UK families turning to active stays over traditional holidays

Active short breaks on the rise as UK families seek more from their holidays 

Demand rises for beginner-friendly, experience-led breaks closer to home

Families are increasingly swapping traditional holidays for active, experience-led breaks closer to home, with Edinburgh’s Lost Shore Surf Resort seeing strong demand for beginner-friendly stays that combine activity, relaxation and time together.

New travel trends show a clear shift in how people are planning time away in 2026, with a focus on short breaks that offer more than just a change of location. VisitBritain data shows 77% of UK adults are planning a domestic trip in the next 12 months, driven by cost, convenience and a desire to make trips feel more meaningful. ABTA’s latest Travel Trends Report also highlights growing demand for experiences, wellbeing and shared activities while travelling.

At Lost Shore, that shift is already visible, with around half of those using the wave pool taking part in beginner surf lessons. The resort’s controlled environment removes many of the traditional barriers associated with the sport, with no need for prior experience and consistent, year-round conditions making it accessible for all ages and abilities.

Visitors can build a short break around a mix of activity and downtime, from surf lessons and open sessions in the wave pool to staying on-site in waterfront pods or Hilltop Lodges overlooking the cove.

Beyond the surf, the resort offers a range of activities designed to appeal to all ages and interests. Surfskate sessions, sauna and spa facilities, and relaxed outdoor spaces allow visitors to unwind, while informal games and open areas for children create space for families to spend time together. The result is a flexible short break where different generations can do their own thing, while still sharing the experience.

With accommodation available from £100 per night, Lost Shore offers an accessible alternative to overseas surf trips, where costs can quickly rise into the thousands once flights and accommodation are factored in.

Lee Wood, Lost Shore Surf Resort’s Managing Director, said:

“What we’re seeing is a real shift in how people want to spend their time away. It’s less about ticking off destinations and more about doing something memorable while you’re there.

“Around half of those in the water are taking beginner lessons, which highlights just how many visitors are trying surfing for the first time”. 

Located just 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, Lost Shore Surf Resort is Scotland’s pioneering inland surf destination, offering year-round surfing, accommodation, food and wellness experiences.

Lost Shore’s Waterfront pods and Hilltop Lodge accommodation is available to book at www.lostshore.com/stay.