- Portsmouth beats rivals as the number one destination for senior travellers, with the highest score in a nationwide study
- Liverpool and Newcastle upon Tyne secure second and third spots in the ranking
- Derby is the least senior-friendly holiday destination this summer, with the lowest score in the ranking
A new study has revealed Portsmouth as Britain’s best holiday destination for older couples looking for quality breaks away this summer.
Dating site Senior Lovers analysed holiday destinations across Britain, ranking them on six key factors, such as adult-only hotels with the best accessibility, high-quality tourist spots, mobility-friendly tours and tranquillity to identify the best locations for mature couples.
Top 10 UK Holiday Destinations for Senior Couples
| Rank | Destination | Index Score |
| 1 | Portsmouth | 69.86 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 67.06 |
| 3 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 63.04 |
| 4 | Bournemouth | 60.11 |
| 5 | Belfast | 58.97 |
| 6 | Cornwall | 55.57 |
| 7 | Manchester | 54.68 |
| 8 | Lake District | 54.09 |
| 9 | Devon | 53.02 |
| 10 | Cotswolds | 51.14 |
The south coast city of Portsmouth has topped the ranking, scoring 69.86 points out of 100. It has scored well ahead of its competitors by combining practical accessibility with excellent attractions. Portsmouth had nearly two-thirds or 64.3% of its bus tours and cultural excursions designed for visitors with mobility requirements, more than any other location studied.
Liverpool took second place with a score of 67.06, offering an impressive 108 accessible hotels to visitors. The city features 61 cultural tours suitable for those with mobility issues, perfect for older visitors who want to see museums and historic landmarks without navigating awkward terrains.
Newcastle upon Tyne ranked third, with a score of 63.04. It impresses guests with its outdoor spaces, where 96.3% received at least 4 stars in reviews. The northern city has 114 hotels with wheelchair access, which makes up 40.3% of all available accommodation.
Bournemouth secured fourth place, scoring 60.10 points out of 100. The city’s day trips are the most impressive and suitable for senior couples, where half cater to those with limited mobility. This traditional beach destination combines seaside appeal with practical amenities for visitors who may find extensive walking challenging.
The only Northern Irish destination in the ranking is the capital city, Belfast, coming in the top five with 58.97 points. The city tops all destinations with its accessible accommodation, with almost half (49.7%) of its hotels providing mobility support. The city offers 23 accessible day excursions, allowing elderly holidaymakers to explore the city without worrying about any difficulties.
Cornwall has claimed sixth place with a score of 55.57. The stunning coastal destination impresses visitors with 341 parks and natural attractions, of which 84.5% earned 4 stars or better. The county’s spas are some of the best in the country, with 51 highly rated facilities, which beats all other locations in the ranking.
Manchester scored 54.68 points, securing seventh place in the ranking. The city has the highest volume of accessible hotels available out of all of the destinations, with 175 hotels offering accessibility features. Manchester also has 24 wheelchair-friendly cultural tours, making it suitable for seniors wanting to explore city attractions comfortably.
The Lake District placed eighth with 54.09 points and claims the highest percentage of quality museums, with 82.1% rated 4 stars or above. The national park contains 194 highly regarded natural attractions, suited to older nature enthusiasts who can manage gentle walking routes and go bird spotting.
Taking ninth position with 53.02 points, Devon has 450 hotels, though only 10% specifically address accessibility needs. However, the county boasts 150 quality museums from a total of 211, providing plenty of indoor options for culture-loving seniors on a rainy summer’s day.
The Cotswolds completed the top ten with 51.14 points and offers many highly rated spas, nature parks and museums. The region scores well for accessible day trips, with many designed for those with mobility requirements.
James Rodgers, Head of Dating at Senior Lovers, commented: “Many holiday spots miss the mark for what older couples actually want and need. They typically want interesting attractions combined with practical accessibility that won’t leave them tired or anxious about getting to a particular place.
“Portsmouth performed exceptionally well across all measures, making it ideal for older couples seeking cultural experiences without facing too many physical barriers. The high proportion of accessible tours is crucial for seniors who can’t walk long distances but still want comprehensive sightseeing experiences.
“Each location has its standout features. Belfast has built accessibility into nearly half its hotel stock, while the Lake District offers superb museums and beautiful natural areas. This range lets couples select destinations that match their specific requirements and interests. These findings can assist older couples looking for the perfect destination for a stress-free and relaxing staycation this summer.”
