• LONDONERS ARE THE MOST ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLERS AND LEAST LIKELY TO TAKE A UK BREAK
• THOSE IN YORKSHIRE HAVE EXPLORED THE UK THE MOST
• THE WELSH CHOOSE HOME OVER HOLIDAYS
• THE SCOTS ARE THE MOST INTERESTED IN LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD AND REGIONAL DISHES

August 2015: As the nation gears up for the great bank holiday getaway, a new survey reveals the holiday habits of travellers across the UK. The research, carried out by Back-Roads Touring, suggests that where you live is a deciding factor in where you are likely to holiday.

Londoners are most likely to travel than from elsewhere in the UK. The historical and cultural landmarks they visit are likely to be far-flung attraction, with the Inca Trail, Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow coming out top. Londoners are also least likely to take a UK break, with visiting less UK counties than any other residents in the country.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Welsh are least likely to travel outside their home country, with nearly 90 per cent saying they would prefer to holiday in Wales. When asked what they look for in a UK break, over 50 per cent agreed nature and scenery.

Those living in Yorkshire have visited more counties in the UK than any other residents and also proved to be enamoured with the British scenery with over 60 per cent citing this as the greatest appeal for a staycation. The results also showed that the shorter travelling time proved very popular to those living in Yorkshire with almost half of those surveyed stating that the ease of travel within the UK was very appealing when planning a holiday.

Scots came out as a nation of foodies, agreeing that being able to experience locally sourced food and regional dishes is very important to them when choosing a holiday destination within the UK and those from the Midlands are most interested in visiting British beaches and coastlines and those from the South East enjoy visiting cultural and historical UK sights.

One thing everyone does appear to be in agreement on is that the majority of us now look for a unique experience, with 65 per cent of those surveyed saying that visiting sights off the beaten track was important to them when choosing a holiday within the UK. As well as visiting unusual landmarks, Britons also want to explore locations and see them through the eyes of a local, 50 per cent agreed that this was a priority for them when travelling.

It would seem that Britons are moving away from the stereotypical 'fly and flop' holidays and now plan their holidays in a way that allows them to explore local culture.

Back-Roads Touring general manager, Steve Reynolds, has said that this is a trend that they have noticed amongst their clientele. He said “At Back-Roads Touring we specialise in 'off the beaten track' tours within the UK and Europe and we have definitely noticed an increase in interest from the UK market in the last few years. Britons are now interested in exploring not only the well-known sites but also those that they may be slightly more hidden, they want to see the way that locals live and experience that for themselves whether it's with food and wine tasting or visiting historical battlefields. There has been an increased interest from our UK customers to see sights away from the tourist areas and explore their own back yards.”

He continued “We have also seen increased interest in those who wish to explore the UK further but would prefer not to drive themselves. Back-Roads Touring provides the perfect solution by driving them to each location in spacious, comfortable coaches.”

Led by knowledgeable guides, small group tour specialist Back-Roads Touring has a selection of thoughtfully crafted journeys which take in some of Britain's finest landscapes. Below is a selection of UK tours from Back-Roads Touring:

Heart of England

Five days/four nights from £995 per person

The Heart of England is an iconic region, encompassing Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On this five-day journey, guests will visit Oxford and Lacock, explore quaint Cotswold villages famous for their charming honey-coloured stone cottages with thatched roofs and explore traditional stately homes. The group will explore behind the scenes of Longleat Stately Home and walk among the stones at Avebury, away from the tourist crowds.

Orkney & The Highlands 2015

Four days/three nights from £935 per person

On this tour of discovery, see some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe and explore a sliver of mankind's ancient existence that's found nowhere else. Steeped in Viking history, the Orkney is sprinkled with prehistoric sites that have survived Scotland's climate for over 5,000 years.

Kent & Sussex 2015

Four days/three nights from £850 per person

This four day tour explores the south east corner of England, which is filled with a wealth of historical, cultural and culinary attractions. Discover why Canterbury is the jewel in Kent's crown and why Whitstable has been dubbed the 'Pearl of Kent'. Wander through peaceful gardens, taste award winning English sparkling wines and explore 1066 country, made famous by the Battle of Hastings.

The Wonders of Wales 2015

Seven days/six nights from £1,465 per person

Come to Wales where mountains are shrouded in mist, and ancient legends blend with modern truisms to produce a deep national pride worth singing about. On tour, you'll learn of a principality which remains faithful to its Celtic roots - perhaps more so than any other part of the ancient Celtic world. Appreciate Welsh history, culture and language. But most of all, marvel at its spectacular scenery.

Corners of Cornwall 2015

Seven days/six nights from £1,395 per person

This tour has it all, from history and architecture, to breath-taking scenery and fine food. Drive through Dartmoor National Park where wild ponies roam, visit Doc Martin's Port Isaac, explore Britain's maritime past in Falmouth and sample regional delights such as a Cornish pasty, a Cornish cream tea, clotted cream ice cream or Atlantic crab. Even with such a busy schedule we still embrace the back roads of this region and give you some time to add in a few adventures of your own.

To book, visit www.backroadstouring.com or call 033 311 201 09.

- Ends-

About Back-Roads Touring

With over 25 years' experience in small group and tailor-made tours across the UK and Europe, Back-Roads Touring is truly the original small group touring company. Currently operating over 40 tours, the company's focus is on providing a friendly, relaxed, and flexible form of touring with a maximum group size of 18 passengers. From exploring the heart of medieval towns and villages, to enjoying the scenery along narrow, hedge-lined Cornish lanes, Back-Roads Touring ensures that its guests experience the best local cuisine, accommodation and scenery – all taken at a leisurely pace and in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

For more information please visit: www.backroadstouring.com

About the survey:

The survey was carried out in association with Markettiers with all fieldwork taking place from 19 - 29 May 2015. The survey was completed online by 2,049 UK adults.

Media Enquiries:

For images, further information or press trip enquiries, please contact Verity Ramsay/Arwen Sellick at Brighter Group: back-roads@brightergroup.com or call 0207 326 9880.