More than 8,000 domestic holiday bookings were taken over the weekend by cottages.com.
The online sister brand to Hoseasons claimed consecutive record booking days on Saturday and Sunday as health secretary Matt Hancock held out hope for a ‘happy and free great British summer’.
Record sales on Sunday were by almost 20% on the previous high set last June when Boris Johnson lifted UK travel restrictions at the end of the first national lockdown when parent company Awaze claimed to have sold a break every 11 seconds.
Nearly half of all holidays sold were for July and August, while nearly a quarter were for Cornwall and Devon.
Half of all weekend bookings featured a coastal property.
Group chief operating officer Simon Altham said: “These are astonishing figures. We saw a rapid increase in bookings last week off the back of the tightening of European travel restrictions, and that momentum only gathered pace over the weekend.
“People clearly want something to look forward to and a future holiday, when it is safe to travel again, is perfect for helping to get through the cold winter months during lockdown.
“It’s no surprise they have reacted to Mr Hancock’s comments and rushed to lock in a great British summer break.”
The hike in bookings has been mirrored by a surge in the number of new property owners making their properties available to rent via the site, with a 40% year-on-year rise in January.