Welshpool ‘topped UK holiday cottage bookings’ in first quarter of 2021

Welshpool has been revealed in one report as the most sought after destination for the first three months of 2021 as tourists flocked to the area in their staycation droves.

The stunning news was published by UK holiday rental marketplace, Snaptrip, in its 2021 staycation trends report, which showed Welshpool to be more popular for those booking holiday cottages than the likes of Scarborough in second, with Shrewsbury, just across the border, in third.

Described as the “number one spot in the cooler months” Welshpool is positioned as the “perfect base for exploring Mid Wales”.

The more established tourist destinations of Whitby and Newquay take over the top spots for the remaining quarters as tourists piled to the coast, but nevertheless the local tourism industry will be hoping that the numbers can be repeated for the first three months of 2022.

Matt Fox, founder of Snaptrip, said: “After a surge in staycations last year it’s encouraging to see new, lesser known beauty spots across the UK (like Welshpool) be recognised as ideal places for a holiday.

“With six destinations in Wales seeing the largest increase in bookings, including the town of Llandovery with the highest increase of 669%, we would expect to see UK holidays in Wales continue to trend next year.”

The Llanidloes area saw the sixth largest increase of cottage bookings in 2021 with 144%.

Matt added: “We can see the staycation trends of seaside stays, holidays in nature and breaks in Wales continue into the new year with destinations such as Newquay, Keswick and Brecon taking their places in the top ten popular locations.

“With so much to explore on our doorstep, a cottage break is a fantastic holiday option for the new year and with such a variety of top locations and properties across the UK you can find the perfect place to suit you.”