Scotland is now the second most popular destination in the UK for families planning a ‘staycation’, it has been revealed.

Latest UK-wide figures show that increasing numbers of travellers are opting to holiday close to home, with Scotland seeing one of the strongest growths in domestic tourists year on year.

The number of people taking a break and choosing to enjoy a vacation north of the Border rose from 3 per cent in March 2025 to 15 per cent last month, according to data from VisitBritain.

This is a greater surge than London which saw a rise from 16 per cent in March 2025 to 21 per cent last month - a boost of less than 32 per cent.

It comes as more people say they are looking for more rural and nature-led breaks, with the recent conflict in the Middle East also playing a part.

The survey found that more than 40 per cent of people in the UK were more likely to holiday on home soil than travel abroad due to ‘global conflicts and warzones overseas’.

And VisitScotland data shows Scotland is now the second most preferred destination by UK residents intending a holiday in 2026, up from third place last year, with 48 per cent of Scots planning to holiday close to home.

Sykes Holiday Cottages was also reported to have predicted a record high for staycations in 2026 after reporting that bookings made at the start of the year were up nine per cent year-on-year.

A report by the holiday letting company has also revealed that the Highlands and Islands and Central Scotland are among the top five areas in the UK to own a holiday let.

Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: ‘Recent travel disruption and ongoing uncertainty will naturally see people looking at breaks closer to home and Scotland has plenty to offer holidaymakers.

‘From stunning coastlines to hikes through our iconic countryside, there’s something for everyone so it’s no surprise that demand for trips in Scotland has surged. I hope this recent interest continues into the summer, in what would be a boost for our hospitality and tourism businesses.’

It comes after VisitScotland revealed last year how TV shows such as Outlander and Shetland had helped inject more than £140million into the country’s economy as fans flock to filming locations.

Research found that in 2023 screen tourism generated a record 1.14 million overnight stays, with so-called ‘setjetters’ accounting for 16 per cent of all tourists.

The study, commissioned by government agency Screen Scotland, revealed fantasy show Outlander as one of the country’s biggest attractions.

Its popularity has seen visits to historic sites including Lochaber, Culross, Perthshire and Blackness Castle, which feature in the series, rise to more than two million a year.