Essex border market town is UK's best summer destination
The title comes from new research by Expedia, which found that domestic travel is on the rise, with a 77 per cent increase in holiday searches.
Situated on the Essex-Hertfordshire border near Stansted, Bishop’s Stortford has seen a 90 per cent rise in interest, according to the study.
Sudbury, on the Essex-Suffolk border, also ranked second with a 60 per cent surge in interest.
The Stort Navigation Canal (Image: Jayne Kirkby)
An Expedia spokesman said: "This summer’s biggest shift comes as more travellers choose holiday destinations closer to home.
"Instead of long-haul travel, travellers are opting for a 'Stay-Here Summer' driven by proximity, flexibility and right-now relevance."
The report analysed social media mentions from UK residents travelling to domestic destinations between February 1 and April 29 in both 2025 and 2026.
Bishop’s Stortford emerged with nearby accommodation searches also seeing a sharp increase.
Expedia’s website describes the town as "picturesque", promising a relaxing break with charm and historical interest just outside London.
The site highlights Bishop’s Stortford Museum, which details the town’s past with displays of Victorian-era clothing, medieval stocks, and a collection dedicated to one of its most controversial historical figures, Cecil Rhodes.
The museum forms part of the Rhodes Arts Complex, which also includes a theatre, cinema, and the Thorleybourne Gallery.
Art exhibitions featuring both local and national artists are regularly held at the gallery.
Just outside the town, visitors can explore Mountfitchet Castle, a reconstructed Norman fort and village that stands on the original site from over 900 years ago.
The attraction invites visitors to try holding a knight’s sword and view life-size models of siege weapons used during the Norman Conquest.
Nearby is the House on the Hill Toy Museum, home to more than 70,000 toys, including wooden dolls from the Roman Empire, Victorian teddy bears, and early electronic games.
In the town centre, visitors can enjoy the weekly farmers' market every Thursday, with stalls selling locally produced meat, cheeses, and homemade jams.
Bishop’s Stortford is located about 30 miles from London and less than an hour from Cambridge, making it easily accessible for a short break or day trip.
The town’s balance of history, countryside charm, and family-friendly attractions has made it particularly appealing in 2026 as more UK travellers look for convenient getaways.
Its growing popularity underlines a wider trend towards staycations and exploring nearby destinations, a shift that is reshaping travel patterns across the country.
