THE South West is the top destination for people planning to holiday in the UK this year, according to a new survey.

Data from National Highways revealed four in 10 people intend to ‘staycation’ this year, with three in 10 heading for the seaside for a summer getaway.

It comes as holidaymakers heading off on their travels this summer are being invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of England’s road numbering system and the introduction of A-roads.

National Highways manages around 2,600 miles of major A-roads in England, with many tourist destinations relying on them to help bring visitors to some of the most iconic locations in the country.

Among some of the most popular A-roads likely to be busy this summer include the A30, known as the ‘gateway to the South West’, while the A66 meanders its way through the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales National Park on one side and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the other.

The A303 through Wiltshire and Somerset – including past Stonehenge – is also a notable route.

The A303 passing Stonehenge is a popular route

And to mark the centenary, the National Trust is supporting National Highways in its celebration of the ‘staycation’, which coincides with a year-long celebration of the road numbering system.

To be in with a chance of winning one of six prizes from the National Trust, those heading off on their travels simply need to reply or comment on one of our competition social media posts on Facebook or Twitter writing about their favourite holiday moment, including a video or photo.

Alternatively, entrants can send us a direct message on Instagram about their favourite holiday moment including a video or photo.

The competition was officially launched on July 24 and closes on Sunday, September 10, at 11.59pm.

There are more than 500 places of historic and natural beauty around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, managed by the National Trust.

Customer services director, Andrew Butterfield, said: “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the roads numbering system and it continues to play an enormous role in helping people navigate their journeys.

“As our survey data shows, we expect tens of thousands of people to be travelling on our major A-roads to enjoy a ‘staycation’ this summer and there’s no better time to enjoy some of the wonderful scenery we have right here on our doorstep. Whether it’s the A1, the A30 or the A595, the A-road system is a major part of our road network, and it helps to connect people to places.

“To mark the 100th anniversary, we’re delighted to be launching this special social media campaign and we look forward to seeing how people enjoy themselves this summer.”

Rachel Johnston, head of holidays at the National Trust, said: “As we head into summer holiday season, we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the historic houses, beautiful gardens and wonderful coast and countryside in our care.

“A National Trust holiday home is the perfect base from which to explore the delights on your doorsteps and as such, we’re pleased to be able to offer the six winners of National Highways’ competition a complementary stay in one of our cottages.”

For more information on the competition, log on to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/a-roads-to-summer-competition.