Five of the six most-booked locations are in the same county
New booking data from Sykes Holiday Cottages has revealed the UK’s most popular destinations for Christmas breaks in 2026, with the Lake District dominating the rankings.
Ambleside takes the top spot, followed by Whitby in North Yorkshire and fellow Cumbrian destination Keswick, with five of the six most-booked locations in Cumbria. The findings come as the 100-day countdown to Christmas begins on 16th September.
Sykes’ latest Staycation Index also found winter continues to grow as a travel season, with 2025 bookings up five per cent year-on-year.
Top 10 most-booked destinations for Christmas 2026
- Ambleside, Cumbria
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Keswick, Cumbria
- Windermere, Cumbria
- Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
- Grasmere, Cumbria
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Beadnell, Northumberland
- Southwold, Suffolk
Ambleside, Cumbria
Sitting at the northern end of Windermere, Ambleside gives Christmas staycationers easy access to some of the Lake District’s best-known scenery. Holidaymakers can follow the route to Stock Ghyll Force, browse the town’s independent shops or head down to Waterhead for views across the lake.
Those heading to Ambleside can stay at Anniversary Cottage, a two-bedroom property sleeping four, well-placed for exploring the town centre, Waterhead, and the wider Lakes.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby brings a coastal alternative to the Christmas top three, combining dramatic scenery with historic streets and a bustling harbour. Visitors can climb the famous 199 steps towards Whitby Abbey, explore the old town or wrap up for a walk along the Yorkshire coast.
Sir Nigel Gresley @ Engine Shed puts guests close to Whitby’s waterfront and town centre. The two-bedroom apartment sleeps four and sits within the town’s distinctive Engine Shed development.
Keswick, Cumbria
Set at the northern end of Derwentwater and surrounded by fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, Keswick is well-suited to those wanting to get outdoors over Christmas. Its lively centre is packed with shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants for warming up after time by the water or out on the fells.
Little Hallgarth is a two-bedroom cottage close to Keswick’s centre, making it a convenient base for Christmas celebrations and time spent around Derwentwater.
Windermere, Cumbria
Windermere puts holidaymakers within easy reach of England’s largest lake, with lakeside routes and boat trips offering a different way to take in the winter scenery. The town itself also has plenty of places to eat, drink and browse during a relaxed December break.
For larger groups, Hazelnut Cottage sleeps eight across four bedrooms, with spacious interiors for festive meals, relaxed evenings and days spent exploring Windermere or the wider national park.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Neighbouring Bowness-on-Windermere brings visitors right to the lakeside, with Bowness Pier acting as a hub for cruises across Windermere. Holidaymakers can enjoy waterside views, visit local attractions or simply settle into one of the town’s cafés and pubs after a day in the Lakes.
Sleeping four across two bedrooms, Richmond House gives guests a comfortable stay close to the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere and is within easy reach of the lake, local attractions and nearby routes.
Grasmere, Cumbria
With its traditional village setting, surrounding fells and strong literary heritage, Grasmere offers a quieter option for Christmas in the Lakes. Visitors can discover William Wordsworth’s former home at Dove Cottage, pick up the village’s famous gingerbread or explore the surrounding countryside.
The Old Bunkhouse sleeps six across three bedrooms and offers a countryside retreat near Grasmere, with room to unwind after time spent exploring the central Lakes.
Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth offers a change of scenery for holidaymakers, swapping the countryside for the coast this Christmas. Its sweeping sandy beach and historic harbour provide plenty of opportunity for a seafront stroll, while the town is well placed for exploring more of Dorset’s shoreline.
Plain Sailing places guests within easy reach of Weymouth’s waterfront, harbour and surrounding coast, making it a fitting choice for a Christmas break by the sea.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough brings together all the ingredients of a traditional seaside break, even in the winter months. Holidaymakers can wander around the town’s bays and seafront, take in views of the Yorkshire coastline and explore its long-standing seaside attractions.
The Salthouse Apartment 1 is a two-bedroom apartment, located close to Scarborough’s South Bay. With an open-plan living space, it’s ideal for a small group who wish to spend Christmas together on the Yorkshire coast.
Beadnell, Northumberland
Beadnell is a strong choice for those looking for a peaceful Christmas by the sea. Its horseshoe-shaped bay, long stretch of golden sand, and historic harbour provide a scenic backdrop for crisp coastal days, while its location makes it well placed to explore the wider Northumberland coast.
Donni Hall Cottage sleeps four and welcomes dogs, making it a practical option for guests bringing four-legged family members. It is well positioned for Beadnell’s beach, harbour and nearby coastal villages.
Southwold, Suffolk
Southwold delivers a classic British seaside setting for Christmas, with its Edwardian pier, beach-hut-lined promenade and sandy shoreline. Visitors can spend time beside the sea before browsing the shops or stopping off somewhere warm.
For a bigger festive gathering, Salt Marsh House offers a spacious Southwold townhouse for family or friends looking to spend Christmas on the Suffolk coast.
