Profitable Christmas on the cards as 10.1 million Brits plan overnight break

A total of 10.1 million Brits (20 per cent of the GB Adult population) plan to make the most of the festive season by taking an overnight trip in the UK, with 8.6 million people (17 per cent) planning to take that trip in England.

The survey also reveals that this time away will not just be spent in front of the television, but getting out and about enjoying an action-packed festive season with 18.1 million adults planning to do some post-Christmas sales shopping, 12.1 million planning to visit a Christmas market and 7.5 million people saying they will be taking part in other Christmas activities such as ice skating, enjoying a pantomime or visiting Santa.

“There is so much on offer in England, especially at this festive time of year so it is wonderful to see that so many people will be enjoying the season by taking a trip and exploring our fantastic destinations," said VisitEngland's chief executive James Berresford.

"The options are endless. You could head to Gloucestershire for an enchanted Christmas walk in Westonbirt Arboretum’s Grade I-listed forest; experience the festive bustle of Birmingham’s Christmas market; witness the Winter Garden come to life at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire; enjoy a family day out at Winter Wonderland in London, fit in some last minute Christmas shopping in Liverpool - or simply don your walking shoes and take in the scenery on foot wherever you are in the country.”

Economic boost​

Minister for Tourism Helen Grant added: “The Christmas holidays provide a great economic boost for domestic tourism with many people travelling across the country to see family and friends or visiting some of the wonderful attractions England has to offer.”

Just 4 per cent of Brits (two million) plan to travel abroad over the Christmas and New Year period.