Airbnb and Strava team up to inspire rural ‘run-cations’ for experience hungry travellers this autumn
Move over city breaks! This autumn, young Brits are lacing up for rural ‘run-cations’ - an emerging travel trend that swaps pounding pavements for escapes built around scenic runs, countryside air, and quality time with friends
With fitness-fuelled travel continuing to dominate, new research reveals Gen Z runners are tired of predictable urban routes, and three quarters say they’ve planned or are considering a rural run-cation
This October, Airbnb and Strava are coming together to spotlight some of the UK’s most beautiful rural, off-the-beaten track running destinations - complete with picturesque stays, nearby routes, and even complimentary sweet-treats from local bakeries
This autumn, Airbnb and Strava are coming together to inspire travellers with everything needed for an unforgettable ‘rural run-cation’ - the latest travel trend taking off among young Brits: staycations built around scenic runs, fresh air, and connection with friends. To make escapes even sweeter, the partnership also includes complimentary post-run treats to travellers and runners from local bakeries.
As autumn ushers in stunning scenery, post-summer resets, and renewed fitness routines - including the start of race training for many - new research from Airbnb and Strava* shows that nearly three-quarters - 74% - of young runners have either planned, or are considering, a countryside run-cation.
Swapping city routes and fleeting catch-ups for open trails and real connection, the trend is driven in part by Gen Z’s unwavering running fever. The study of 18-29 year olds found that two-thirds - 68% - now consider themselves regular runners, and Strava reports that a third of all athletes on their platform are Gen Z, which has increased by 30% in the past 18 months.
At the same time, a growing case of ‘city loop fatigue’ is pushing runners towards the countryside. While just under half - 47% - of young runners typically run in cities and towns, the majority - 56% - admit feeling bored or uninspired by such urban routes - citing frustrations such as a lack of scenic views, crowded surroundings, and air pollution.
Hungry for travel experiences that don’t compromise on adventure, as well as the ability to maintain exercise routines, it’s no surprise that three in five are keen to explore a countryside running holiday in the next three years - whether they are seasoned runners or not.
For many, the appeal of a ‘run-cation’ isn’t always about chasing personal bests - it can also be about switching off and soaking up nature, whilst being active and connecting with others as recent Strava insights found that in the UK, nearly a quarter of all runs are with other people.
Yet, despite Airbnb data revealing Gen Z searches for autumn getaways rose in 2025**, nearly two-thirds - 64% - of young runners admit they don’t know where to start when it comes to finding the best local routes in new places.
Inspiring travellers with everything they needed for an unforgettable ‘run-cation’, Airbnb and Strava have teamed up to reveal a range of beautiful stays within trending Gen Z rural destinations, alongside the most popular places to complete an activity on Strava. And no matter where you are, it is easier than ever to explore new places to run. Found in the Maps tab on the Strava app, there are plenty of real routes to discover generated by the Strava community from a current location or any custom starting point.
With 72% of Gen Z runners saying they like to plan a post-run reward, Airbnb and Strava have partnered with five local bakeries to offer free sweet treats for runners, making an escape to the country even sweeter.
How it works 👇🏻
Complete any run-related activity on the Strava app OR be staying in an Airbnb in one of the five below trending destinations
Show proof of either of the above on your phone - via the Strava or Airbnb app - to bakery staff
Receive your free sweet treat
Sweet treat rewards offered between 16th October until 16th December 2025
Full terms and conditions apply - see below
Top trending rural destinations for autumn among Gen Z, according to Airbnb data***
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
South Down National Park
Fife
Hope Valley
Rural Cambridgeshire
Luke Impett, Partnerships and External Affairs for Northern Europe at Airbnb, comments:
“In the hustle of day-to-day life, it’s easy to forget how restorative a weekend escape with friends can be. That’s why together with Strava, we’re making it simpler than ever to experience undiscovered, rural destinations in the best of the UK’s countryside so travellers can spend time truly connecting. Airbnb is uniquely placed to support this new style of staycation: offering private, home-away-from-home stays where groups can kick back and recharge post-run, away from bustling cities. And because no run is complete without a pastry at the finish line, we’re proud to be partnering with local bakeries - not only to reward runners, but to connect travellers with the beating hearts of local communities.”
