Millions of Brits booking staycation holidays to watch World Cup 2014

Millions of Britons are eschewing their annual holiday abroad this year in favour of staycations - so they can stay at home and watch the World Cup.

A survey by luxury cottage rental firm Rural Retreats has shown that 60 per cent of Brits will holiday at home this year.

Hopes that last year's fabulous weather will be repeated, as well as easy access to watching the World Cup, have been cited as reasons why staycations are big news for 2014.

Charles Millward, chief executive of Rural Retreats, told the Daily Mail: "We've noticed an increasing trend for UK holidaymakers to plan their summer holidays around sporting events, such as Wimbledon and The Ashes.

"Domestic getaways are proving popular because they allow people to relax in luxury, scenic surroundings with the comforts they would find at home - including being able to watch all the sporting action which might not be so easily accessible when abroad."

This trend for juggling holidays around sporting events kicked off in earnest during the London Olympics 2012.

Mr Millward said the Olympics has "rekindled people's passion for the UK" and added: "With Wimbledon, the World Cup and Commonwealth Games on the horizon we're hoping the exciting summer sporting calendar will continue to convince people to opt for a getaway closer to home so they can catch all of the action while discovering the areas of outstanding beauty on their own doorstep."

The next question is: Where's the best place for a holiday at home?

In April, Tripadvisor revealed Britain's best destinations for 2014 - and London came out top.

Scotland's capital Edinburgh came in at second place, with the seaside town of Torquay in third, Liverpool in the fourth spot, and Belfast at number five.

TripAdvisor spokesman James Kay told the Evening Standard: "These awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by those that really matter - travellers themselves.

"There is no doubt the birth of the royal baby helped keep the eyes of the world on London in 2013, but the capital's continued appeal among travellers around the world surpasses any one event."

See the top 10 UK holiday destinations below:

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