Brits are increasingly opting for staycations this summer, with new research showing a shift from traditional holiday hotspots like Marbella to domestic destinations such as Margate. As temperatures soared to 35 degrees Celsius during the May heatwave, millions have already flocked to beaches to cool off, fueling a craving for quintessentially British seaside experiences like fish and chips by the sea and melting '99' ice creams.
Nostalgic Summer Activities
A poll of 2,000 people conducted by temporary vehicle insurance experts GoShorty reveals that walking along the beach with sand between the toes is the summer experience Brits look forward to most, with six in ten citing it as their favourite holiday activity. Nearly half cannot wait for fish and chips, while just over one in four want to create more family memories, and more than one in three plan to take more family photographs.
Over 25 per cent of Brits named paddling in the sea and embarking on long countryside walks among their other favourite nostalgic summer pastimes they wish to revive. The data also shows that nearly 62 per cent of Brits are planning a staycation this summer. Seven in ten said they would usually consider a holiday abroad but are instead choosing to remain in the UK.
Classic Seaside Pleasures
It is not just fish and chips and making memories that Brits crave. Seaside classics such as tucking into a traditional '99' ice cream, family picnics in the sunshine, and seaside arcades with 2p machines also feature prominently. Others look forward to rainy day pub trips, staying in caravan parks, and buying sticks of rock.
The poll found that three-quarters of staycationers are actively looking forward to a 'back to basics' summer, free from airport queues, expensive flights, and travel disruption. Phil Evans, Managing Director at GoShorty, commented: 'With the 90s nostalgia trend taking over fashion, tech and lifestyle already, our data also shows it's influencing people's travel plans this year, with many Brits looking to recreate the seaside holidays they enjoyed growing up.'
Top UK Destinations
Classic British destinations are back on the map, with the stunning Lake District topping the poll of holiday places at 13 per cent, closely followed by Brighton at 12 per cent and Bournemouth at 11 per cent. The poll also found that a whopping 90 per cent of Brits want to get to know the UK better this year, with more than a third planning a road trip from June onwards. On average, Brits plan to drive 191 miles.
There is also an upswing in motorhome usage, with one in twenty aiming to travel the country in one. Mr Evans added: 'Motorhomes are becoming an increasingly attractive option for travellers wanting freedom and spontaneity this summer. Whether it's a coastal escape, countryside break or a full road trip around Britain, people are embracing the idea of getting out on the open road and making the most of what the UK has to offer.'
Top 25 Nostalgic Holiday Pastimes
- Walking on the beach (60 per cent)
- Eating fish and chips by the sea (49 per cent)
- Making family memories (43 per cent)
- Taking family photos (33 per cent)
- Paddling in the sea (27 per cent)
- Long countryside walks (27 per cent)
- Eating a '99' Flake (25 per cent)
- Family picnics (25 per cent)
- Playing slot machines (22 per cent)
- Playing board games (22 per cent)
- Visiting the pier (21 per cent)
- No technology (21 per cent)
- Eating doughnuts from a seaside stall (20 per cent)
- Building sandcastles on the beach (18 per cent)
- Collecting seashells (17 per cent)
- Rainy day pub trips (16 per cent)
- Playing cards (16 per cent)
- Bike rides (16 per cent)
- Sitting in deckchairs (15 per cent)
- Staying in a caravan park (14 per cent)
- Camping (14 per cent)
- Buying sticks of rock (10 per cent)
- Crabbing (8 per cent)
- Kite flying (8 per cent)
- Paddleboarding (8 per cent)
