Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, delivering economic growth right across the country. VisitEngland predict that the overnight holiday trips in the UK this bank holiday weekend, will bring an estimated £4.1 billion boost to the economy.
According to Visit England, the figures are just up on last year, from 11 million Brits taking overnight trip in the UK during the August bank holiday weekend, and up from 2023, when it was 9.7 million. This would give a much needed boost to the industry which has seen year-to-date domestic overnight trips decrease by 5% from 32.6 million in 2024 to 31.1 million in 2025 at the end of May.
“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,” said Patricia Yates, Chief Executive, VisitEngland.
Yates continued: “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,”
The survey results indicated that over the August holiday, 20% of adults in Britain definitely plan to take a holiday in the UK. Amongst the undecided (7.3 million), the most frequently mentioned reasons are “waiting to see if I can afford it” (34%), followed by “waiting to see what the weather is like” (33%) and “waiting to see if there are any deals or special offers” (33%). Those definitely not intending to travel have indicated their reasons to be ‘I can’t afford it’ (25%) and ‘I prefer to travel at a different time of year’ (22%).
As has been the case in previous years, those aged under 45 are more likely to be planning or considering a trip than those aged 45+. Those aged 25-34 lead the way, with 43% ‘definitely’ planning a trip, compared with just 14% of those aged 45 and older. Parents (41%) are also more likely to be planning a trip at this time of year, compared to those without children (17%).
Day trips
Nearly a quarter (24%) of adults in Britain ‘definitely’ plan to take a day trip over the August bank holiday weekend (2024: 24%, 2023: 23%), with a further 37% ‘might or might not’ (2024: 30%, 2023: 34%). Those aged 25-34 are most likely to say they will ‘definitely’ take a day trip over the August bank holiday weekend (45%).
According to VisitEngland, parents are more likely to state that they ‘definitely’ will take a day trip over the August bank holiday (39%) than those without children (16%).
Of those who ‘definitely’ or ‘might’ take a day trip in England over the August bank holiday, 22% say that the cost of living crisis isn’t likely to influence their day trip behaviour at all. However, of the remaining 78%: 28% will focus on ‘free things’ to do on day trips; 27% plan to spend less on eating out; 25% will day trip closer to home; 24% will take fewer days trip than usual; 22% will cut back on buying gifts/shopping on day trips; 20% will do fewer activities on day trips; 18% will visit fewer visitor attractions.
The August 2025 survey was carried out between the 12th-14th of August 2024, with a representative sample of 1,231 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain.
