Peak district Canal Boat Holidays are growing in popularity as people look for a great way to really get away from everything, a tourism expert has identified.

The stunning scenery provides a sense of escapism from their everyday lives, noted David Thornton, deputy chief executive and head of marketing at Visit Peak District and Derbyshire.

Furthermore, the region offers a high quality product to its visitors, who are generally heading to the area more often now the staycation trend has really set in, he identified.

Mr Thornton also believes that the Peak District is a firm favourite with UK holidaymakers because it has appeared in so many blockbuster films over the years.

According to VisitEngland, throughout 2009, there was an 18 per cent increase in the number of holiday trips taken, with holidaymakers spending £1 billion more than in during the previous 12 months.