Bournemouth is expected to be one of the busiest locations in the country for holiday makers in 2021, a new study reveals.

Bournemouth and Dorset have been named as the most sought after domestic holiday hotspots in the UK. 

Since Monday night's announcement of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's road map out of lockdown - holiday booking sites have been busier than ever. 

The latest study from travel site Expedia is based on accomodation data that shows the amount of interest in domestic holiday destinations up to and including 22 February. 

READ MORE: Bournemouth beach is named fifth best in Europe - and in top 20 of the world

Famous for world-class golden sandy beaches and seven-miles of stunning coastline, it is no surprise that Bournemouth has come out as one of the top holiday hotspots.

Bournemouth Echo:

The sandy beaches and easy access make Bournemouth the ideal holiday location (Image - stock).

Thousands of jobs in the town rely on the tourism trade and although we want to avoid scenes like last year, we are looking forward to safely welcoming back holiday makers.  

READ MORE: What happened in Bournemouth last summer during Covid?

A spokesperson for Expedia said: "In our recent report, we found that the British workforce took just 17 days off in 2020, with many using annual leave to look after sick family members or in lieu of childcare.

"Straight after the roadmap announcement, we saw a 60% increase in UK hotels from June to September, showing how British destinations are a popular option for travellers this summer.

"That being said, we have also seen European tourist destinations such as Majorca, the Algarve and Costa del Sol back on the top destinations list, proving that Brits are hopeful for overseas trips this year too." 

The whole county of Dorset also made it on to the list.

With its dramatic coastline, picturesque landscape and rolling countryside, it's no wonder Dorset is pipped as one of the best places to holiday in the UK.

Bournemouth Echo:

Durdle Door in Lulworth saw more visitors than ever before in 2020. Image - stock

However, as more tourists trek to our natural beauty spots the harsh reality of day-trippers has started to take its toll. 

A huge increase in visitor numbers as a result of the Covid restrictions in 2020 led to 'environmental degradation that had  never been experienced' before at Durdle Door.  

READ MORE: The shocking impact of 'hit-and-run' visitors on Durdle Door

The full list: 

1. London

2. Devon

3. North Cornwall

4. Yorkshire

5. South Cornwall

6. Somerset countryside

7. Lake District and Cumbria

8. Bournemouth

9. Dorset

10. Manchester