01 Sep 2023
The Rise of Bikeations: New Survey Reveals Why Brits Have Such a Love-Affair with Cycling
It's official, the nation has 'cycling fever' as the Tour of Britain begins Sunday, 3 September 2023. As one of the official sponsors of the Tour of Britain, staycation specialists cottages.com has today published the results of an independent survey* revealing over a third of Brits (40%) are cyclists, with a fifth (20%) considering themselves to be infrequent, one in ten (9%) as fair weather, and one in twenty either commuter (5%) or avid cyclists (5%).
The survey also reveals that Gen Z (18-28 years) and Millennials (29 - 43 years) are more likely to prefer cycling during a staycation than Gen X (44 - 58 years). Those living in Yorkshire and Humberside (18%) are more likely to go on a cycling staycation – or bikeation – compared to those living in the East of England (3%).
When asked about their motivations for cycling, improving general health (34%), spending more time outdoors (28%), and the joy of exploring (23%) were the most common reasons. Meanwhile, wanting to improve or maintain mental health (22%), losing weight (20%), a sense of adventure (19%) and because cycling reminds people of their childhood (13%) were other popular reasons for cycling.
According to the findings, cycling is best when connecting with nature (32%), cycling with others (29%), or new places (23%). Interestingly, 1 in 20 (5%) reported cycling is best when 'getting lost' - Millennials (29-43 years) agreed with this more than any other generation!
Overall, 36% of cyclists are motivated by food or drink, like a trip to the pub or a pit stop for cake and coffee stop. With Millennials (29-43 years) being the age bracket most likely to be motivated by food or drink during a cycling trip.
The Peak District, Scottish Highlands, and Penzance in Cornwall are the top three destinations cyclists would go to for their ideal cycling break or staycation. Other popular options include, London, the Isle of Wight, the Lake District, and Norfolk. The full top 10 locations for a cycling staycation include:
Popularity Poll: Top 10 UK Locations for Cycling Staycations
- Peak District (12%)
- Scottish Highlands (11%)
- Penzance, Cornwall (11%)
- London (10%)
- Isle of Wight (9%)
- Morecombe Bay, Lake District (9%)
- Norfolk (9%)
- North Wales Coast (8%)
- Hampshire (8%)
- Bannau Bycheiniog (Cymraeg) (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons) (8%)
Celebrities enjoy cycling, just like us - from stars of the silver screen to pop stars and politicians. cottages.com asked people which 'cycling celebrity' they would rather take on a cycling staycation. Tom Hardy (12%), Kylie Minogue (12%) and Louis Theroux (10%) topped the poll. People also said they would rather go on a cycling holiday with Elliot & ET (from ET, 1992), Simon Cowell or Lord Sugar (each 4%) rather than US President, Joe Biden or British PM, Rishi Sunak (both 3%). These celebrity cyclists made the top 10:
Popularity Poll: Top Celebrity Saddle Companions
- Tom Hardy (12%)
- Kylie Minogue (12%)
- Louis Theroux (10%)
- Jeremy Clarkson (9%)
- George Clooney (8%)
- Kelly Brook (8%)
- Arnold Schwarzenegger (8%)
- Boris Johnson (7%)
- Zac Efron (7%)
- Victoria Pendleton (6%)
John Crosby, Chief Operating Officer, at Awaze – the parent company of cottages.com said, “We're thrilled to be sponsoring the Tour of Britain again this year and wish all the riders the best of luck (and weather) for the different stages of the event. In recent times we've witnessed a rise in cycling hobbyists and what's clear is that staycations with some form of adventure or exploration continue to be popular across all age groups, especially the younger generations where wellness is emerging as a powerful driver and improving both physical fitness and mental health are seen as important.”
John added, “Popularity for cycling breaks continue to be seen across both Northern and Southern hotspots, with London and Isle of Wight listed higher in the polls than some might expect. Specifically, Gen Z and Millennials are rapidly redefining holidays, edging away from traditional 'stay and lay' trips abroad and instead opting for activity staycations packed with adventure. It's clear the trend for staycations continues with increasingly more Brits opting to 'get away' on two wheels.”
Many of cottages.com self-catering properties include bike stores, information about local cycle routes, and of course, the all-important hot tub so cycling holiday-makers can soak their tired limbs after a day exploring.
Part of Awaze, Europe's leading managed vacation rentals business, cottages.com offer more than 5,000 cycle-friendly homes. Accommodation located along or near to the eight stage routes that make up this year's Tour of Britain are promoted on the race's website as part of their enhanced partnership in 2023.
