Dorset has been voted one of the nation's favourite destinations for a holiday based in the UK.

A survey carried out by The Tourist Trail established that Dorset is the UK's third favourite county for a 'staycation'.

It was only beaten to the top spot by Cornwall - the overwhelming favourite - and Devon in second.

Reacting to this news, Cllr Graham Winter, Weymouth Town Council Mayor, said: "This news confirms what we all knew, that Dorset, and especially Weymouth, is one of the top staycation locations.

"With award winning beaches, parks and gardens and great events and attractions throughout the year, it’s the perfect holiday destination for people of all ages."

Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth and skills, said: "It comes as no surprise that Dorset is one of the best places for a staycation Dorset can offer something for everyone from our award winning beaches to the most beautiful countryside in the south of England. We want all to feel the warm welcome of Dorset."

Local businesses also reacted positively to the poll.

Leanne Stone, general manager of The Golden Lion Hotel in Weymouth, said: "I think it is brilliant, bringing trade to the local town. It is good for independent businesses. Our hotel does really well through the summer. You can't complain if we have been voted third best."

A spokesman for The Lulworth Estate said: "It is a testament to what Dorset has to offer visitors to be voted number three in this survey, not only its spectacular coastline, but also the array of attractions throughout the county.

"Dorset’s setting has remained relatively untouched by industrialisation, making it one of the best counties for the natural environment and walking within easy reach of much of the UK population.

"Tourism in Dorset is very important for our economy and jobs and this result can only help to bolster our credentials as a destination of choice for staycations with the continuing uncertain of Brexit and the poor value of our currency making travelling abroad much more expensive."

Sarah Lambert, Marketing Manager at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park, said: "Dorset has so much to offer for holidaymakers and day-trippers alike. With the excellent weather we’ve been experiencing – particularly at the start of the season – and the amazing beaches, attractions and parks on offer, there’s less need to travel abroad for a great holiday.

"This year, we’ve seen a clear increase in visitors travelling to Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park for the day from both within and outside of Dorset, suggesting that ‘staycations’ in the area are on the rise."

Robin Williams, director of The Tourist Trail, said: "I think it’s testament to UK tourism and the growing staycation industry that we have seen so many varied counties being voted for with such impassioned reasoning from the respondents."

The Tourist Trail's study asked 2,100 people to name their favourite county for a staycation.

This is not the only survey to suggest that Dorset is a popular tourist spot.

A study carried out by sellhousefast.co.uk found that Dorset has the second highest number of seaside holiday rentals in the country with 4,530 - Cornwall was the only county with a greater number.

Another recent study by ABTA – The Travel Association showed that 66 per cent of people were planning to take a staycation this year.

Visit thetouristtrail.org to find out more about its survey.

The top ten destinations according to The Tourist Trail are:

1) Cornwall

2) Devon

3) Dorset

4) Cumbria

5) Norfolk

6) Highlands and Islands

7) North Yorkshire

8) Northumberland

9) London

10) Lancashire

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e: james.moules

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