Blackpool named one of Europe’s best-value summer holiday destinations for 2026 ahead of beloved Canary Island
Saving on holidays when cash is tight is becoming an increasing concern for Brits.
Blackpool has been recognised as one of the most affordable summer holiday destinations for 2026, standing out as the only UK location to secure a place in the top 10 of a new travel value study.
Research by credit card brand Aqua found the famous seaside resort ranked ninth among the most budget-friendly holiday destinations across the UK and Europe, highlighting its appeal for families and travellers looking to keep costs down amid rising travel expenses.
The study comes as almost half (47%) of Britons with holiday plans say they are cutting back due to increasing flight costs, prompting many households to reconsider how and where they travel this year.
According to the findings, Blackpool offers some of the lowest costs for visitors, with average local attraction prices of just £31 – the cheapest among all destinations analysed. The report also found average fuel costs for a week's stay were £35, while accommodation averaged £572.
Despite Blackpool’s strong showing, the research suggests many European destinations continue to offer better overall value than UK staycations. Aqua found that popular overseas locations such as Tenerife could prove cheaper overall than spending a week in cities such as London or Edinburgh.
Albania topped the affordability rankings for 2026, with return flights averaging £100 per person and accommodation costing around £381 for a week's stay for two people. The country also recorded the lowest local transport costs, averaging just £0.36.
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Prague ranked second in the affordability table, with average return travel costs of £101 and accommodation averaging £678 for a week. Porto followed closely behind, with return flights averaging £112.
The research also named Albania as the best overall European summer destination when both affordability and visitor experience were considered. Alongside its low costs, the country enjoys average July temperatures of 24°C, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking sunshine without the higher price tag associated with some traditional holiday hotspots.
However, Blackpool’s inclusion in the top 10 demonstrates the enduring value of one of the UK's best-known seaside resorts for holidaymakers choosing to stay closer to home.
For more information, go to: https://www.aquacard.co.uk/building-better-credit/summer-destinations-uk-vs-europe