Original Cottages reports surge in UK bookings as September almost sells out

The domestic tourist market appears to be experiencing an endless summer as Britons rush to book one last break before the season is out, according to the latest data from Original Cottages. The holiday cottage company is reporting a surge in bookings as Britons look to extend their holiday season through September and into October half term. There is currently only 9% availability in September across the whole of the Original Cottages portfolio, compared to 40% availability at the same time last year. October is also filling up quickly, with half term week already 73% full, compared to 43% full at this point in 2019.

Data from Original Cottages, the national holiday cottage company with the local touch, shows that over the last 14 days (up to and including 23/08/20), 58% of bookings have been for breaks in September and October. In the same period last year, this was just 35%. In further good news for the domestic tourism industry, these aren't just short breaks: 72% of September and October bookings at Original Cottage properties are for week-long stays.

There appears to be a number of drivers for this surge in demand, according to Martin Wickman, Sales Director, Original Cottages: “We've not seen such a strong September in many years. Feedback from our customers is that they've been bitten by the domestic travel bug and are excited by the endless possibilities on our doorstep. With no one able to travel anywhere earlier in the year and many still unsure about travelling abroad, there is a real pent-up demand for UK breaks and people are keen to get one last week away to extend their summer. We are constantly adding new properties to our portfolio, and on average they receive 3 bookings within a week of going live. This incredibly buoyant extension to the summer season is great news for our cottage owners and the wider UK tourist industry.”

Original Cottages has over 5500 handpicked cottages in destinations in England and Wales, from seaside cottages and rural retreats to city pads and luxury bolt holes. Original Cottages is a national brand that retains its local touch through its regional teams who manage properties on the ground, meaning holidaymakers and property owners alike can benefit from local knowledge and expertise. According to the latest Original Cottages booking data, the top 10 destinations for UK breaks this September and October are as follows:

1. Southwold, Suffolk
2. Padstow Town, Cornwall
3. Whitby, Yorkshire
4. Porthleven, Cornwall
5. Swanage, Dorset
6. Abersoch, Wales
7. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
8. Woolacombe, Devon
9. Looe, Cornwall
10. Saundersfoot, Wales

There is still availability at some of these top locations, please see below:

Southwold, Suffolk - https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/cottage/grdl-garden-lodge
Whitby, Yorkshire - https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/cottage/w410-firn-the-park
Woolacombe, Devon - https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/cottage/hazelm-hazelmere
Saundersfoot, Wales - https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/search?globalsearchterm=PW9048

To book please visit www.OriginalCottages.co.uk or call 03332 020 899

ENDS

For press enquiries please contact Ellis Pullen or Nicole Taylor at H+K Strategies by emailing OriginalCottages@hkstrategies.com

Notes to editors:
Original Cottages is a national holiday cottages company with a family of over twenty local agencies across England and Wales. This national reach combined with local expertise and on-the-ground availability is what makes Original Cottages unique. With over 5500 holiday cottages across England and Wales, Original Cottages has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a beach escape, a rural retreat or a city break. The Original Cottages Company is a family owned and run business with its roots in East Anglia.