Great Western Railway (GWR) has reported a surge in demand for UK holidays, with new analysis showing searches for staycations have risen by more than 5,000% over the past month.
*All details correct at time of publish (22 June 2026)
Searches including ‘cheap staycations’, ‘summer staycation’ and ‘best staycation locations UK’ have all reached Google ‘Breakout’ status, just as GWR’s own booking data shows August and September reservations rising year on year to popular holiday destinations.
Among the standout escapes is South Wales, where families can enjoy a holiday that feels like travelling abroad while staying close to home. From Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront and historic castle to spectacular landscapes, iconic castles and a rich Welsh culture, the region offers a memorable break for young and old.
GWR says the trend points to the rise of the ‘railcation’, as families look to take summer breaks closer to home by train rather than starting the holiday with fuel stops, motorway traffic and parking.
GWR Head of Customer Research, Jeremy Clarke, said:
“Families are having to think harder about how they spend their summer holiday budgets. Overseas trips can feel expensive or uncertain, while driving comes with its own pressures, from fuel costs and motorway traffic to parking at the other end.
“That is why the railcation feels so relevant this summer. It gives families a way to still have a proper UK break, but without starting and ending the holiday with hours in the car.”
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said:
“When you can hop on a train in London and arrive less than two hours later, in the heart of Cardiff, just a short stroll from the historic Castle, the stunning Bute Park, the buzz of the city’s atmospheric Victorian Market, and the waterfront cafes and bars of Cardiff Bay, a fantastic summer break really can be as simple and stress free as buying a ticket.
“Cardiff has all the culture, heritage, shopping, food and accommodation options you’d expect from a vibrant capital city, but it’s also a really compact city, which means you pack almost a whole summer of fun into one great escape.”
From countryside pubs to coastal cities, here are six UK ‘railcation’ ideas for families planning a summer break closer to home.
The Cotswolds
Perfect for a slower-paced countryside escape, The Cotswolds offers honey-coloured villages, riverside walks, historic market towns, traditional pubs, gardens and family attractions, with rail links providing easy access to explore the region.
Cornwall
A perennial favourite for summer holidays, Cornwall combines sandy beaches, picturesque harbour towns, coastal walks and watersports. Rail travel also allows the journey itself to become part of the holiday, with easy onward connections to destinations such as St Ives, Falmouth, Newquay and Looe.
South Wales
Offering a change of scenery and culture without travelling overseas, South Wales combines Cardiff’s waterfront, castle and museums with spectacular landscapes and iconic Welsh castles, making it an ideal base for family adventures.
Bath
Compact and easy to explore on foot, Bath blends Roman history with elegant Georgian architecture, riverside walks, independent cafés and green spaces, making it an ideal city break for families.
Bristol
Known for its vibrant harbourside, creative culture and renowned food scene, Bristol offers museums, festivals, street art and family attractions, alongside a packed calendar of summer events.
Plymouth
For families seeking a coastal city break, Plymouth combines waterfront attractions, harbour cruises, maritime history and the National Marine Aquarium with open spaces and easy access to the sea.
For more information, visit www.gwr.com.
