Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has today launched its ‘Leisure Market Review 2026’ report, which provides insight into transaction activity, buyer demand, tourism trends, investment appetite, and trading conditions across the UK's leisure sector.

The report highlights a market underpinned by consistent consumer demand, thriving tourism fundamentals and continued investor confidence. Despite ongoing cost pressures and economic uncertainty, leisure businesses continue to attract significant buyer interest, particularly where operators can demonstrate strong trading performance, diversified income streams, and clear opportunities for future growth.

STRONG DEMAND FUELLING TRANSACTIONAL ACTIVITY

Transactional activity across the leisure market remains healthy in 2026, says Christie & Co, which has seen demand driven by both established operators and new entrants seeking growth opportunities. Christie & Co advised on the sale of 125 per cent more leisure businesses in the first half of 2026 than during the same period in 2025, while average deal completion times have fallen by 28 per cent between 2021 and the end of H1 2026.

The report highlights continued acquisitive demand from established multi-site operators, particularly within the garden centre, marina, and holiday park sectors. Buyers remain selective, but competition for quality leisure assets remains strong, supported by favourable tourism trends, and continued consumer spending on leisure experiences.

TOURISM CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE MARKET

Tourism remains a significant driver of performance across many leisure subsectors. Domestic tourism spending in England reached £78 billion in 2025, whilst VisitBritain forecasts 44.2 million inbound visits to the UK during 2026, generating £33.9 billion of visitor expenditure. The average spend per overnight domestic trip increased by 9 per cent year-on-year, highlighting consumers' continued willingness to invest in leisure and travel experiences.

The report also notes that consumers continue to favour shorter, more frequent breaks, creating opportunities across holiday parks, visitor attractions, marinas and other experience-led businesses. Demand for wellness, outdoor recreation and active leisure experiences has remained particularly robust throughout the year.

DIVERSIFICATION REMAINS KEY TO SUCCESS

A recurring theme throughout the report is the growing importance of diversified income streams. Holiday and residential park operators are increasingly investing in food and beverage, wellness facilities, events and ancillary activities, while marinas are expanding their offers beyond berthing through accommodation, dining and commercial services. Garden centres continue to evolve into wider lifestyle destinations, with cafés, food halls and concessions becoming increasingly important contributors to profitability.

The report shows that businesses which successfully combine leisure, hospitality and retail elements are often best placed to maximise customer spend and attract both buyers and investors.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2027

Whilst operators continue to face challenges including labour costs, National Insurance increases, and broader operating expenses, the overall outlook for the leisure sector remains positive.

Lender appetite has improved, insurer competition has strengthened, and tourism demand remains important. Businesses that are well-positioned, operationally efficient and capable of demonstrating future growth potential continue to attract strong market interest.

Tom Glanvill, Head of Leisure Brokerage at Christie & Co, comments, “The leisure sector has continued to demonstrate remarkable consistency throughout 2026. Whilst operators are undoubtedly continuing to navigate cost pressures and economic uncertainty, consumer demand for experiences remains exceptionally strong and continues to support activity across the market.

“We continue to see significant appetite from buyers, investors, and lenders for high-quality leisure businesses, particularly those with diversified income streams and clear opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the outlook for the sector as domestic tourism remains strong, inbound visitor numbers continue to recover, and consumers increasingly prioritise spending on experiences and leisure activities.”