The Rise of The “Coolcation”
How overheated Brits are shunning the heat this summer for shade and indoor sightseeing
As the UK experienced an extraordinary summer, with three widespread heatwaves and numerous climate records broken, Brits have been shunning traditional beach holidays and day outs for cooler, inland shady spots and indoor sightseeing.
The trend has been coined the “coolcation”, where holiday goers are skipping traditional sun-and-beach crowded hotspots to escape summer heatwaves and extreme weather.
According to recent data, searches for “coolcations” are up 420% over the past three months and searches for “escape the heat” have risen 300% in the same period.
One destination that witnessed the coolcation trend over the summer was Bodmin Jail Hotel, located inland at Bodmin, known as the gateway to Cornwall.
Built in 1779 during the reign of King George III, the landmark reopened as a luxury hotel in 2021 following a £50 million restoration that transformed the long-derelict prison into a plush immersive destination while preserving its iconic Grade II-listed architecture and traditional construction, making it a perfect place to retreat from the heat.
The Bodmin Jail Hotel saw an increase in bookings during August, along with the adjacent Bodmin Jail Museum attraction, known for its award-winning tours and paranormal experiences.
Jackie Kelly, Group Sales Manager at Bodmin Jail Hotel, comments: “The hotel has been a welcome break from the heat for our guests, with the original granite walls of the former cells keeping the heat out and guests cool during the summer.
“We are perfectly situated for a range of nearby indoor sightseeing trips including the Eden Project, the historic Victorian estate of Lanhydrock House and Bodmin Keep – Cornwall’s Army Museum. We have been a welcome escape from overheated beach holidays for those wishing to take a break from the heat.”
With Brits increasingly wishing to escape the heat, the coolcation trend is expected to continue next year, as health-conscious travellers seek to avoid the high UV levels and extreme sun exposure in the peak summer months.
For more information about Bodmin Jail Hotel’s experiences, visit bodminjailhotel.com.