WITH RISING costs and increased flights disruption, staycations are becoming more popular, as UK Google searches for ‘UK holiday’ spike 15% compared to the same time last year¹. Cornwall in particular is at the top of Brits’ visit list, with 1.9M UK searches for the region in the past month alone.
Despite the unpredictable weather a UK holiday can bring, the majority of Brits aren’t put off by a spot of rain, with over two in three (70%) saying they would persevere with their holiday plans even if heavy rain was forecast, according to a recent study by Parkdean Resorts.
To help those that are nervous about unexpected downpours plan their next staycation, the team at Parkdean has created their ‘Rainy Day Index’, analysing historical Met Office data to uncover Britain’s driest and rainiest holiday destinations.
The Essex Coast crowned Britain’s driest holiday destination:
| Rank | Holiday destination | Region | Daily rainfall average (mm) | Daily chance of rain |
| 1 | Essex Coast | East of England | 1.8 | 36% |
| 2 | Great Yarmouth | East of England | 2.0 | 38% |
| 3 | Whitstable | South East | 2.0 | 38% |
| 4 | Kessingland | East of England | 2.0 | 38% |
| 5 | Skegness | East Midlands | 2.0 | 40% |
Prevailing strong westerly winds tend to lose momentum by the time they arrive at the East Coast, making this side of Britain much drier than its western counterpart. According to the study, Britain’s least rainy holiday destination is the Essex Coast, in the East of England.
While some have strong feelings about the rain, almost three-quarters (73%) of us wouldn’t change our holiday plans based on the weather forecast. For those who love to embrace a rainy downpour, Parkdean has also ranked the wettest spots in Britain.
The Isle of Mull is Britain’s rainiest holiday destination:
| Rank | Holiday destination | Region | Daily rainfall average (mm) | Daily chance of rain |
| 1 | Isle of Mull | Scottish Highlands | 6.6 | 66% |
| 2 | Isle of Skye | Scottish Highlands | 6.2 | 64% |
| 3 | Grasmere | North West | 6.2 | 57% |
| 4 | Glencoe | Scottish Highlands | 5.9 | 63% |
| 5 | Ambleside | North West | 5.9 | 56% |
On the opposite end of the British Isles to sunny Essex, the Scottish Highlands are home to two of Britain’s rainiest holiday destinations. Those looking for an all-weather adventure should consider a trip to the picturesque Isle of Mull, as this island takes the top spot as the rainiest destination.
One of the added benefits of a drizzle is the chance of spotting a rainbow and the report also highlights the holiday locations where showers most often give way to sunshine, creating the perfect conditions for a rainbow.
Cornwall leads the way as Britain’s rainbow holiday hotspot:
| Rank | Holiday destination | Region | Daily chance of a rainbow | Average daily rain (hours) | Average daily sunshine (hours) |
| 1 | Helston, Cornwall | South West | 55% | 4.6 | 6.6 |
| 2 | St Ives, Cornwall | South West | 51% | 4.7 | 6.2 |
| 3 | Padstow, Cornwall | South West | 51% | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| 4 | Aberystwyth, Ceredigion | West Wales | 51% | 5.7 | 5.9 |
| 5 | Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire | South West Wales | 50% | 4.6 | 6.6 |
Cornwall is undoubtedly the best destination for rainbow lovers, with one of the UK’s most southerly towns, Helston, claiming first place. However, it’s not just those seeking a rainbow sighting that would benefit from a Cornwall holiday. The likelihood of a rainbow also correlates with how quickly rain will turn into sunshine, meaning if you’re caught in a downpour in these locations, it should pass as quickly as it arrived.
Wales has also claimed its position as a rainbow hotspot, with Aberystwyth and Barafundle Bay rounding out the top five.
Ashley Crawshaw, Regional Director for Cornwall at Parkdean Resorts commented: “Cornwall is one of Britain’s most breathtaking locations, with more beaches and coves along its coastline than you’d ever need.
“The fact that our report has identified it as the leading location to spot a rainbow just adds to the magic it can offer to families embarking on their holidays.
“We have eight holiday parks across North and South Cornwall, which makes it easy to embark on day trips to the region’s iconic landmarks and beaches like the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove, and Polzeath Beach from the comfort of your caravan.”
To read the full Rainy Day report, or to book a last minute staycation, visit the Parkdean website.
