New research by Great Western Railway (GWR) shows that holidays in the UK are becoming increasingly popular, with southwest England one of the nation’s standout destinations.

Online searches for ideal getaways have soared, with an increase of 5,000% in the last month alone, and one of the most popular destinations is Plymouth in Devon, famous for its historic waterfront and Britain’s first National Marine Park.

Plymouth station is ideally placed with many family-friendly attractions within easy reach. Although Plymouth is on the coast, it provides a different kind of coastal break, focusing less on long days on the beach and more on a city built around the water.

Plymouth Hoe, famous as the place where Sir Francis Drake played bowls before facing the Spanish Armada, has open spaces with room to walk and picnic, and enjoy views across Plymouth Sound. In total contrast is the Barbican, with restaurants, boats, and tales of the city’s seafaring history.

For a break from the open air, there are the National Marine Aquarium, The Box, and the Mayflower Museum, which give a glimpse into Plymouth’s past. On warmer days, families can swim at Tinside Lido, wander around Royal William Yard, or enjoy a boat trip to view Plymouth from the sea.

To keep the family occupied, there are harbour views, boat trips, museums, and plenty of open spaces. Plymouth is the home of the UK’s first National Marine Park, which provides families with the chance to get closer to the sea, where they can enjoy rock pooling, paddleboarding, or just spending time at the water’s edge.

On the city’s western edge, just across Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge, is Cornwall, ideal for day trips to towns such as St Ives, Falmouth, Newquay, and Looe with their family-friendly beaches, boats, local food, and harbour views.

Part of the fun when travelling to these towns is getting there along branch lines, which makes them feel like part of the adventure.

“Families are having to think harder about how they spend their summer holiday budgets. Overseas trips can feel expensive or uncertain, while driving comes with its own pressures, from fuel costs and motorway traffic to parking at the other end. That is why the ‘railcation’ feels so relevant this summer. It gives families a way to still have a proper UK break, but without starting and ending the holiday with hours in the car.”

Jeremy Clarke, GWR Head of Customer Research