Regional spotlight: UK city break lets for 2026 - Where demand is growing

UK travel data from VisitBritain shows that domestic trips and short city breaks remain a key part of the travel mix. This shift has encouraged more guests to explore regional cities, rather than relying solely on traditional hotspots like London. You can explore broader UK travel trends in the Travelnest News and Insights hub, which regularly covers changes in guest behaviour and booking patterns.

For holiday rental hosts, understanding regional demand is increasingly important. It can influence:

• Where to invest in a new property

• How to price and market an existing listing

• Which guest segments to target for the next few years

Below, we explore the UK cities and regions where short-term let demand is growing, and what this means for hosts preparing for 2026.

The big demand shifts shaping UK city breaks

Several long-term trends are influencing where guests book short stays:

• Flexible and remote work, allowing midweek and longer city breaks

• Domestic-first travel, with many guests choosing UK destinations over short-haul flights

• Experience-led trips, focused on culture, food, events and walkable neighbourhoods

• Value-conscious travel, favouring well-connected regional cities over London prices

These trends are helping a wider range of UK cities benefit from short-term let demand.

Cities with rising short-term let demand

Insights from booking platforms, VisitBritain reporting and Travelnest performance data all point to a wider spread of demand across UK cities. Below are some of the locations where short-term let interest is growing.

Manchester

Manchester continues to stand out as one of the strongest-performing UK cities for short-term lets.

Key demand drivers include:

• A busy events calendar, concerts, sport and conferences

• Strong rail links across the UK

• A growing reputation for food, nightlife and cultural attractions

Demand is no longer limited to weekends. Many hosts are seeing increased midweek bookings linked to hybrid working and business travel extensions.

Host tip: City-centre apartments with strong WiFi, flexible check-in and workspace-friendly layouts are particularly appealing.

Birmingham

Birmingham has benefited from sustained investment, improved transport links and a growing leisure profile.

Why demand is rising:

• The ongoing impact of HS2-related business travel, even ahead of full completion

• A revitalised city centre with dining, shopping and cultural venues

• Competitive pricing compared to London

Short-term lets close to New Street, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter are well placed to capture both leisure and business guests.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh remains one of the UK’s most reliable city break destinations, with demand extending well beyond peak festival season.

Recent trends include:

• Year-round international demand

• Strong shoulder-season bookings in spring and autumn

• Growth in longer stays from remote workers combining work and leisure

Regulation remains an important consideration in Scotland, so hosts should stay informed and ensure compliance when planning for 2026.

Bristol

Bristol is increasingly popular with guests seeking culture, independent food scenes and access to nearby countryside.

Demand is being driven by:

• Short leisure breaks from London and the South East

• Events, festivals and creative industries

• Easy access to Bath, the Cotswolds and the South West coast

Properties that highlight local neighbourhood character tend to perform well.

Leeds

Leeds is emerging as a strong option for short-term lets thanks to its growing reputation as a leisure and events city.

Contributing factors include:

• A compact, walkable city centre

• Sports, music and shopping-driven demand

• Competitive nightly rates compared to other major cities

This makes Leeds attractive for hosts targeting value-conscious domestic travellers.

Regional city break hotspots beyond the big cities

Short-term let demand is also growing in smaller cities and regional hubs.

Notable examples include:

• York, driven by heritage tourism and short weekend stays

• Bath, popular year-round with domestic and international guests

• Brighton, benefiting from coastal appeal and easy London access

• Liverpool, supported by events, music tourism and waterfront regeneration

These destinations often see high occupancy with shorter average stays, making efficient pricing and calendar management essential.

What this means for hosts planning ahead

Regional demand data, combined with booking insights from platforms and industry sources such as VisitBritain, can help hosts make informed decisions well ahead of 2026.

Understanding regional demand trends can help hosts make better decisions well before 2026.

Choosing the right location

If you are considering investing in a short-term let, look beyond traditional hotspots and assess:

• Transport connectivity

• Year-round demand drivers, not just peak events

• Local regulations and licensing requirements
  nSecondary cities with diverse demand often offer a better balance of occupancy and pricing stability.

Adjusting marketing for regional guests

Hosts in growing city markets should ensure their listings:

• Clearly highlight location benefits and transport links

• Appeal to both leisure and flexible workers

• Include strong local recommendations and area guides

This helps attract guests who are choosing destinations, not just properties.

Using data and expert support

Understanding regional demand is much easier when you have access to the right data and guidance.

Travelnest helps hosts respond to changing market conditions by:

• Advertising properties across major booking sites like Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo through one simple platform

• Using market-level performance insights to support pricing and availability decisions

• Providing access to dedicated property experts who help hosts understand local demand, regulations and guest expectations

You can learn more about how Travelnest supports holiday rental hosts on the Travelnest website, or explore practical advice in our News and Insights section, where we regularly share guidance on location trends, pricing strategies and demand shifts.

Tracking performance and adjusting strategy is easier with the right tools and guidance.

Travelnest supports hosts by:

• Listing properties across multiple booking sites to capture regional demand

• Providing pricing insights to help respond to changing market conditions

• Offering access to property experts who understand local performance trends

This kind of support can be especially valuable in competitive city markets.

Looking ahead to 2026

Demand for UK city breaks is expected to remain strong, but it will be more evenly spread across the country than in the past.

Hosts who understand regional trends, adapt their marketing and choose locations with diverse demand drivers will be best placed to succeed.

Whether you already host in a growing city or are exploring your next opportunity, keeping an eye on where guests are heading can make all the difference.

For more insights on market trends and hosting strategies, visit the Travelnest News and Insights hub.