Sheepscombe village sees huge surge in summer holiday interest

The sleepy village of Sheepscombe in Stroud has seen a burst of interest in last minute summer holiday bookings – with a 110 per cent increase in searches for getaways to the area, year-on-year.

By Emma Luther  |  Published
Independent Cottages has spotted a summer holiday trend of families looking to escape the crowds.

Sheepscombe's claim to fame is being in the heart of stunning Cider With Rosie countryside as well as home to late Cotswold poet Frank Mansell. 

But more recently, research from Independent Cottages has shown a huge surge in online searches for people hunting for last-minute summer holidays in the village.

Situated close to the pretty village of Painswick, Sheepscombe has a popular pub and cricket club as well as rolling hills and plenty of countryside walks.

Independent Cottages has been monitoring online traffic and has discovered searches for ‘last minute holidays UK’ have increased by 70 per cent in the last 30 days.


CEO of Independent Cottages, Matthew Fox, said: 'Summer staycation interest has continued to grow over recent years, particularly with families looking to make the most of the holidays and what's interesting is where people are choosing to go.

 

'We're seeing an interesting shift towards quaint, historic market towns rather than the usual tourist hotspots. Not just the well-known places but smaller charming towns that offer all the beauty the region has to offer but without the crowds. 


'It's brilliant to see people discovering these gems that have so much character and history to offer.'


The self-catering accommodation provider analysed its internal enquiry data from the past 12 months to discover which destinations have grown in popularity the most for summer breaks. 


The top five destinations that are rising alongside Sheepscombe include Cockermouth and Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire and Leek in Staffordshire.


The team at Independent Cottages said: 'The quaint village of Sheepscombe is full of charm and surrounded by beautiful countryside and has recently seen a 110 per cent increase in interest for summer getaways year-on-year. 


'Tucked away in a tranquil valley in the heart of the Cotswolds, its pretty lanes are full of honey-coloured stone cottages and all centre around its main landmark, the village pub, The Butcher's Arms.

 

'Walking routes lead directly from the village into some of the most beautiful countryside in England.

 

'The village also offers easy access to other Cotswolds destinations.'

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