We all know that the Easter holiday weekend always signals the beginning of the sunny season, right? So hopefully you have a nice weekend planned. If not, there’s still some time to get inspired and make a last minute booking for a staycation, or start making plans for a summer getaway. With that in mind, here are the top ten trending Airbnb destinations for Easter in the UK, with some surprising results.

Scarborough, Yorkshire

Scarborough has, perhaps rather unfairly, so far gone overlooked as a cool British beach spot in the past. But over the last year, it has seen the biggest jump in popularity on Airbnb (by 300%, to be exact). This is probably down to nostalgic tourists going in search of a traditional beach holiday during last year’s freak heatwave, with fish ‘n’ chips and amusements arcades by the sea. The Yorkshire coastal town is also home to Scarborough Castle, the iconic South Bay Beach, a sea life sanctuary and a Victorian-era spa.  

Barrow in Furness, Cumbria

Over on the west coast of the UK, Barrow in Furness is the second most popular Easter destination. This northern industrial town in Cumbria has a fascinating history, which can be explored through the Furness Abbey ruins, Dock Museum and Piel Castle. The scenic surrounding areas also include Sanscale Haws National Nature Reserve, Roanhead Beach, Birkrigg Stone Circle and South Lakes Safari Zoo.

Weymouth, Dorset

Heading down south, Weymoth is another favourite hotspot with Airbnb users, serving as a gateway to Dorset. It’s known to many as “the Naples of England” thanks to its wide, sandy beaches (OK, so you might not get the Italian sun, but it’s the next best thing). It was also the filming location for ITV show Broadchurch, which scores it some extra cool points. Make sure you get the best beach views you can when you book somewhere.

Fort William, Scotland

Way up north in Scotland, Fort William is a town in the western Scottish Highlands on the shores of Lock Linnhe. It’s also known as a gateway to Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis Valley, which is home to Steall Falls. Basically, it’s an outdoors adventure playground for adults. There’s also a whiskey distillery – y’know, just in case you fancy a wee dram…

Portsmouth, Hampshire

The British coast really is having a moment, with Portsmouth making into the top ten destinations. As well as its strong naval background, it’s a pretty creative place too. Hotwalls Studios is a thriving art hub in the city, Kings Theatre is one of the most complete Matcham Theatres in the country and Portsmouth Film Society puts on a summer-long programme of outdoor cinema experiences.

Sheffield, Yorkshire

People looking for something a bit livelier than a country getaway or beach break might enjoy the city culture of northern city Sheffield. Home of the Arctic Monkeys, Jessica Ennis and Bertie Bassett, it boasts some pretty impressive alumni. Away from the bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and brunch spots (Marmadukes comes highly recommended), visitors can easily take a drive out to the Peak District, Stanage Edge or Peveril Castle.

Bournemouth, Dorset

The second Dorset spot on the list, Bournemouth is probably so popular because of its seven miles of sandy beaches. Apparently, it was a favourite getaway for Mary Shelley. And Robert Louis Stevenson wrote ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ at his home on the West Cliff, so prepare to be inspired. 

Inverness, Scotland

Inverness in the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, situated on the north-east coast where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. It is famously home to Lock Ness and it’s monster (depending on if you believe the legend…). Raucous pubs and bars which play traditional Scottish also provide some Highland fling vibes.

Blaenau-Ffestiniog, Wales

Snowdonia Park in Wales is always a great option for a holiday at any time of the year, but it is the Blaenau Ffestinio area in the heart of the park which has captured Airbnb users’ hearts. The rural Industrial town is famous for its slate and is often called “the town that roofed the world”.

Lyme Regis, Dorset

The third and final Dorset destination to make the list, Lyme Regis has always been a popular holiday spot and is enjoying this recent resurgence in visitors. It has beaches, cliffs and pretty much everything you need to draw a pretty holiday postcard. 

Images: Getty and Pixabay