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Cycling Staycation Round Up Getaways: Below is a round-up of cycling-friendly properties - all are available (at time of writing) for a 7-night stay in September:
#1 Peak District
Cycling route: Monsal Trail (19.3 miles)- Through limestone hills and across picture-perfect dales, the Monsal Trail is the jewel of Peak District cycling for all the family. Long, atmospheric tunnels and impressive viaducts thread nine miles of the former Midland Railway along the dramatic Wye valley to Millers Dale, Hassop and Bakewell.
Stay at…
Meadow View (ref UK39464) in Taddington | cottages.com
Located in the Peak District National Park and with many attractions nearby, Meadow View has far-reaching and uninterrupted views. Cottage includes a wood burner for chillier days and a bike store.
A 7-night stay in this 2-bed cottage (sleeping 4) costs from £880 (£31pp/pn). Book online at cottages.com or call 0345 268 0766. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
#2 Scottish Highlands
Cycling route: Big Sand to Gruinard Bay (19 miles)- Head to Gruinard Bay for wonderful views across island studded waters to the Coigach Hills. The area is very interesting from a geological viewpoint and many unusual stones can be found near the rocks and shoreline. The beach offers spectacular views of An Teallach and the northern Highlands.
Stay at…
Clarsach (ref UK7577) in Big Sand | cottages.com
A luxurious holiday home with enviable views and plenty of space surrounding the property. Includes a log burner, bike store and other luxurious touches for the ultimate in comfort.
A 7-night stay in this 3-bed cottage (sleeping 6) costs from £1320 (£31pp/pn). Book online at cottages.com or call 0345 268 0766. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
#3 Penzance, Cornwall
Cycling route: Penwith Peninsula (34 miles)- Work your way up gradually from Penzance to Land's End, with increasingly dramatic landscapes and uphill climbs. Skirting along the south coast to begin with, through arty Newlyn and cute Mousehole, the ride climbs up and over the Penwith Peninsula, passing weather-beaten prehistoric standing stones and Celtic crosses enroute.
Stay at…
Bucca Cottage (ref W44100) in Newlyn, near Penzance | cottages.com
Bucca Cottage, once an original fisherman's cottage (built in 1852), is a comfortable and well-presented semi-detached holiday accommodation with bike store. Newlyn is steeped in Cornish tradition, famous for fishing and art.
A 7-night stay in this 2-bed cottage (sleeping 4) costs from £355 (£13pp/pn). Book online at cottages.com or call 0345 268 0766. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
#4 London
Cycling route: Big Ben to Richmond Park loop (23 miles) - This bike ride takes in some nice areas of open space on the south side of the Thames. Starting from Big Ben, you'll weave through streets, rivers, wetland and commons, before finishing at Richmond Park.
Stay at…
The Annex at End House Cottage (ref UK39303) in Wandsworth | cottages.com
Close to city with parklands and commons within a few minutes walk, this is a delightful crash-pad close to aa wide range of London cycling routes, including ones which loop further afield.
A 7-night stay in this 1-bed cottage (sleeping 2) costs from £449 (£32pp/pn). Book online at cottages.com or call 0345 268 0766. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
#5 Isle of Wight
Cycling route: Red Squirrel Trail (32 miles)- The Red Squirrel Trail is a mostly traffic-free cycling route through the heart of the Isle of Wight's beautiful countryside. It takes in estuaries, woodland, farmland, downland, and a stretch of the Island's fantastic coastline.
Stay at…
Red Squirrel Cottage (ref UKC1004) in Whitwell, near Ventnor | cottages.com
For a cycling family or group of friends, after a day's ride, relax in the private hot tub and enjoy the views over the grounds. This stunning property provides everything you need for a luxurious cycling break.
A 7-night stay in this 3-bed cottage (sleeping 6) costs from £1005 (£24pp/pn). Book online at cottages.com or call 0345 268 0766. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
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Sources:
* The research for cottages.com was carried out online by Opinium throughout 18 August 2023 - 22 August 2023 amongst a panel resulting in 2,000 Nationally representative UK respondents, aged 18+ responding.
Images (to be credited to cottages.com): https://www.dropbox.com/
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact the press team press@thissrl.co.uk or 01603 706560
cottages.com is the UK's leading provider UK holiday rental homes and offers more than 25,000 places to stay across the UK. From coastal retreats to country castles, the brand is home to a number of unique, inspiring collections and helps more than 2.1 million guests and more than 200,000 pets find their perfect break every year. cottages.com is part of Awaze Vacation Rentals Ltd. - Europe's leading managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business. For more visit www.cottages.com
