Last Updated on: 27th August 2025, 05:11 pm
UK guesthouses are enjoying a resurgence in 2025, with new figures from VisitBritain’s 2025 Travel Trends showing that 53% of British travellers now prefer independent, personal stays over hotel chains.
Even as chain hotels expand across the country, travellers are seeking authentic, memorable experiences rooted in culture and local connection. Forecasts from VisitEngland predict that boutique and independent stays will see a 12% boost in bookings this year, particularly among international visitors drawn to the distinctive character of guesthouses.
For Inga Grigaitiene, owner of the multi-award-winning A & B Guesthouse in Cambridge, these insights reflect the industry shifts she has observed first-hand for years.
- Domestic tourism is up 6% year-on-year, with more Britons opting for shorter, personalised breaks rather than standardised hotel offerings [VisitBritain].
- The so-called ‘Airbnb effect’ has shifted consumer expectations, with 7 in 10 UK travellers now saying they seek accommodation that feels “unique and rooted in local culture” [Mintel Travel Report 2025].
- Sustainability and community impact are driving decisions, with independent guesthouses seen as more eco-conscious and supportive of local economies than corporate chains.
