staying

Rising fuel costs are pushing millions of Brits to ditch long drives and holidays abroad in favour of UK summer holidays closer to home.

Staycations are becoming even more local in 2026 – as fuel prices impact summer plans. A survey of 2,000 adults who have enjoyed a UK holiday revealed millions are planning to make the most of their nearby areas – venturing just 85 miles – rather than destinations further away.

According to the findings, one in four of those arranging to go away have switched a foreign holiday for a UK break. But 62% confessed the expense of travel and petrol has been a key factor in bringing this year’s staycation even nearer to home.

A third are reserving a seaside getaway, 27% fancy a countryside camping retreat, and 23% will be savouring day trips from home.

David Howells, camping and travel expert at Halfords which commissioned the study, said: “Summer holidays don’t always have to involve a week-long stay somewhere on a plane, but this year we’re seeing a real shift towards people rediscovering what’s on their doorstep.

“With travel costs front of mind, many are rethinking what a summer break looks like and embracing the charm and convenience of staying closer to home.”

Beyond petrol costs, 32% have had to shorten the duration of their trip, while a further 32% will have to scale back on activities and dining out once they are there.

Nevertheless, the research also discovered there is a bright side as 35% said taking a break nearer to home will lessen the overall stress of it, and 31% can be more adaptable with their plans.

What’s more, 65% said staycationing closer to home will still feel like a ‘proper’ holiday to them, according to the OnePoll.com data.

However, loading up the car appears a distant prospect as those planning a getaway don’t currently possess the necessary essentials such as roof boxes or bars (69%), tents (59%), or folding chairs (23%).

A fifth need to splash out on new purchases specifically for their forthcoming UK holiday, with items like camping stoves (30%), sleeping bags (23%), and cool boxes (23%) on the shopping list.

David Howells added: “It seems people are clearly making more considered choices this summer and cutting back on time away and extras once they get there to keep costs under control.

“However, looking at it more positively, staycations near home are giving people the freedom to be more flexible – whether that’s changing plans last-minute or fitting trips around everyday life.

“A UK break still delivers that all-important sense of escape, proving you don’t have to travel far or spend big to enjoy a proper holiday”.

Police have criticised the timing of the government’s decision to let pubs stay open until 05:00 BST on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the “late announcement” meant officers would have to be taken away from other duties and work longer hours, even though the team’s likely route through the tournament “has been known for a considerable time”.

It asked fans to be “considerate” and “drink within sensible limits” while watching the crucial last-16 match in which the losing team will be eliminated.

The government has said a previous relaxing of licensing laws for the tournament had not covered the eventuality of England playing so late.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said that after England’s progression was confirmed on Wednesday evening, the government “announced plans as quickly as possible following this”.

The spokeswoman added: “And more broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”

Kick-off for the knock-out game is not until 01:00 in the UK and the match is not expected to end until at least 03:00. It could finish even later if it goes to penalties.

Knock-out games in previous tournaments have led to an increase in violent incidents and domestic abuse, the policing body said.

“This is directly linked to alcohol consumption,” the NPCC’s football and alcohol policing leads said in a joint statement.

“We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”

Licensing hours had already been extended for the international football tournament and the government had initially said it would not relax the laws further.

But late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said pubs could remain open until the end of the game.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told broadcasters the previous measures “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night”, adding it was “one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen”.

England was not guaranteed to play in Monday’s match, only earning a place in the round of 16 after beating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

The hospitality sector welcomed the government’s decision. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said it was “fantastic news” that would be “hugely welcomed by operators”.

Pub chain Greene King has said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match, while Marston’s has said more than 400 of its pubs will also be open.

Priyesh Bathia, who runs the Elephant and Barrel pub in Stockwell, south London, and said he is “so thankful” for the late licensing on Monday.

“I’m really excited,” he added, and said so far they have had between 100-150 people book tables for the game.