With the summer Bank Holiday rapidly approaching, Blackpool has held off the challenge from Brighton to be crowned the UK’s best staycation venue – with punters particularly enamoured by the popular seaside resort’s cheap pints and fish and chips.
A total of eight popular locations were rated including factors suvh as the costs of accommodation, food and entertainment.
The lower the cost of each element, the higher the score, with the destination awarded the highest number of points determined to be the winner.
The figures, compiled tax rebate specialists RIFT, reveals that the cost of short-term rental accommodation such as an AirBnB came in at an average of £146 per day.
The average day out for a family of four will set punters back £63, while the average cost of a pint comes in at £4.29.
Fish and chips – often cited as the UK’s national dish – does not come cheap, with the average cost of a single meal a whopping £11.19.
Blackpool was home to the most affordable fish and chip supper (£9.06), in contrast to Brighton, where the cost was more than £3.60 higher at £12.68.
Blackpool also ranked as the cheapest destination for a pint (£3.25), while Brighton was once again the priciest (£5.35).
In terms of places to stay, Blackpool was home to the most affordable accommodation cost at an average daily rate of £126 versus £162 in Brighton which was the most expensive.
Overall, the Lake District and Blackpool ranked joint top for affordability with a score of 4.26.
Brighton ranked as the least affordable destination overall, scoring just 3.67.
Bradley Post, MD of RIFT, commented: “Pandemic restrictions on travel have long lifted, but this Summer Bank Holiday many households will be considering a staycation again this year in order to help keep costs down, whilst also enjoying some of the outstanding spots we have right here on our doorstep – weather permitting, of course.
“However, while a staycation is certainly a great way of cutting travel costs, inflation here in the UK remains high and this is having an impact on the cost of some staycation staples.
He continued: “The most mind boggling findings from our latest research is that the cost of a fish and chip supper, traditionally a cheap and cheerful option, now averages £11.19 for a single portion.
“Depending on what you want from a holiday, it pays to do your research and identify which the best options are for accommodation, day trips, food and drink and so on.
“You may have a caravan and so high accommodation costs aren’t an issue, or you prefer to cook at home so the cost of eating out is irrelevant.
“But if you want an option that offers the best all round experience, you can’t go wrong with the tranquillity of the Lake District or the bright lights of Blackpool.”
