Airbnb Hotspots: Most Popular UK Destinations for 2025

Scroll through Airbnb’s UK listings, and you might notice something wild: cozy apartments in London book out months in advance, cottages in the Scottish Highlands are snapped up even in rainy seasons, and seaside escapes in Cornwall have waiting lists longer than the average British summer. Airbnb isn’t just a backup plan anymore. It’s the go-to pick for mini-getaways, family breaks, reunions, or simply nabbing a spot with that perfect roll-top bath and a sea view. But where do most people actually stay? Why do some areas seem to have Airbnb fever, while others lag behind? Grab your bucket list—and maybe your calendar—because some of these locations are straight-up booked solid for months.

Most Booked Airbnb Destinations in the UK—and Why

Year after year, certain spots in the UK draw in Airbnb guests like seagulls to an open chip packet. London still leads the parade, but it's not just about slick city flats. According to official Airbnb booking data from 2024, London took up over 22% of all UK Airbnb stays. The city’s magnetic pull comes from its endless theatre shows, world-class museums, and that addictive big-city buzz. And don’t get me started on Shoreditch lofts and Notting Hill terraces—these are like gold dust, especially during big events or the summer season.

But step outside the capital, and you’ll see totally different trends. Edinburgh, for example, consistently ranks second after London. The draw isn’t a mystery: the city pulls in crowds for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and its storybook blend of history and nightlife. Scotland’s capital actually saw a 15% jump in bookings during festival months. Even better, average booking lengths in Edinburgh are longer—visitors aren’t just popping in for a single night, they settle in for the full experience. Plus, hosts love to up the ante with welcome baskets or quirky decor that’s pure Instagram candy.

The Lake District stands out next. It’s Britain’s most-visited national park for a reason—think epic views, lakes that might actually make you gasp, and walking trails for all fitness levels (just ask my daughter Lia, who once powered up Catbells faster than I did). The region now has over 4,500 unique Airbnb properties, from shepherd’s huts to luxury barns. In summer 2024, the occupancy rates here averaged 87%, which is jaw-dropping compared to most UK hotel averages. The Lake District’s surge has spilled into nearby areas too, with the Cumbrian coast and Yorkshire Dales getting in on the action.

Next, there’s Cornwall—the staycation capital. Think surf shacks, historic fishing villages, beach huts, and plenty of places that look like a dreamy Instagram reel brought to life. Cornwall’s Airbnbs get so many bookings that families now grab their summer dates the previous autumn. The biggest crowd-pullers are coastal havens like St Ives, Newquay, and Padstow, but smaller spots such as Port Isaac have quietly become must-book escapes since being featured in ‘Doc Martin’. In 2024, Cornwall’s average Airbnb price for a week was £1,014, up nearly 9% from three years ago.

But let’s not overlook some wild cards—places where Airbnb popularity has exploded seemingly overnight. Bristol’s quirky scene makes it a favorite for creative breaks and stags or hens who want more than a drab hotel room. Brighton’s rainbow-colored lanes and wild weekends attract a steady stream too. And cities like Manchester and Liverpool have seen Airbnb bookings almost double since 2022, thanks to music festivals, epic football matches, and surprisingly stylish city flats.

Looking at this table, it’s clear: the most booked Airbnb UK listings are rarely just about price. Location, events, and that elusive "unique stay" factor tip the scales. Even in snowy February, a London flat with rooftop views or a lakeside cabin with a hot tub will outstrip a chain hotel no one remembers.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Airbnb Hotspots

Not everyone wants to follow the crowd, right? If you’re like me, you’ve probably hunted for something off the beaten path—a place where you don’t have to elbow your way into the nearest pub. Airbnb has a way of turning even the smallest village or quirkiest town into a mini sensation. Case in point: the Hebridean island of Skye. Five years ago, it was a wild, windswept secret. Now, its Airbnbs are booked by hikers and stargazers from Germany to Japan, lured by tales of midnight sun and spectacular beaches. In 2024, Skye’s listing count jumped by 26%. That’s not a typo.

Then there’s the Cotswolds—think honey-colored stone cottages, antique shops, and farm stays that actually feel like a bit of time travel. What’s wild is how many former market towns have become Airbnb poster children. Cirencester’s bookings rose by 19% last year, just by word of mouth and Insta-brags alone. Houseboats in Oxford, barn conversions in Stroud, and even tiny homes near Broadway Tower now have near-perfect scores, with most guests raving about the quiet…and, oddly enough, the local cheese.

