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Top UK Souvenir Hotspots 2025
Recent reports show that 42% of Brits enjoyed at least one staycation holiday in 2024 and more are planning to take a staycation in the UK in 2025 (52%) than travel abroad for a holiday (46%).
11 March 2025
Despite the rise of digital memories through photos and social media, there’s something irreplaceable about a physical keepsake. Souvenirs remain deeply valued for their emotional and nostalgic significance. They can transport us back to a moment in time, evoking the scents, sounds, and emotions of a cherished trip. As the trend toward staycations grows, the UK’s souvenir industry is set to play an even greater role in tourism, offering visitors a tangible way to capture the essence of their destinations—whether through a mug, keychain, or postcard.
To find the UK’s biggest souvenir hotspots, Away Resorts has produced an index, analysing searches per capita for items such as keychains, mugs, and postcards.
Which holiday destinations are the top souvenir hotspots?
As spring and summer approach, these top towns are set to welcome even more visitors looking for that perfect keepsake to remember their trip.
1. Shanklin
Shanklin takes the top spot as the UK’s leading destination for souvenir interest. The charming Old Village, thatched cottages, and bustling beachside shops create the perfect setting for visitors looking to take home a piece of their trip. Postcards, mugs, and keychains are among the most popular items, with gift shops across the town catering to a strong demand from holidaymakers.
2. Bude
Located on Cornwall’s rugged coastline, Bude is a firm favourite for holidaymakers, and its souvenir trade reflects this. Along the seafront, shops are stocked with Cornwall-branded tea towels, handcrafted pottery, and beach-themed trinkets. Many visitors return year after year for a beach holiday, often adding new keepsakes to their collection with each trip.
3. Cromer
Cromer, famous for its fresh seafood and traditional pier, has a strong souvenir culture. Stalls along the promenade sell a mix of classic seaside memorabilia and locally themed gifts. With Cromer crab being a regional delicacy, many shops feature seafood-inspired souvenirs alongside the usual selection of keychains and mugs.
4. St Ives
Known for its thriving art scene, St Ives attracts visitors looking for something unique. In addition to standard souvenirs, the town is packed with independent shops selling handcrafted ceramics, original prints, and artwork inspired by its stunning coastline.
5. Minehead
Minehead’s combination of sandy beaches and historic attractions, including the West Somerset Railway, makes it a key location for souvenirs. Vintage railway posters, traditional postcards, and seaside-themed gifts are all popular choices for visitors wanting to take home a reminder of their trip.
6. Penzance
Further west in Cornwall, Penzance has a mix of classic and quirky souvenirs. Alongside the ever-popular Cornwall-branded tea towels and mugs, many shops offer pirate-themed gifts, reflecting the area’s swashbuckling history.
7. Cleethorpes
Cleethorpes embraces a nostalgic seaside atmosphere, with its pier and promenade filled with classic British souvenirs. Stick-of-rock candy, novelty postcards, and vintage-style memorabilia remain staples of the town’s gift shops.
8. Swanage
Swanage ranks highly overall, but it stands out due to an unusual trend—a significantly lower demand for fridge magnets compared to other seaside towns. While keychains, tea towels, and postcards remain popular, fridge magnets don’t seem to be as much of a must-have in this Dorset destination.
9. Fleetwood
Fleetwood’s maritime heritage is reflected in its souvenir offerings. Nautical-themed gifts, such as model ships and lighthouse mugs, are particularly popular among visitors exploring the town’s historic port and waterfront attractions.
10. Whitby
Whitby’s rich maritime history and gothic charm make it a top destination for souvenir hunters. From Dracula-themed keepsakes to traditional seaside gifts, visitors can find a range of memorabilia celebrating the town’s unique character. Keychains, mugs, and fridge magnets are among the most popular items, reflecting the steady stream of tourists drawn to Whitby’s historic abbey, bustling harbor, and folklore connections.
Are souvenirs still popular amongst British tourists?
Dan Doherty, Insights Manager at Away Resorts, says:
“While some may argue that the demand for physical mementoes is fading in favour of photos and social media memories, the reality is that souvenirs continue to thrive due to their deep emotional and nostalgic value.
“A tangible keepsake—a handcrafted ornament, a local delicacy, or even a simple keyring—can instantly transport travellers back to a moment in time, evoking the sights, sounds, and feelings of their journey. Beyond personal sentiment, souvenirs also support local artisans and preserve cultural traditions, ensuring that the essence of a destination lives on long after the trip has ended.”
This research was conducted by UK holiday provider Away Resorts. Please credit the research by linking back to the webpage if using the data.