UK Tourism Sees Resurgence with Strong Summer Season in Devon and Cornwall
Published 26 August 2025
Highlights
- UK tourism experienced a significant boost during the 2025 summer, with Devon and Cornwall seeing strong visitor numbers.
- Tourism businesses in the South West reported a "huge summer," with many accommodations fully booked over the bank holiday weekend.
- AirBnB noted a trend of UK holidaymakers opting for spontaneous, local getaways, contributing to the tourism industry's recovery.
- Visitor numbers have rebounded strongly from the pandemic, although they remain slightly below peak levels.
- The positive weather conditions played a crucial role in attracting holidaymakers to British seaside resorts.
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Rewritten Article
UK Tourism Sees Resurgence with Strong Summer Season in Devon and Cornwall
The UK tourism industry has witnessed a robust recovery this summer, with Devon and Cornwall emerging as popular destinations for holidaymakers. As the school summer holidays drew to a close, tourism businesses in these regions reported a "huge summer," with many accommodations fully booked during the bank holiday weekend.
Booming Business in the South West
At the picturesque Bigbury-On-Sea, early risers were already enjoying the beach by 8:00 AM, setting the tone for a bustling day. Annika Connolly, who runs a local surf school, noted the surge in business, attributing it to favorable weather conditions reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. "It's really ramped up," she remarked, adding that the positive atmosphere had uplifted the entire summer season.
Holidaymakers like Jack Lemon, visiting from Bristol, echoed this sentiment, praising the beaches in Devon and Cornwall as comparable to some of the world's best. Meanwhile, Cathy Case, who manages a campsite near Bigbury, expressed satisfaction with the weekend's turnout, highlighting the importance of such moments for tourism businesses.
Visitor Numbers Rebound
Tourism officials in Devon and Cornwall have reported a strong rebound in visitor numbers, although they remain slightly below the levels seen immediately post-pandemic. Jon Hyatt, head of Visit Cornwall, expressed optimism about the region's recovery, noting that visitor spending was robust and well-distributed across the county.
In Bude, a town reliant on tourism, the sea pool was packed with visitors, underscoring the successful summer season. Deb Rosser, general manager of Bude Sea Pool, described the atmosphere as "buzzing," with the town experiencing one of its busiest days ever.
Staycations and Spontaneous Getaways
The trend of UK holidaymakers opting for staycations and spontaneous local getaways has been a significant factor in the tourism industry's recovery. According to AirBnB, more people are choosing quieter, affordable destinations close to home, contributing to the resurgence of domestic tourism.
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Scenario Analysis
Looking ahead, the UK tourism industry is poised for continued recovery, driven by the ongoing appeal of staycations and local travel. However, the sector must remain adaptable to changing consumer preferences and potential economic fluctuations. Experts suggest that maintaining high service standards and enhancing the visitor experience will be crucial for sustaining growth. As the industry rebuilds, the focus will likely shift towards promoting sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty of destinations like Devon and Cornwall.
The UK tourism industry has witnessed a robust recovery this summer, with Devon and Cornwall emerging as popular destinations for holidaymakers. As the school summer holidays drew to a close, tourism businesses in these regions reported a "huge summer," with many accommodations fully booked during the bank holiday weekend.
Booming Business in the South West
At the picturesque Bigbury-On-Sea, early risers were already enjoying the beach by 8:00 AM, setting the tone for a bustling day. Annika Connolly, who runs a local surf school, noted the surge in business, attributing it to favorable weather conditions reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. "It's really ramped up," she remarked, adding that the positive atmosphere had uplifted the entire summer season.
Holidaymakers like Jack Lemon, visiting from Bristol, echoed this sentiment, praising the beaches in Devon and Cornwall as comparable to some of the world's best. Meanwhile, Cathy Case, who manages a campsite near Bigbury, expressed satisfaction with the weekend's turnout, highlighting the importance of such moments for tourism businesses.
Visitor Numbers Rebound
Tourism officials in Devon and Cornwall have reported a strong rebound in visitor numbers, although they remain slightly below the levels seen immediately post-pandemic. Jon Hyatt, head of Visit Cornwall, expressed optimism about the region's recovery, noting that visitor spending was robust and well-distributed across the county.
In Bude, a town reliant on tourism, the sea pool was packed with visitors, underscoring the successful summer season. Deb Rosser, general manager of Bude Sea Pool, described the atmosphere as "buzzing," with the town experiencing one of its busiest days ever.
Staycations and Spontaneous Getaways
The trend of UK holidaymakers opting for staycations and spontaneous local getaways has been a significant factor in the tourism industry's recovery. According to AirBnB, more people are choosing quieter, affordable destinations close to home, contributing to the resurgence of domestic tourism.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, the UK tourism industry is poised for continued recovery, driven by the ongoing appeal of staycations and local travel. However, the sector must remain adaptable to changing consumer preferences and potential economic fluctuations. Experts suggest that maintaining high service standards and enhancing the visitor experience will be crucial for sustaining growth. As the industry rebuilds, the focus will likely shift towards promoting sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty of destinations like Devon and Cornwall.
