Dorset Holiday Letting Insights for 2026

If you’re already holiday letting in Dorset or Devon, or thinking of taking the plunge, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for the staycation market.

At Lyme Bay Holidays, we’ve analysed booking trends, guest behaviours, revenue opportunities and marketing performance across our 386‑property portfolio to help owners maximise their income in the year ahead.

This guide distils highlights from our 2026 Market Insights Report, offering practical advice and data‑driven strategies to help your holiday home stand out.

Despite wider economic uncertainty and lower national search volumes for self‑catering accommodation, Lyme Bay Holidays saw a 4% increase in occupancy in 2025 compared with 2024. 2024 bookings were made up of 40% couples, 31% families, 27% adult groups and 2% solo travellers.

Other performance highlights include:

• 386 properties now marketed across Dorset & Devon
• 86% peak‑season occupancy during summer 2025
• 36% of bookings made within four weeks of arrival
• 55% of bookings for short breaks (3–5 nights)
• 2% of bookings made on the same day as arrival
• 42% of bookings by couples

With 63% of UK adults planning a staycation in 2026, demand is set to remain strong, particularly across Lyme Regis, Beer, Seaton and Burton Bradstock.

Shorter stays = higher annual returns

Short breaks accounted for 55% of all bookings in 2025—a rise from 52% in the previous year. Owners who welcome short breaks typically generate:

• 25% more revenue
• 8 additional bookings per year

Two short breaks can deliver 148% of the revenue of a single week‑long stay.

Guests are booking later than ever

• 36% of bookings were made within 4 weeks of travel
• 19% within 1 week
• 2% on the day of arrival

The most searched‑for and booked features in 2025 were:

1. Pet‑friendly properties
2. Hot tubs
3. Larger properties
4. Sea views
5. Swimming pools
6. WiFi
7. Outdoor space

Pet‑friendly accommodation in particular is a revenue booster with 27% of all bookings including a dog, and pet‑friendly homes typically earn 16% more revenue annually.

Sea‑view searches dominate both on-site filters and Google queries (e.g., “Lyme Regis cottages sea view”). If your property has a coastal outlook, make sure your listing showcases it prominently across photos and descriptions.

Sustainability matters too

Only 6% of Lyme Bay properties currently offer EV charging—yet searches for “EV charging” increased again in 2025. Installing a charger is a simple way to stand out.

The most in‑demand destinations in 2025 were:

• Lyme Regis
• Beer

With notable growth in:

• Seaton
• Burton Bradstock

When choosing a potential holiday let, the top three guest priorities are:

1. Parking (especially in Lyme Regis & Beer)
2. Proximity to pubs (important to 25% of guests)
3. Family‑friendly appeal (23% prioritise this)

If you’re considering a property purchase in Dorset or Devon, our local Lyme Regis based team can provide free investment advice and revenue projections.