The UK has many beautiful places to enjoy a staycation, but crowded beaches and busy cities can be less peaceful and more stressful.Britons planning a last-minute summer staycation could be more likely to unwind in Devon, with a new study naming Salcombe the UK’s most relaxing destination.Interest in local breaks is staying high across the country, with “UK staycation” gathering more than 21,000 Google searches over the past month alone.The most relaxing breaks were named by JoJo Maman Bébé, who analysed more than 30 UK destinations using hotel quality, restaurant ratings, spa facilities, attractions, and landscape to identify the country’s most relaxing staycation spots.Salcombe has been named the most relaxing staycation | GETTY UK’s most relaxing staycation destinations 2026 (destination score)Salcombe, Devon – 7.94/10Lyme Regis, Dorset – 5.97/10Southwold, Suffolk – 5.46/10Grasmere, Cumbria – 5.27/10Windermere, Cumbria – 5.26/10Padstow, Cornwall – 4.8/10Tunbridge Wells, Kent – 4.64/10Cotswolds – 4.61/10Alnwick, Northumberland – 4.59/10Harrogate, North Yorkshire – 4.51/10Salcombe claimed the top spot thanks to its relaxed coastal setting and strong mix of places to stay, eat, and explore. More than half of its hotels are rated four stars or above, while it also boasts one of the highest proportions of spa and wellness hotels in the rankings, at 9.09 per cent.With sandy beaches, waterfront walks, boutique shops, and boat trips around the South Devon coast, it is a relaxed choice for holidaymakers looking to slow the pace.Lyme Regis came second, helped by its impressive selection of highly-rated restaurants and quality accommodation. It has the highest number of 4-star ranked restaurants, at 93.2 per cent. The Dorset seaside town is famous for its fossil-filled Jurassic Coast, traditional beach, charming harbour and scenic coastal walks, making it a popular choice for couples, families and anyone looking for a classic British seaside escape.Southwold completed the top three. The Suffolk town stood out for its highly rated restaurants and relatively flat landscapes, making it an easy destination to explore on foot. Lyme Regis has the highest number of 4-star ranked restaurants, at 93.2 per cent | GETTYVisitors can enjoy its colourful beach huts, historic pier, independent shops, and relaxed atmosphere without needing to tackle steep hills.The Lake District also performed well, with both Grasmere and Windermere making the top five. Grasmere had the highest proportion of four-star hotels with spa and wellness facilities among the leading destinations, at 11.76 per cent, making it a great option for holidaymakers looking to unwind. Meanwhile, Windermere offers the widest choice of accommodation and attractions in the top five, giving visitors plenty of options whether they want to spend their days hiking, taking boat trips, or browsing cafés and shops.