Pembrokeshire towns named among most popular UK breaks
The holiday provider analysed internal data from 2023 and 2024 to determine which destinations have grown in popularity the most during the summer season.
Newport took the top spot, followed by Grassington, Harrogate, both in Yorkshire, Shorwell on the Isle of Wight and Milford Haven.
Founded by the Normans in the 12th century, Newport is known for its medieval history and beautiful natural settings.
The town's history is evident in its local landmarks, including an ancient church, ruined castle, and stone cottages.
The town's creative and community spirit is reflected in its craft shops, art galleries, and seasonal festivals.
Popular activities close to the town include hiking, kayaking, and sailing in the nearby Nevern Estuary, or relaxing on Newport Sands, popular for beach activities and watersports.
Milford Haven, known for its maritime heritage, is another destination on the Pembrokeshire coast that has caught Brits' attention for the summer season, coming in fifth position in Independent Cottages' rankings.
The historic port town's waterfront is one of its most iconic landmarks, with its timeline dating back to the 18th century, where its journey to becoming a key whaling, fishing, and later oil port began.
Now, Milford Marine is filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops for visitors seeking an enjoyable outing, and its heritage museum is a landmark showcasing its rich history and notable events.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path allows visitors to enjoy the extensive natural beauty of this corner of the UK, with stunning views and ample coastline to explore within arm's reach.
Matthew Fox, CEO of Independent Cottages, said: "While destinations like Ashbourne, the gateway to the Peak District, and Keswick in the Lake District National Park, are popular outdoor locations, under-the-radar spots are on Brits' radars in summertime.
"Many of these destinations are within easy reach of, or in, the UK's areas of natural beauty, illustrating how Brits not only want to connect with nature in countryside and coastal locations, but also explore gems that are beyond the most well-known tourist spots."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit won't travel anywhere without his air fryer swears by luggage hack
Jamie, a 28-year-old from Manchester, is a man of home comforts. So much so, whenever and wherever he travels, he makes sure to take his favourite kitchen item with him A hungry Brit always takes his air fryer with him on holiday. Jamie, from Manchester, is a man of home comforts. So much so, whenever and wherever he travels, he makes sure to take his favourite kitchen item with him. 'My air fryer is an absolute essential part of my travels, and I struggle to go away without it," the 28-year-old said. 'From France and Italy to the USA, and from plane to train, my air fryer has come with me everywhere to ensure I'm never far from a healthy, convenient meal. It's such a hack for me when going on holiday that I've even unpacked and repacked my entire car before a trip to ensure I had space to fit my air fryer in." New research reveals British holidaymakers are prioritising packing their air fryer over clothes or toiletries – with a quarter of millennials saying they would pay an extra baggage fee just to bring it along. It comes as air fryer owners have been urged to make sure their appliances are properly cleaned. 'I went sunbedless for a week because I refuse to be selfish like everyone else' For one in five Brits, air fryer access directly influences where they stay, with one in seven saying they would actively avoid accommodation without one. Over a quarter asked said they would take their air fryer on holiday if there was an easier way to transport it. Happily for those air fryer mad survey respondents, electrical retailer AO has just unveiled the Frequent Fryer suitcase: a first-of-its-kind case custom-built to house and proudly display a single-drawer air fryer. Complete with transparent front panel, the case is specifically designed so air fryer obsessed Brits can showcase their Frequent Fryer status with pride The bag fits within airport luggage regulations, meaning crisping croquetas in Barcelona, perfecting pomme frités in Paris and heating through a hot dog in the US has become that much easier. Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO, said: 'We know how important home comforts are to our customers and for many, the air fryer tops the list. The Frequent Fryer Case is a fun but functional response to a growing trend, making it easier than ever to take a much-loved appliance on holiday.' A Frequent Fryer case will drop at 12pm on Tuesday, August on AO's TikTok shop, giving fans the chance to get their hands on the ultimate travel companion — but they'll have to act fast to snap up the early model. Air fryers aren't the only odd thing that Brits bring on holiday with them. A separate poll found one in 20 Brits have admitted to bringing an oven tray, toaster or kettle on holiday. Home comforts are clearly a big deal, with 47% of people saying they've packed food and drink that can't be purchased at their destination - think tea bags, baked beans and crisps to name a few.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I moved to Dubai for luxury - the reality was very different'
Natalie Goodall, 32, was offered a golf coaching job in Dubai aged 18 after completing internships at a golf school there A British woman who relocated to Dubai has returned to the UK after years of gruelling 80-hour working weeks, claiming the glamorous city offers "no work-life balance" despite increasing numbers of Brits flocking there. Natalie Goodall, 32, was offered a golf coaching position in Dubai aged 18 after completing internships at a golf school there. She seized the opportunity - initially staying with a mate and then various relatives before securing her own flat in Damac Hills. She spent years living in the seemingly perfect and opulent city, which now houses celebrities including Amir Khan and The Beckhams. According to The Telegraph's figures, 30,000 Britons relocated to Dubai in 2021, climbing to 35,000 in 2022 and 40,000 in 2023. However, for Natalie, the Dubai way of life became overwhelming - as the city's "business model" didn't accommodate "work-life balance". Following years of enduring 80-hour, six-day working weeks, Natalie returned to the UK in 2019 and has now made her home in West Parley, Dorset. Whilst she adored Dubai and mentioned she'd return for breaks, she indicated she's doubtful about moving back permanently. As masses of Brits choose to emigrate there with lofty expectations of lavish living and non-stop entertainment, Natalie believes that Britons arriving