Evelina Jarbin, Senior Director of Strava for Business, said: “The way in which people are being active and socialising has evolved - people are looking for new experiences and ways to connect with their community, with exercise and exploration at the heart of it all. Through collaborating with Airbnb, we’re celebrating and motivating these newfound ways of how people are moving, and connecting communities together. So, whether it’s finding new places to run, seeking friendly competition, creating connections or taking the first steps in that running journey, Strava is a place where everyone pursuing an active lifestyle belongs.”
Airbnb & Strava's guide to the perfect ‘run-cation’ in trending destinations this autumn
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Nestled on the Welsh border, the Forest of Dean is an ancient woodland of winding riverside paths and crisp autumn leaves underfoot - a runner’s paradise for new terrain.
Where to stay: Nuthatch Retreat - Laidback luxury with rolling views - sleeps 4. The perfect post-run hideaway, with a dreamy outdoor bath for soaking tired legs, cosy interiors with valley views, and a firepit for stargazing.
Most popular Strava activity to run: Biblins to Hadnock Peregrin
Where to get your sweet treat: The Crusty Loaf
South Downs National Park - near Chichester
Stretching across chalk hills and wildflower meadows, the South Downs provide a stunning backdrop for runners of all levels. Trails near Chichester pass sweeping views of the English Channel, with a mix of open fields and shaded paths.
Where to stay: Vicarage Barn - sleeps 8. After a day exploring, unwind in the cosy interiors and lush gardens of this converted barn. Guests can relax by the fireplace, or simply take in some quiet time indoors.
Most popular Strava activity to run: Bridge to Brandy Hole
Where to get your sweet treat: Robin’s Nest
Fife
Known as Scotland’s “Kingdom,” Fife blends rugged coastal paths with rolling countryside trails. From the famous Fife Coastal Route to quiet inland tracks, runners can enjoy sea views, historic fishing villages, and wide-open spaces perfect for an autumn escape.
Where to stay: Weavers Cottage - sleeps 5. With cosy bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and thoughtful touches like artisan coffee and fresh bread, this renovated cottage blends rustic charm with modern comfort. After a day on the trails, relax in the private garden, light the firepit, or stargaze under wide Scottish skies.
Most popular Strava activity to run: Heritage Trail
Where to get your sweet treat: Merchants House
Hope Valley
With sweeping ridgelines, golden hills, and charming villages, Hope Valley is a runner’s dream. From gentle valley paths to climbs up Mam Tor, its trails blend challenges with breathtaking views - perfect for an adventurous ‘run-cation’.
Where to stay: Netherhurst Barn - sleeps 4. A stylish barn conversion that blends exposed beams with modern comforts. Relax on the private terrace overlooking landscaped gardens and a pond, then explore rolling countryside trails right from your doorstep.
Most popular Strava activity to run: Ladybower trail
Where to get your sweet treat: Peveril Bakery
Rural Cambridgeshire
Famed for its flat, open landscapes and historic market towns, Cambridgeshire is a runner’s dream for scenic countryside routes. Glide along riverside trails by the River Cam, explore nature reserves like Wicken Fen, or take in the stunning architecture of Ely Cathedral along the way.
Where to stay: Luxury barn conversion - sleeps 6. The Old Dairy is a chic barn conversion with rustic beams, a log burner, and a spacious open-plan living area. After days spent exploring trails from the doorstep, unwind in the hot tub, relax in the garden, or gather by the fire pit.
Most popular Strava activity to run: Green Dragon to Waterbeach
Where to get your sweet treat: Norfolk Street Bakery
*OnePoll survey conducted of 2,000 nationally representative UK adults aged 18-28 between 29.08.25 and 02.09.25.
**Based on internal Airbnb data, of searches made by Gen Z travellers in 2024 for autumn 2025, compared to searches made in 2023 for autumn 2024. Autumn 2025 period is defined as 1st September - 30th November.
**The rural UK locations showing highest year-on-year increase in booking volume among Gen Z travellers - aged 18-28 - for Airbnb stays between September 1st and November 30th 2025 - autumn period - compared to the same time period in 2024 and 2023.
Terms & Conditions for the sweet treat reward: Available here.
Assets available here.