The fear of traffic jams at Channel ports may be one of the reasons driving a surge in holidays at home, says Hoseasons managing director Simon Altham.

The boss of the Lowestoft-based EDP Top 100 firm revealed that the run-up to the August Bank Holiday had seen one of the busiest days of the year in their call centre.

'Web traffic is also considerably up year on year,' he said.

The self-catering specialist saw lodges and parks bookings in the eastern region rise 19pc last week, compared to the same period last year, while Broads boating was up 22pc.

The positive picture was repeated nationally with lodges and parks bookings up 19pc and holidays on the water up 29pc across the UK.

Mr Altham said: 'People have been delaying decisions on their holiday, perhaps due to the uncertainties abroad - and they are now opting for a break in the UK in considerable numbers.

'A lot of people who might have travelled to northern France for the bank holiday have probably had second thoughts because of the risk of queues Dover-side. People don't want to be stuck in traffic jams.'

He said there was also evidence that fashions were changing with baking on Mediterannean beaches losing its appeal for some families.

He said: 'Speaking to friends, it is is clear that a lot of parents don't want their children to be out in the sun too much.

'They want to do activities as a family and a couple of sunny days mixed with the odd rainy day - the sort of weather we can expect in England - is fine for them.'

Mr Altham said the convenience offered by a UK-based holiday, allied to a 'book and go' mentality, also had growing appeal.

He saids: 'Being able to pack up the car, go and arrive at your destination within just a few hours is an increasingly-attractive option.

'Whether it's a luxury lodge, a quaint countryside cottage, or a boating break, there's still a great range of late summer deals out there, but they're going quick.'

Mr Altham added that the investment in the UK holiday sector was also playing a role in its success.

He said: 'We now have 2,800 lodges with hot tubs and they are proving extremely popular.'

Is your holiday business enjoying a bumper summer? Call Stephen Pullinger on 01603-772446 or email stephen.pullinger@archant.co.uk