Most Britons are planning to holiday in the UK rather than overseas as they continue to monitor their spending carefully, according to a new survey.

The latest Leisure Spend Tracker report from pubs and brewing group Greene King says that while consumers are becoming more likely to treat themselves to a holiday, the “staycation” remains the most popular choice.

Two-thirds (66%) of Britons are planning to take a break between now and the end of the year, but four out of five (82%) plan to stay in the UK.

The age group most likely to spend money on holidays are the over-55s, while, regionally, those based in London and the South East are most likely to be planning a break.

The study also reveals an appetite for spending on other “big ticket” items, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (60%) planning to spend money on home improvements, new home appliances or home entertainment.

Overall, the survey found that the average British household spend £214 on leisure during May, unchanged compared with April but 4% higher compared with the same period a year ago.

Spending on Eating Out and Drinking Out increased year-on-year by 4% and 6% respectively in May. “Other Leisure” spending was only 1% higher, although this included strong growth in spending on gym membership was was 5% higher compared with April and 20% up year-on-year.

Fiona Gunn, Greene King’s marketing director, said: “We are seeing an increasing ‘save and splurge’ trend where consumers are still wary when it comes to spending.

“Although they are increasingly likely to treat themselves to a holiday, they are focussing on holidaying here rather than rushing to spend time overseas. While wage growth continues to climb, consumers are remaining cautious with their disposable income, choosing to save it for holidays in the UK rather than going abroad.”

However, she added: “It’s encouraging to see that Brits, coming out the other side of the financial downturn, are willing to treat themselves to a holiday, whether that is a trip overseas or good-old British ‘staycation’.”

Greene King, a member of the EADT/EDP Top 100 listing of the 100 largest companies in Suffolk and Norfolk, publishes its Leisure Spend Tracker report on a monthly basis.