Where to buy a holiday home in the UK

With staycations continuing to grow in popularity and more buyers seeking a lifestyle investment that can also generate income, holiday homes remain an attractive proposition across the UK. From picturesque fishing villages and golden sandy beaches to dramatic coastlines and thriving seaside towns, there is no shortage of destinations offering both personal enjoyment and long-term appeal. 

Whether you're looking for a second home to escape to during the summer months or considering a property that can provide holiday letting opportunities throughout the year, location is key. We take a look at five of the UK's most desirable holiday home hotspots, each offering its own unique blend of scenery, lifestyle and investment potential.  

St Ives, Cornwall 

St Ives remains one of the UK's most sought-after holiday home destinations, combining stunning coastal scenery with a thriving tourism market. Known for its golden beaches, picturesque harbour and vibrant arts scene, the town attracts visitors throughout the summer season and beyond. This enduring popularity helps support strong demand for holiday accommodation, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking both lifestyle benefits and rental potential. 

Beyond its investment appeal, St Ives offers owners a quintessential British seaside experience. From coastal walks along the South West Coast Path to world-class surfing and renowned galleries, there is plenty to draw repeat visitors year after year. The combination of natural beauty, established tourism infrastructure and long-term desirability continues to make St Ives one of the premier holiday home locations in England. 

Swanage, Dorset 

Nestled on the Jurassic Coast, Swanage offers a classic seaside lifestyle with the added benefit of excellent accessibility from London and the South East. Its sandy beach, traditional promenade and charming town centre make it particularly popular with families, helping to sustain strong summer demand for holiday lets. Compared with some of the UK's more expensive coastal hotspots, Swanage can also offer comparatively good value for buyers. 

The town's location within a UNESCO World Heritage coastline further enhances its appeal. Residents and visitors enjoy easy access to spectacular coastal walks, historic landmarks and a wide range of outdoor activities. For buyers seeking a balance between lifestyle, accessibility and investment potential, Swanage is an increasingly compelling choice. 

Portrush, Northern Ireland 

Portrush is Northern Ireland's leading seaside resort and continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and international visitors. Famous for its beaches, surfing conditions and spectacular Causeway Coast setting, the town benefits from a well-established tourism market that supports strong demand for holiday accommodation throughout the summer season. 

Recent investment in the area, coupled with increasing recognition of Northern Ireland as a tourism destination, has further strengthened Portrush's appeal. Buyers are drawn by the opportunity to own property in one of the most scenic coastal locations in the UK, while still benefiting from values that can compare favourably with many established holiday hotspots elsewhere in Britain. 

Salcombe, Devon 

Salcombe is widely considered one of the UK's most prestigious holiday home locations, renowned for its stunning estuary views, sailing culture and beautiful surrounding coastline. The town attracts affluent visitors from across the country, many of whom return year after year, helping to underpin strong demand for holiday accommodation. 

The area's appeal extends beyond its waterfront setting. Excellent restaurants, boutique shopping, watersports and easy access to the South West Coast Path ensure there is plenty to attract visitors throughout the season. While property prices can command a premium, Salcombe's enduring popularity and limited supply continue to make it one of England's most sought-after holiday home markets. 

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion 

Set on the stunning Cardigan Bay coastline, Aberystwyth combines traditional seaside appeal with a vibrant cultural atmosphere, making it one of Wales' most attractive holiday home destinations. The town is renowned for its sweeping promenade, sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery, drawing visitors throughout the year and particularly during the summer months. This consistent tourism demand supports a strong market for holiday accommodation, offering buyers the opportunity to enjoy their property while generating rental income when not in use. 

What sets Aberystwyth apart is its unique blend of coastal living and year-round amenities. Visitors can explore the Ceredigion Coast Path, enjoy watersports and wildlife watching in Cardigan Bay, or take advantage of the town's independent shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Combined with comparatively good value when measured against some of the UK's more established holiday hotspots, Aberystwyth offers an appealing mix of lifestyle, accessibility and long-term investment potential. 

The UK's coastline and countryside offer a wealth of opportunities for holiday home buyers, with destinations to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you're drawn to the artistic charm of St Ives, the sailing culture of Salcombe, the traditional seaside appeal of Swanage, the rugged beauty of Portrush or the vibrant coastal atmosphere of Aberystwyth, each location offers a compelling combination of leisure and investment appeal. 

As demand for high-quality holiday accommodation continues to evolve, choosing the right location can help ensure your property delivers both memorable experiences and long-term value. If you're considering purchasing a holiday home, your local Guild Member can provide expert insight into the market and help you find the perfect coastal retreat. 

Find a Guild Member

Whether you’re drawn to the artistic coastline of Cornwall, the peaceful heart of Wales or the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, there are plenty of beautiful options to choose from. But remember: a holiday home should be a joy for you and a benefit, not a burden, for the local community too. Thinking of buying a holiday home? Talk to your local Guild Member to find the right place, the right price and the right way to make your dream a reality, sustainably.

The Guild is a UK-wide network of hand-selected independent estate agents across the UK. Whether you are buying, selling, letting or renting, explore where our Members are.