Sykes Holiday Cottages is calling on avid travellers in Lancashire to apply to become its first-ever UK Short Break Tester.

One lucky person will be able to explore some of the UK’s most desirable weekend destinations for free throughout the year and all they need to do in return is report back to Sykes on their experiences.

Sykes will curate four two-night stays, each complete with bespoke itineraries, ensuring each trip is perfectly planned just for you. They will also win a Sykes holiday voucher for the remaining prize value, to spend on additional Sykes bookings of their choice, with the total prize worth exceeding £7,000.

How do I apply?

Staycation enthusiasts can apply by submitting a 200-word cover letter via the Sykes website detailing why they deserve the role, with applications open from now until February 17.

23% of the people surveyed by Sykes Holiday Cottages said they’d most like to visit York on their next short break. | Sykes Holiday Cottages

placeholder image — 23% of the people surveyed by Sykes Holiday Cottages said they’d most like to visit York on their next short break. | Sykes Holiday Cottages

James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "Our UK Short Break Tester role is an unmissable opportunity for a staycation enthusiast to explore the very best of the UK. One lucky winner will go on an incredible journey to some of the most desirable destinations for weekend breaks to experience and share what makes these locations so special. It’s the perfect way to showcase how magical and fulfilling UK breaks can be - whether it’s for relaxation, sightseeing, or celebrating life’s special moments.”

With the UK Short Break Tester role, Sykes Holiday Cottages hopes to inspire more people to discover home-grown holidays. Whether it’s a scenic retreat in the Highlands or a cultural escape in historic cities like Oxford or Cambridge, the opportunity is there to help someone discover all that the UK has to offer.

Where do people want to go?

It comes as a study of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, found that the top place for a weekend break in the UK is York - renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Edinburgh and Bath closely follow in the list of top destinations for short breaks that British holidaymakers most want to tick off their list next year, with the Isle of Skye and Brighton rounding out the top five. Other locations people want to visit on a short break include Windermere, Whitby and Cambridge.

Meanwhile, more than half (52 per cent) of Brits believe they can experience that 'holiday feeling' on a short break within the UK, while 47 per cent said that a warm UK getaway in the summer is just as enjoyable as a summer holiday abroad. When it comes to activities, dining at local restaurants (49 per cent), exploring nearby villages and towns (48 per cent), and visiting historical sites (45 per cent) are the most sought-after experiences for short break travellers.

James Shaw added: “Staycations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. People love that they can explore new surroundings without the hassle of long journeys. Whether it's savouring local cuisine or delving into the rich history of the UK, there's something for everyone.”

For those wanting to apply for the role, you can submit your entry here: www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/best-uk-short-breaks/

T&Cs apply and can be found here: www.sykescottages.co.uk/short-break-trip-tester-terms-conditions.html