Yorkshire has beaten Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands to be crowned the most desirable UK tourist destination for 2023.
A poll of 2,000 adults conducted by the Staycation Index Report revealed the favourite destinations for holidays this year.
A staggering 50% said they are planning a staycation this year rather than going abroad due to the cost of living crisis, and Yorkshire was named the most popular destination.
Praised for its picturesque coastal towns, beautiful countryside and rolling hills - Yorkshire even beat Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands and Cumbria who followed closely behind.
Ravenscar Yorkshire coast. | Image – Babbling Bates via Instagram
It also seems that when it comes to booking staycations, people's priorities include lower price points, more flexibility when booking and avoiding over-crowded areas.
When it comes to the style of staycation, a quaint countryside B&B appeals to 30 per cent whilst 28 per cent are looking to spend their time in the lakes and mountains.
The poll also found that the UK population care about good Wi-Fi, nearby beaches and lots of access to outdoor spaces when it comes to booking that perfect UK staycation.
Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes, said: "With holiday season almost upon us, travellers are starting to make plans for the year ahead if they haven't already. It's great to see staycations remain a popular choice for many and with financial pressures significantly impacting holidaymakers' travel choices, it's no surprise that holidaying closer to home can be a more affordable option."
The top 20 staycation destinations of 2023 are as follows:
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Clementine Hall -
27th April 2023 
