After a somewhat subpar start to the summer, the UK is finally hotting up, with this week’s hot spell even triggering a yellow Heat-Health Alert for England. For Pitchup.com, July’s heatwave has driven record-breaking bookings, with camping and glamping enthusiasts flocking outdoors, booking an average of 15 days in advance compared to 19.4 days in 2023, eager to soak up the summer sun.
In the last week alone (25th—31st July), bookings were up 46% compared to last year—the highest in the platform’s history—while the 31st of July proved the busiest day of the summer so far, totalling 7,657 bookings in just 24 hours—a new record and a 61% increase on the same date in 2023.
The record for the most bookings on a single campsite set in 2021 was also matched, with a site achieving 1,000 bookings in July.
After the Met Office forecast soaring heat over June and early July, particularly in Central England and the South, bookings surged in those regions, with the South West accounting for 29% of all UK bookings in July, followed by Central England at 17% and the North East at 9%.
With the whole of August to enjoy, including the bank holiday just around the corner, Dan Yates, Founder and Managing Director of Pitchup.com isn’t surprised by July’s mega-bookings and says the platform is well-prepared for more bookings to come.
“Camping is the ideal choice for holidaymakers looking for a last-minute break during peak season. With the in-built benefits of proximity to nature, a simpler way of life and budget-friendly pricing, all available in thousands of locations across the country, it’s easy to see why so many Brits have booked an outdoor trip in July, and we aim to make it as quick and easy as possible for them to do so whenever the fancy takes them.”