Revealed: The top UK destinations for staycationers by rail, with Penrith in Cumbria taking the top spot. Is YOUR favourite place on the list?

The number one destination for British holidaymakers travelling by rail this summer is Penrith in Cumbria.

This is indicated by the data of the Virgin Trains Ticketing Appwhose bookings in the market town have increased by 106 percent in the last six weeks.

Penrith is known for its 14th-century castle and easy access to the Lake District, the Pennines and the Eden Valley. It is particularly close to Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District National Park.

Whitstable recorded the second biggest increase in rail bookings, up 92 per cent.

The Kent seaside town is famous for its oysters, and there are fantastic sunset views from the Old Neptune pub on Whitstable’s shingle beach.

Another seaside destination, Weston-super-Mare, recorded the third biggest increase in bookings, with ticket purchases up 85 per cent.

Top attractions include the city’s popular Marine Lake beach, the Grand Pier galleries and the world’s largest helicopter museum.

Edinburgh (4th) saw an 85 per cent increase in ticket bookings. The city’s historic castle is one of its top attractions, and many tourists head to the Scottish capital in August to join in the fun at the Edinburgh Fringe performing arts festival.

Penzance (5th) in Cornwall saw a 27 per cent increase in train bookings. The seaside town has easy access to beaches and the Minack open-air theatre, with sea views, is less than 10 miles away.

In Brighton (6th place), rail bookings have increased by 12 per cent in the past six weeks. The seaside resort’s promenade is a hive of bars and restaurants, while The Lanes shopping area is packed with quirky independent boutiques.