Britons reveal the top 30 things they love the most about staycations – and it’s coastal walks that’s No1 followed by fish and chips and countryside strolls
- Also making the top 30 is strolling along a pier and drinking in a beer garden
- But buying a stick of rock at the seaside didn’t quite make the top 30 ranking
- Research also showed a third of Britons are likely to opt for a staycation this year
Britons have revealed the top 30 things they love the most about UK staycations with coastal walks topping the list followed by fish and chips and rambling through the countryside.
Researchers asked UK adults what their favourite things about holidaying closer to home are, with sightseeing coming fourth and visiting the seaside fifth.
The rest of the top 10 comprises strolling along a pier (sixth), a cold drink in a beer garden (seventh), Sunday lunches at the pub (eighth), avoiding airports (ninth) and tucking into Mr Whippy ice creams (10th).
Britons have revealed the top 30 things they love the most about UK staycations, with coastal walks taking the No1 spot. Pictured is Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex
Having picnics (12th), playing on penny pusher machines at the arcade (15th) and miniature golf (24th) also feature in the top 30 ranking, along with not having to worry about creepy crawlies as you do when you go abroad (28th).
But sadly, the British seaside tradition of buying sticks of rock didn’t quite make the top 30 list.
According to the research, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, more than eight in 10 adults have been on a British holiday previously, and 29 per cent already have plans for one this year.
The study also found that Britons enjoy UK breaks for the nostalgia factor, the often shorter travel time, being able to speak the language and the opportunity to take the dog with them.
And more than a third reckon they are more likely to opt for a holiday at home this year.
Nearly three-fifths are going on a staycation as they just want to get away from their home, while a third want to avoid flying due to coronavirus. A fifth are simply hoping to save a bit of money.
Britons said the second best thing about a UK staycation is fish and chips
It also emerged that 44 per cent plan to take a trip down memory lane by returning to British destinations they visited as a child.
Top of the list of holiday spots people plan to return to is Cornwall, followed by neighbouring Devon and scenic Scotland.
Creating memories with their own child is among the top reasons for wanting to revisit these locations as well as knowing it will be a trip loved by their whole family.
In fact, two-thirds agreed that some of the best holidays they had as a child were with their family on a staycation.
A further four in 10 said it’s the little things that happen on a holiday that make it enjoyable and memorable – not necessarily plush locations or extravagant beachside resorts.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, which polled 2,000 UK adults, also found more than six in 10 want a holiday to try and find some normality outside of social distancing and the lockdown.
Taking a long walk through the UK countryside is Britons’ third favourite thing about staycations
Taking fourth place in the ranking of the best things about staycations is sightseeing
And 57 per cent also reckon they will do more staycations even when the pandemic is over.
Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: ‘Whether it’s snuggling up by the fire on a cold day, jumping waves in the sea or tucking into freshly baked doughnuts, the UK really does have something for everyone.
‘A holiday is a time to rest, do things you enjoy and make memories with your family which, given the last few months, is even more important.
‘After a lot of time cooped up indoors, I’m in no doubt that Britons are simply looking forward to a change of scenery.
‘We constantly get told that it’s the little things and moments of a break away that really make it extra special, but this is definitely reflected in the results.
‘Everyone needs downtime, but there really isn’t a need to go abroad when we’ve got everything right here on our doorstep.’