty Images)
With summer just around the corner many of us will be planning a much-needed holiday. While European destinations like Spain, Greece and Turkey never fail to draw in the crowds, many travellers are looking to places elsewhere for their summer break.
One trend that’s become apparent in recent years is the rise of the ‘coolcation’, as people look to escape the strong summer heat. This has seen places like Iceland, Norway and Slovenia grow in popularity in recent years.
But now budget-conscious travellers are looking for collocations closer to home, according to data from travel firm Trip.com. Analysts have spotted one UK destination which is outperforming the rest: Wales.
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Searches for hotels in Wales are up 65 per year-on-year for summer 20266, while rail bookings from all UK destinations are up 37 per cent. The nation is outperforming other staycation hotspots in the UK such as Scotland, Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District and Yorkshire.
Llandudno Beach is always popular when the sun is shining (Image: Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live)
What’s striking is that it’s not just Brits who are eager for a holiday in Wales. Trip.com found that searches for flights to Cardiff among Spanish users are up almost 20 per cent year-on-year, with Spaniards flying in from the likes of Malaga, Alicante and Tenerife.
From the Pembrokeshire coast to the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), there’s no shortage of brilliant places to visit in Wales. Yet there’s a couple of seaside towns in North Wales which are proving particularly popular.
Interest in holidays in both Llandudno and Conwy is rising this summer. Only a stone’s throw away from each other, they both offer a rather different seaside experience.
Llandudno Pier (Image: Getty Images)
A Victorian seaside resort, Llandudno is known for its magnificent pier, amusements and huge pebble beach, lined with a promenade. The town is overlooked by the Great Orme, a headland which offers incredible views out to sea and can be reached by cable car during the summer season.
As well as the pebble beach, visitors can discover the town’s ‘hidden’ sand beach on the other side of the headland, West Shore Beach. Usually quieter than this main beach, it’s a popular spot for those who fancy a dip or want to admire the sunset.
Conwy Castle, North Wales(Image: MEN Staff)
Around a 15-minute drive away is the historic town of Conwy, known for its 700-year-old castle, instantly recognisable thanks to its magnificent towers and turrets, which visitors can still climb today. A rather quirky feature of the town is that it’s home to the smallest house in Great Britain, standing at just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high.
The town’s marina is a gorgeous spot on a sunny day, especially with some fish and chips in hand. There’s no shortage of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the town should you get hungry, as well as bakeries selling iconic Welsh cakes.