Staycationers flocked to England in 2011

Holidays in England proved popular in 2011 as cash-strapped Britons preferred to stay at home, reports Travel Daily UK.

Overnight stays by domestic holidaymakers in England increased by four per cent between January - August this year, according to figures released by the national tourism board, VisitEngland.

While cheap B&Bs, or caravanning holidays complete with 4x4 hire may have been appealed to those trying to save cash this year, it doesn't mean that holiday spending stopped altogether. In fact, spending in England grew by 12 per cent compared to the same period in 2010.

Furthermore, in the three months from June - August (which account for the all-important school holidays), a total of 17.8 million trips were taken in England.

According to Breaking Travel News, VisitEngland's chief executive James Berresford commented: "It is heartening that the number of people choosing to take a holiday in England remains above pre-recession levels.

"It is vital that we continue to work very hard together to maintain this trend as we approach one of the most potentially exciting years for English tourism."

VisitEngland added that although tourism spending appears to have risen dramatically, some of this is down to inflationary pressures which should be factored into the results.