Cumbria’s position as one of the UK’s leading holiday destinations is great news, according to one of its independent accountancy firms.

A new study from Sykes Holiday Cottage has revealed that Cumbria is now the second-most popular destination for Britons looking to holiday in the UK this summer and has overtaken the UK’s previous leaders – Devon and Cornwall.

Specialist in the tourism and leisure industry Lamont Pridmore has said that the study is great news for local communities.

The study shows that 12 per cent more Brits are booking staycations compared to 2019, with 46 per cent of people more likely to consider a staycation compared to before the pandemic.

Cumbria has four out of the 10 most popular booking locations in the UK during the 2021 summer holidays, with Ambleside taking the top position and Troutbeck Bridge third.

Graham Lamont, chief executive of Lamont Pridmore, said: “It has been an immensely challenging 18 months for Cumbria’s tourism and leisure industries, so this news will be very welcome not only for business owners but the local communities and economies that are reliant on visitors.

“Given the growing demand for holidays across the region, businesses need to prepare themselves for the busy months ahead by making sure they have the right resources, staff and financial information to make the most of this surge in tourism.

“If any businesses are concerned about their preparations or would like some professional assistance to ensure they can build greater resilience then our teams at our offices across Cumbria are more than happy to assist them.”

Chris Lamont, a partner at Lamont Pridmore, added: “It is great that so many holidaymakers are choosing Cumbria."