Wales steps in with its own gems. Tenby, with its pastel houses and legendary beaches, has seen bookings jump by 31% in three years. North Wales, especially around Snowdonia, blends mountaintop drama with tiny café culture. The best Airbnbs here aren’t flashy; they’re cozy cabins with mountain views, or family homes close to surfing beaches. Anglesey, still a bit under the radar, started trending when wild swimming became the new Pilates (trust me, I was a happy convert until Lia described cold water as “like being chased by angry penguins”).

Don’t count out the south coast either. Cities like Southampton used to be quick pitstops for ferry passengers, but now quirky city apartments there get booked by parents visiting uni students, cruise fans, or those who just want a portal to the New Forest’s walking trails. Norfolk’s windswept coast, especially Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney, has seen family-friendly lodges host more year-round bookings than ever. You’ve also got hidden spots in Yorkshire—villages like Hebden Bridge, for example, where writers and artists seem to gather for inspiration. Bookings here rose by 16% in the last year.

Isle of Wight and Channel Islands have their own small but mighty Airbnb scenes too—great for people who want somewhere different but don’t want to stray too far afield. And, if you’re game for the wildest wild card, try the Shetland Islands, where listings get snapped up each January by birdwatchers and hardy adventurers alike. Want the stats? Here’s a quick breakdown of some rapidly trending Airbnb spots, based on 2024 booking data:

So, if you want your staycation to be different, check out Airbnb listings where the buzz is just starting. You’ll find surprising bargains, less competition for local tables (no more 5pm dinners because everywhere’s full!), and you’ll probably get proper tips from hosts—the kind that never appear on big travel sites. The trick is to book early, especially in areas that are gaining popularity fast. And always read through reviews; the best hosts go above and beyond (homemade Welshcakes, anyone?).

Tips for Scoring the Perfect Airbnb Stay in Popular UK Spots

So, you know where the action is—but nabbing a great Airbnb in these hotspots? That can feel like competing in a digital Hunger Games. Take it from someone who’s booked everything from a Brighton townhouse for a girls’ weekend to a Scottish crofter’s cottage where I could barely get phone signal (bliss when you have a tween with TikTok). Want to boost your odds? Use these no-nonsense booking strategies:

• Plan Early, Way Early: Summer and school holidays book up as much as 10-12 months ahead in places like Cornwall or the Lake District. If you’re set on a specific spot—book the minute it pops up. Even for city breaks, weekends are gold dust.
• Be Flexible on Dates: A midweek booking will cost less and is easier to grab. If you can swap Friday for Thursday or Sunday nights, you’ll save pounds and stress.
• Scope Out New Listings: New properties often launch with discounts or special extras to build up reviews. Use Airbnb’s ‘new listing’ filter—it’s like secret shopping.
• Check Superhost Status: Superhosts genuinely make a difference: fast replies, better amenities, and they’ll often let you in on local secrets (like the bakery that makes the best scones on Skye).
• Don’t Ignore the Extras: Read the fine print for cancellation policies, WiFi, baby gear (vital since Lia was little), and whether pets are allowed. Some listings aren’t as inclusive as they look at first glance.
• Message Your Host: If you’re unsure, just ask. Good hosts love helping guests make special memories and might even suggest off-the-beaten-path restaurants, secret beaches, or short-cut walking routes.
• Check for Local Festivals: Sudden price jumps often tie to local events: think Fringe in Edinburgh or Boardmasters in Cornwall. Search for dates a week before or after major events if you want deals (and a bit less mayhem).
• Watch for Cleaning and Service Fees: Prices can balloon thanks to these add-ons. Tot up the whole cost before booking, and compare with hotel alternatives. Sometimes, hotels win—especially with breakfast thrown in.
• Think Outside Major Tourist Towns: Stay in villages a few miles away and you’ll find availability and better prices. Often, these spots have their own charm—plus peace and quiet.
• Save with Long Stays: If you’re remote working or fancy a switch-up, many hosts discount for 7+ nights. London flats and Scottish cabins offer the biggest markdowns for weekly or monthly stays.

What about those magical extras—like a hot tub, a wood-fired pizza oven, or the place that had four different types of cheese in the fridge when we checked in (honestly, top memory from a Yorkshire trip)? Always search using keywords or check the amenities filter. Set price alerts, too, because cancellations can mean sudden bargains.

One last golden rule: always, always check recent reviews. Photos can be old, and what was quirky fun in 2018 might need a little TLC by 2025. Look out for hosts responding to feedback—this shows they actually care and keep things fresh.

Airbnb continues to change the UK holiday game—not just in big cities, but in every corner with a view, a path, or a story. So whether you’re hunting for a lakeside cabin or fancy a cottage by the sea, grab your spot, treat yourself to some local cheese or a silly tourist hat, and make it your own adventure. Happy searching!