Devon staycation ranks, are they performing worse or better than last year?

A brand new study by gambling.com has revealed the top staycation locations where Brits are spending the most amount of money since pre-pandemic levels.

Since the easing of lockdown restrictions and the slow return of normality, people are beginning to venture back out into the world and are spending more money than ever, helping to get the economy back on its feet. However, some regions of the UK are thriving more than others. With everything still up in arms with traffic-light systems, there's been an evident increase in Brits swapping flight tickets for petrol money.

Retail and recreation have seen a massive spike in activity in certain regions of the UK, especially in places that are able to facilitate us Brits with a much-needed staycation.

Therefore, by using community mobility reports, this study is able to look at where in the UK people are spending the most money within the retail and leisure industries and conclude the staycation locations raking the most amount of money, with 8 Devon spots included.

South Hams score the highest, whilst Exeter score last for retail spending

*(% increase compared to baseline)

According to the data, South Hams in Devon, which includes places such as Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Modbury and Salcombe are performing the best when it comes to retail spends within these areas. The data shows that this district has had a 40% increase in retail spends since pre-pandemic levels, whether that's people spending in restaurants, cafés, shopping centres, museums, libraries and cinemas. Ivybridge is the largest town within the South Hams district, thanks to the A38, tourists from around the country are able to get access to South Hams quickly and easily without any major issues.

Adding to this, the district of South Hams have also seen a whopping 217% increase in park spends since pre-pandemic levels, this is money that is coming in from parks and public gardens. It's evident here that people have taken advantage of the sunny weather that we have had, allowing tourists and residents to spend more in this part of the country. The North Devon district, however, which includes places such as Ilfracombe, Braunton and Fremington had seen the biggest increase in park spending, seeing a huge 326% increase - meaning that people are spending more money here whilst being on a staycation.

The only negative news to come out of Devon is that Exeter are below pre-pandemic levels for their retail spending. The data has shown that they are 16% BELOW the pandemic level when it comes to retail spends, but with Exeter University being so popular, this might be expected if there are no students in the area to spend the money.

Torridge have had a 29% INCREASE in retail spends from a pre-pandemic level, and they have had a 160% INCREASE in people spending in parks, holiday parks and public gardens
East Devon District has had a 19% INCREASE in retail spends and has seen a 235% INCREASE in park spends
North Devon District has seen a 17% INCREASE in retail spends, and have also seen a 326% INCREASE in park spends
Mid Devon District has had a 12% INCREASE in retail spends from pre-pandemic levels, but they have had an 82% INCREASE in people spending in parks, holiday parks and public gardens
West Devon District have seen a 9% INCREASE in retail spends from pre-pandemic levels, and they have also had a 158% INCREASE in people spending in parks, holiday parks and public gardens

To put this into perspective, Greater Manchester came last (289th) of the staycation ranking - they have seen a -31% decrease in retail spends since pre-pandemic levels, and they have also seen an -8% decrease in park spends.

As we move forward into the summer months, these locations in Devon have seen a fair share of increases and decreases across retail spending and how much people are spending when it comes to public places. The one thing these locations all have in common is the access to scenic panoramic views and access to various places where we, even as residents, forget to visit!

Now, whether that's having attractions in parks, festivals, or people spending money in public gardens, in terms of business, this has been great to help them get back on their feet. Adding to this, Devon may have encouraged tourists to take staycations within this part of the UK, offering just more than a 'stay', and having optional extras included. As a nation, we have learnt to love more what is on our doorsteps compared to flying to different countries to take our summer holidays.

Despite these free activities having no direct effect on the bank balance of the average British holiday goer, where there are people, there is a need for food and drink. These open spaces act as a secondary cause to provide cafes and restaurants with their customers and will inevitably encourage us Brits to splash the cash.

How to reduce the risks of covid cash when on staycation!

Despite the world becoming more contactless, when it comes to UK holidays many Brits still pay with loose coins and spare cash for the ice cream van, fish and chip or even when playing arcade games next to the beach.

Cash however is notoriously covered in germs and can help to spread viruses like coronavirus. A recent study from Gambling.com revealed that UK banknotes hold harmful types of harmful bacteria, such as microbes that cause pneumonia and urinary tract infections, and nowadays Covid-19 could be evident as well.

Top tips for spending cash safely on holiday

Sanitize or wash your hands with hot soapy water after handling money
Use contactless when possible to reduce the risk of transmission
Keep loose money safely secured in a purse or wallet to avoid transferring bacteria to and from other surfaces.
If you want to see more details on the dirtiest money in the world you can find the full study here