An estimated 11.2 million people in Britain are planning to take an overnight holiday within the UK during the upcoming August bank holiday weekend, according to a new survey by VisitEngland. The organization projects that these trips will generate approximately £4.1 billion for the economy.
The latest figures show a slight increase compared to last year, when 11 million people planned domestic overnight trips for the same weekend. In 2023, the figure was 9.7 million. Despite this positive trend for the holiday period, overall domestic overnight trips have decreased by 5% so far this year, falling from 32.6 million in 2024 to 31.1 million at the end of May 2025.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented: “From Cornwall and Cumbria to The Gower and Glasgow, Britain is blessed with so many fantastic destinations.
“The tourism industry is a vital part of the economy and it is great to see that this year, even more people are planning to make the most of the August bank holiday weekend by heading off on an overnight trip. This will not only provide millions with fantastic days out, but will also help create jobs and drive economic growth across the country.”
Patricia Yates, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “It is very encouraging to see many of us are planning a domestic break for the August bank holiday weekend. From our globally renowned museums and art galleries to our buzzing food and music scene, from our great pubs to our beautiful coast and countryside, there is a destination to suit all tastes and budgets.
“Businesses will be looking to the long weekend for a critical late summer lift after what has been a very mixed year for many destinations. We can also see from our latest consumer research that the cost of living remains a concern. Brits are still keen to take their breaks however many are booking last minute, making it difficult for businesses to plan in advance, and wanting to save on accommodation, activities, eating out and searching for good value options. So do please get out and support our amazing destinations, first class attractions and local events this long weekend and beyond.”
Survey results also indicated that another 7.3 million people remain undecided about taking an overnight trip in England over the bank holiday weekend. Common reasons include financial concerns, uncertainty about weather conditions, and waiting for special offers or deals.
Tourism continues to be one of England’s largest industries with broad economic impact throughout the country.
The full VisitEngland August bank Holiday trip tracker survey can be accessed here: Domestic Tourism Bank Holiday Trips Data | VisitBritain.org.
For suggestions on events happening during the August Bank Holiday across England—such as food festivals or live music by the sea—information is available at VisitEngland’s 2025 Summertime News | VisitBritain.org.
VisitEngland uses periodic online omnibus surveys known as ‘trip trackers’ to collect data about travel intentions among British consumers at key times each year. The current survey was conducted by Kantar TNS with a representative sample of 1,231 adults aged 16 or older between August 12th and 14th, 2025. Trip estimates are based on an adult population of approximately 56 million in Great Britain (Office for National Statistics). Economic projections use average spend figures from recent tourism surveys.
Additional consumer sentiment research published by VisitEngland on July 22 provides further insight into domestic travel trends (link).
