Two picturesque Scottish locations among best in UK for new travel trend this Easter
PUB-CATIONS are the top travel trend this Easter, with folk snapping up holiday lets with a cosy pub nearby, offering hearty grub for the whole family, new research by Airbnb has revealed.
Over the past year, jollies centred around culinary experiences have been increasingly popular - and the holiday rental giant's latest figures show this is continuing to rise.
Well over a third - 42 per cent - of Brits say proximity to memorable eating and drinking experiences remains one of the biggest influences on where they go, with nearly one in three - 29 per cent - confirming this is more important than ever this year.
And one new trend emerging, ticking all the boxes, is the pub-cation - a rural getaway where quintessentially British pubs are either just downstairs or a short stroll away - with rentals in Dumfries and Galloway and the Outer Hebrides topping the ranks.
More than half - 52- per cent - of Brits are opting for a ‘pub-cation’ during the holidays and nearly half - 47 per cent - say it’s for the draw of a good pub meal and wholesome classics, from fish and chips to Sunday roasts.
For 39 per cent, the 'no fuss' menus that offer something for everyone, provide the perfect backdrop to losing track of time when catching up with loved ones.
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Bookings for trips in UK countryside destinations have increased by 71 per cent on Airbnb for this year’s Easter bank holiday weekend compared to 2024, as families and friends seize the long weekend as a chance to reconnect, whilst taking in all the laid-back charm pubs have to offer.
As more and more people continue to draw inspiration for food-focused travel on Tik Tok - with the #foodtrip hashtag now reaching well over a quarter of a million videos - and 43 per cent of folk saying they save restaurant and ‘top food spots’ videos to refer back to when travel planning, Airbnb has curated its ultimate list of awe-inspiring stays in trending rural destinations, near a much-loved local.
Making the cut, is Home Farm Cottage - a fairytale home located in a historic country estate in the Scottish village of Kirkcolm, Dumfries and Galloway, where guests can enjoy peaceful walks through acres of woodland, or venture to the sea for a stroll along the coast.
Situated just a ten-minute walk away, guests can be enticed by The Blue Peter pub, Stranraer, which offers a menu of delectable grub, a perfect way to conclude a long day’s exploring.
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The Barn in Aignish, Outer Hebrides, also gets a coveted place.
This remarkable home has panoramic views of the Scottish coastline and guests can soak in the natural wonders of the remote Outer Hebrides - whether perching on the balcony to enjoy the coastal views at sunset, or heading out for a day exploring the island’s wilderness.
Just a short drive away in Stornoway, McNeill’s pub offers a cosy atmosphere and live music a plenty.
Airbnb's Partnerships and External Affairs for Northern Europe, Luke Impett, said:"Easter is the ideal time to reset, and our research shows that people in the UK love heading to the countryside for a cosy pub meal. "In fact, 37% pick a country pub as their top place to meet up with family and friends during Easter.
"Pubs serve as the vibrant hubs of the community - landlords who know their regulars, stories shared over hearty meals in a homely atmosphere.
"We’re proud to help our guests find the perfect stay, whether it’s a cosy spot just steps from their nearest tavern to actually staying within these charming pubs themselves.”
It comes after Airbnb announced it has also transformed pub spare rooms at three rural locations into beautiful accommodation listings.
In Christchurch, Dorset, they have turned a once-empty kitchen space into a refined private retreat.
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At The Townhouse in Lymington, New Forest, they've turned a tired space into stylish guest suites.
And at The Swan, in Milton, Derbyshire, Landlord Olly has transformed the place with a newly-renovated guest room.