Whitby in Yorkshire is one of the UK’s most popular winter tourist spots (Image: Getty)
A UK seaside town is having an unlikely winter tourism spike, according to new data.
has said that Whitby in is one of the top destinations for bookings over the winter months, as per internal booking data from 2023 to 2024.
Tourism began in the seaside town is during the Georgian period and developed with the arrival of the railway in 1839. The oldest and most prominent landmark is the clifftop abbey ruins, but there is also the River Esk swing bridge and the harbour sheltered by Grade II listed piers.
is also popular among fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula which was partially set in the the town. Stoker incorporated local folklore, including the beaching of the Russian ship Dmitry, and discovered the name “” at the old public library.
James Shaw, the managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “While Whitby is known for drawing in holidaymakers with its coastal charm, our data has revealed that the ancient port has year-round appeal and is the most popular location for holidaymakers in winter months.
The abbey ruins sit on a hill above the town (Image: Getty)
“Making the most of every season is key to a successful holiday letting experience, helping to maximise annual revenues which is now more important than ever.
“Those with properties in Whitby and Scarborough will no doubt benefit from the influx of bookings coming their way this winter.
“Location isn’t the only factor though, and adding features to properties can also ensure your holiday let has year-round appeal – whether that be a hot tub, accepting short-term stays and pets, or promoting nearby attractions that guests can enjoy come rain or shine.”
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After Whitby were five spots in the Lake District including Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Keswick, Grasmere and Troutbeck Bridge. Windermere, also in the Lake District, appeared in eighth place.
Sykes Holiday Cottages’ 2024 Holiday Letting Report named Cumbria, where the Lake District is located, as the second-highest earning region for holiday lets.
Winter breaks have proven to be profit-boosting for owners of holiday homes, with up to £700 per week earned in December – 17% above the average weekly income of a holiday let owner in 2023.