Fresh Research Reveals Why Pub Stays Are Britain’s Top Travel Trend for 2025

Guest Article | Pub Accommodation | Staycation | Posted 2025.05.06

Fresh research has revealed why pubs with rooms are fast becoming the top choice for staycations in 2025, combining great food, warm hospitality, and unique experiences to offer the ultimate Great British getaway.

Stay in a Pub, the UK’s leading platform for pub accommodation, recently commissioned the 2025 Pub Accommodation Report to uncover exactly what UK travellers are looking for when booking a domestic break.

The research supported by national tourist bodies, VisitEngland, surveyed over 4,000 consumers and operators, and revealed that despite wider economic pressures, optimism in the pub accommodation sector remains strong. As travellers seek authentic, memorable experiences, Britain’s pubs are transforming from beloved drinking establishments into vital hubs for tourism and local economies.

Key Findings of the 2025 Pub Accommodation Report:

• Consumers know that pubs provide an experience they can’t get elsewhere. Asked about what pubs do better than other types of accommodation – 53% said tradition and historic charm, 53% a relaxed and informal environment and 50% a friendlier atmosphere.
• The quality and variety of food and drink at pubs have become a standout feature, with 67% of consumers agreeing that pubs offer the best range of food and drink compared to other types of accommodation.
• 92% of consumers say reviews are a critical part of their decision-making process when booking pub accommodation. Positive feedback is a key driver in attracting guests to pubs, showcasing the importance of online reputation.
• Pubs are at the heart of the places people want to visit and the research found that pub staff have a big role to play in linking people with these communities with 78% of consumers saying they are likely to seek local information and recommendations during their stay.

While the report highlights several strengths of the pub accommodation sector, it also indicates opportunities for growth. With consumers increasingly turning to online platforms for bookings, there is a growing need to provide visibility and streamlined booking systems. The research highlights that 38% of 18 to 34 year olds claim they don’t know how to book a stay in a pub and 53% of consumers say that a complicated booking system would deter them, presenting an opportunity for operators to enhance their online presence and simplify the booking process.

A recent study by Airbnb showed that people in the UK love heading to the country and that over a half of those surveyed were planning or considering a ‘pub-cation’ this spring. This reflects Stay in a Pub’s research, which shows that travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, local stays, with 63% saying that they choose pub accommodation when going on countryside holidays in the UK.

Sophie Braybrooke, Chief Executive at Stay in a Pub, said: “The great British pub has always been a place for real people, real food and real stories. Today’s pub stays capture that spirit perfectly, giving travellers a way to explore the UK through fantastic food, great hospitality and unique experiences you simply don’t get with big hotel chains.”

“This research shows that pubs are offering exactly what consumers want in 2025: local flavour, personal service, quality and value. It’s a positive story for the pub sector, but even more so for anyone planning their next great British escape.”

Stay in a Pub features a collection of over 1,600 pubs with rooms across the UK, including boutique pubs, traditional coaching inns, and quality affordable pub accommodation. Whether it’s a coastal getaway, a foodie escape or a countryside walking break, pubs are offering the best of Britain, all under one roof.

For further information and a copy of the 2025 Pub Accommodation Report, please contact Melanie Phipps, Marketing Manager at Stay in a Pub.

Email: [email protected]