Cumbria has been named the top holiday let hotspot of England, according to new research.

Data obtained by buy-to-let mortgage lender Together, from real estate investment company Yuvoh, revealed that landlords buying in the county could achieve rental yields of up to 12 per cent, making it the most profitable place in England to own a holiday home.

Tourism, from both day-trips and short stays, boosted Cumbria’s economy by £3 billion in 2018.

Cumbria welcome 6.6 million overnight visitors last year.

Marc Goldberg, commercial finance chief executive at Together, said: “Staycations have become increasingly popular with Brits enjoying holidays closer to home, possibly owing to the uncertainty of Brexit and the ease of travelling around the country.

"And as an international tourist destination, the UK has great appeal.

"Top of the list, Cumbria offers something for everyone all year round and could provide a great investment opportunity.”

Staycations are becoming increasingly popular. Separate research has revealed 66 per cent of Brits enjoyed a break in their home country last year – up 10 per cent on the previous year.

Merseyside is a close second place, achieving rental yields of 11.6 per cent.

Durham, Greater Manchester and Tyne and Wear were ranked third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Cumbria had 47 million visitors in 2019 and has also seen an increase in overnight stays, with an extra 410,000 bed nights last year.