CHIPPING Campden and Evesham have both seen a significant increase in demand from holidaymakers in the last year, according to new figures.

Holiday rental giant Holidaylettings.co.uk, owned by TripAdvisor, has seen enquires for rural destinations spike this year, with both towns in the top 20.

Evesham has seen an increase in inquiries of 35.2 per cent, while for Chipping Campden, the number has jumped by a whopping 108 per cent.

Cllr Chris Hancock, cabinet member for tourism at Cotswold District Council, said: “It’s encouraging to see such a significant increase in visitor interest around Chipping Campden, a magnificent Cotswold market town with many attractive ancient buildings dating back to medieval times.

"This rich history gives the town a special character which - together with a wide range of specialist shops and dining options - makes it such a pleasant place to visit, along with many other attractive Cotswold destinations.”

Angela Tidmarsh, tourism officer for Wychavon said “We’re very pleased that Evesham has seen an increase in enquiries. It is a wonderful town with a great history, plenty to do and lots of exciting festivals and events that make it a fabulous all-round place to visit.”

The Holidaylettings.co.uk blog describes Chipping Campden as a "chocolate-box town", which is "beautiful at any time of the year, from daffodils in spring to snowdrops in winter".

And Evesham is a "thriving market town near the River Avon" which has "the best of both worlds: excellent shops, restaurants and quirky cafes, all surrounded by rolling hills and woodland walks".

Jack Johnson of Holidaylettings.co.uk said that the statistics show that more and more travellers are choosing country locations for their break.

“It’s in higher demand than ever as travellers consider a different type of break over the traditional seaside trip,” he said.

Other towns in the region which made it into the top ten are Bewdley (35.2 per cent), Nailsworth in Gloucestershire (68.7 per cent) and Church Stretton in Shropshire (250 per cent).

To find out more, visit holidaylettings.co.uk or holidaylettings.co.uk/blog/20-rural-retreats-you-need-know-about-in-2016/.