Cornwall has retained its crown as the UK’s most popular staycation destination, with more than half of Britons planning a holiday within Britain, though the country’s economic woes stemming from Brexit is having an effect, according to Travelodge’s annual holiday index.

The annual report, which has surveyed 3,000 British adults for the past seven years, shows a small drop in the number of staycationers – down from 58 per cent to 55 per cent. Britons are also spending £130 less on average per person, with the average spend being £599.80 in 2017 compared to £729.80 in 2016.

Cornwall retained its spot from 2016 as the top staycation destination, with Devon moving up from third to second spot and the Lake District moving up from fourth place into third, displacing previously second place London in fourth.

The effect on the value of sterling thanks to Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has had a significant effect, with 55 per cent of respondents saying they are holidaying at home this year because it is too expensive to go abroad.

53 per cent of those taking a staycation prefer to travel to the sea, with the top seaside destinations being Cornwall, Devon, North Wales, Blackpool and Isle of Wight.

A third of respondents prefered a rural break, with top destinations in this category being the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, Norfolk Broads, Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District.

Remaining respondents are opting for a city break, with London, Edinburgh, Bath, York and Oxford ranked holidaymaker’s top destinations.

Overall, staycations are boosting the UK economy by £17bn, according to the Index.

“Our research shows that 2017 is set to be another strong year for the staycation, which is great news for our economy,” said Travelodge spokesperson, Shakila Ahmed.

“The current weakness of the pound means more Britons are choosing a staycation this summer whilst foreign tourists are making the most of their strong currency and flocking to the UK.”