with such high hopes "may be disappointed." Natalie, now a self-employed PGA professional, said: "I never saw myself leaving Dubai - I was working at one of the best golf schools in the world. And the city was absolutely stunning, on my day off I went down to the beach and when you let your hair down you could have a bloody good time. "But afterwards you'd look at your bank balance and think 'oh crap'. But the business model out there - there is no work-life balance. "I was coming home to my partner after 12-hour days, at 9pm, and I could barely hold a conversation because I'd be so tired. In my last year I told him 'I can't do this' - you know when your time is up. It's a very glamorous place and I can see moving there is a trend - but everywhere has its downfalls." Natalie initially travelled to Dubai at 18 for several work placements with a golf academy. At 21, she secured a permanent assistant coaching role there whilst studying for her PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) qualification to become a certified instructor. Initially, she shared accommodation with a mate from school before her mum and dad relocated there when her father, employed in the petroleum industry, received a job transfer - prompting her to move in with them. Following two years, she began renting her own flat with financial help from her parents, as she found it difficult to afford the deposit. She would spend her single weekly day off on Mondays either relaxing by the seaside or exploring Dubai's spectacular attractions to maximise her time in such magnificent surroundings. Natalie said: "It was amazing - the weather was like being in Spain even in winter. I got to see the Opera House, lots of concerts and stayed for my birthday in the Burj Al Arab hotel, which was so cool. The golf courses were unbelievable too and the food and service was amazing." At the time, she was earning the equivalent of roughly £25,000 to £30,000 annually - but Dubai's steep living costs meant she couldn't fully embrace the lavish lifestyle many people imagine. She explained: "It was not sustainable. I was just making money to survive - in the service industry you were worked very hard. I was working six days a week and I couldn't afford to reduce my hours." After meeting her fellow expat boyfriend Will Coan, 34, in 2017, the couple moved in together, but Natalie began to "spiral". She explained: "You can feel yourself, your work and time management aren't as good, your diet goes out the window. I never saw myself leaving Dubai, but it's not sustainable - as I got older, I started to think, how the bloody hell will I have a life here? It's not on an individual person - it's just the business model out there." In September 2019, she relocated from Dubai back to the UK and secured employment in Guernsey, after obtaining the necessary golf qualifications to become a coach. Nine months later, Will, who worked in a role in food manufacturing, completed his contract and returned to the UK as well. Now happily settled in West Parley, Natalie admits she'd only consider returning to Dubai, where her parents still reside, for a holiday. She insists it would take "a huge number" salary offer to tempt her back permanently. She suggests that the surge of Brits heading to Dubai for a better life might not be ready for the reality. She said: "I think there are people moving because they've been on holiday there and say 'screw it, I'll live here'. It's like a trend - in the same way Ellen DeGeneres moved to The Cotswolds. "In Dubai, it is a glamorous place, but it can be unglamorous in certain situations. You have to look at the opportunities and weigh up if it's right for you. If you go with high expectations, you might be disappointed."
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I tested the new air fryer suitcase to see how practical it really is - this is how much I could fit in
There's an unusual travel essential Brits are refusing to leave behind on their holidays this summer - and no, it's not SPF or a passport wallet. According to new research, chips-obsessed Brits are taking their air fryers international – with one in five saying they've taken their favourite appliance away with them on holiday. Another one in five even claim to have removed clothes or toiletries in their suitcase just to make room for their bulky cooking gadget, while nearly a quarter of 25–34-year-olds admit to paying for extra baggage just to bring one abroad. And with 27 per cent of all Brits saying they'd take an air fryer on holiday if it were easier to transport, it's clear the kitchen staple is becoming a packing priority. Now, online electricals retailer AO has created a solution - the Frequent Fryer suitcase. The first-of-its-kind suitcase is crafted from brushed aluminium and finished with a transparent front panel perfectly moulded to fit a standard single drawer air fryer – handle and all. I was one of the first in the world to get my hands on this limited-edition suitcase, and tested it out to see just how practical it is. Spoiler alert: not in the slightest! While this suitcase may fit within airport luggage regulations, it's very clear immediately that this bulky thing is going to have to go in the hold if I'm taking it abroad. It's definitely too big to fit under the seat in front and, due to the air-fryer-shaped lid, there's no way this bad boy is getting in that overhead locker either. But the real test for this suitcase was how much I was going to be able to fit into it around the 4-litre Russell Hobbs 27160 SatisFry. Spoiler alert: not much! No matter how hard I tried, my Birkenstock sandals were an instant no-go, so I didn't even bother trying to get my trainers in. I managed to pack my pyjamas, a couple of pairs of knickers (and could probably have packed a load more) as well as two small tops, and a pair of denim shorts – just enough for two days. But when it came to my toiletries, I was forced to remove them from the clear case I always carry my minis in when I go abroad. Instead, I had to scatter them about the suitcase – risking them leaking on my clothes and, more importantly, the air fryer. It's available to buy on AO's TikTok shop from tomorrow, Tuesday 19th August, at 12pm When it came to the actual air fryer, it cooked my chips in minutes, and perfectly – and all it took was me pressing an automatic chips function on the front of the gadget. But once I wanted to pack my air fryer back in the suitcase, I quickly realised another disastrous problem with this invention – all my clothes were now about to stink of chips. I can't say I'm sold on the Frequent Fryer case – but if you really can't be without your beloved air fryer for a couple of days, you can buy one on AO's TikTok shop from tomorrow, Tuesday 19th August, at 12pm.
