A surprising number of UK counties are seeing fewer tourists these days. Whether it’s the rolling hills or the ancient landmarks, why are visitors giving these favourite spots a miss? Let’s explore what’s behind the decline.
1. Cornwall
Once the go-to spot for surfers and sun-seekers, Cornwall is now seeing fewer tourists. Recent concerns about overcrowding and sky-high accommodation prices may send holidaymakers off searching for quieter, more wallet-friendly options.
2. Cumbria
Famous for the Lake District, Cumbria has experienced a fall in tourists, attributed to poor weather in recent seasons and growing concerns about the environmental impact of tourism on its picturesque landscapes.
3. Devon
Devon, known for its beautiful coastlines and rural charm, has seen a decline in visitors, likely due to transport difficulties and the rising popularity of overseas travel as budget airlines expand their reach.
4. North Yorkshire
Despite its stunning moors and historic sites, North Yorkshire is seeing fewer tourists, perhaps due to competition from more accessible urban centres and the high cost of rural tourism.
5. Dorset
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and quaint villages are attracting fewer tourists, with some blaming the lack of major transport upgrades and the area’s relatively high costs compared to other seaside destinations.
6. Norfolk
Known for its broads and festivals, Norfolk has witnessed a drop in visitor numbers, potentially due to unpredictable weather patterns and competition from more commercialised holiday parks elsewhere.
7. Somerset
Despite attractions like Glastonbury and the Cheddar Gorge, Somerset’s tourist numbers are declining, possibly due to an oversaturation of festival-goers opting for newer, less crowded events.
8. Kent
Despite being known as the Garden of England, Kent has seen a dip in tourism, perhaps impacted by the shift in visitor preferences towards city breaks and international festivals.
9. East Sussex
Home to historic Battle and seaside Brighton, East Sussex’s tourism decline could be attributed to the pebbly beaches losing favour compared to sandy alternatives abroad.
10. West Sussex
Similarly, West Sussex has felt a decrease in tourist interest, potentially due to the high cost of living deterring budget-conscious visitors.
11. Lancashire
With its rich history and cultural offerings, Lancashire has nonetheless experienced a fall in tourism, possibly due to economic downturns in key source markets.
12. Wiltshire
Despite hosting the iconic Stonehenge, Wiltshire’s overall visitor numbers are down, with critics pointing to a lack of new attractions or significant events.
13. Northumberland
Known for its castles and coastline, Northumberland’s slight tourist decline might be due to limited public transport options and the popularity of more easily accessible national parks.
14. Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire’s vast countryside and historic attractions are drawing fewer tourists, possibly due to minimal marketing and investment compared to its neighbouring counties.
15. Suffolk
Suffolk’s quiet charm isn’t pulling the crowds it once did, potentially due to the general downturn in rural tourism as travellers opt for city experiences and exotic locales.
Is the Tide Turning?
While these counties are experiencing a downturn in tourist numbers, they remain treasure troves of culture, history, and natural beauty. Could this be an opportunity for them to reinvent themselves or will they continue to see a decline as global travel preferences evolve?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / jimmonkphotography.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.