Budget hotel chain Travelodge has published the findings of a new study, which has found that staycations are expected to be worth £7.2bn to the UK's tourism industry this year.

The company surveyed 5,000 adults as part of its research, with more than a third planning to just holiday in the UK this summer - up 10 per cent on last year. Cornwall has been identified as the most popular staycation destination, with other locations in the top three comprising the Lake District (2nd) and Devon (3rd).

The study also found that a third of UK residents plan to take a seaside holiday, with 25 per cent eyeing a city break. A further 22 per cent will take a rural holiday. Travelodge spokesperson Shakila Ahmed said: "It has been a tough year for many British adults with rising household costs and government cutbacks but our research shows that cash strapped Britons are clinging onto their annual holiday.

"Due to hefty financial cutbacks, more Britons are opting for a staycation break this year, which is great news for the British tourism industry." Image: Porthchapel Beach, Cornwall - Jim Champion