A new study of 2,000 adults who have holidayed in the UK found 61% believe a pub is essential for the perfect break. Ideally, it would serve traditional pub grub, have a cosy interior and feature a beer garden with scenic views.
Local ales, a roaring fire and live music or entertainment also made the wish list, along with being dog-friendly. And 42% said they would rather visit a “proper local” than a more touristy option.
Commissioned by cottages.com
The research was commissioned by cottages.com, which has partnered with broadcaster and countryside campaigner Clare Balding to launch its Pub Walk Collection. The collection features a hand-picked selection of pub walks, including lesser-known routes.
Clare said: “A proper pub walk is a much-loved British tradition. For me, the perfect route is four to six miles with dramatic scenery, ending at a great local pub.”
“It’s fantastic to see that our appetite for adventure has grown and we want to help people discover the lesser-known corners of the UK that make a staycation truly special.”
“Some of the most memorable parts of a break can come from taking a different turn, chatting to locals and discovering places which aren’t on every itinerary.”
Growing sense of adventure
The study also found 46% think people’s sense of adventure has increased significantly over the past 10 years, while 51% would rather discover lesser-known destinations than visit famous tourist hotspots.
Among 18 to 34-year-olds, 32% said they prefer what would be considered a “hidden gem” over a well-known destination – with nearly a quarter actively seeking out places that haven’t become overrun with tourists.
When asked about the top holiday priorities, value for money ranked highest (49%), followed by good weather (34%), being easy to get to (31%), great local walks (28%) and peaceful, crowd-free surroundings (28%).
As many as 70% said peace and relaxation matter more than how a destination looks on social media when choosing where to go. However, 34% said they had visited a restaurant, beach or landmark specifically because they saw it on social media, according to figures from OnePoll.com.
A cottages.com spokesperson added: “Britain’s best holidays aren’t always about travelling further, they’re about discovering more.”
“Whether it’s finding a beautiful new walking route, stumbling across a fantastic village pub or exploring somewhere you’ve never visited before, those moments are often what people remember most.”
“Our research shows people are looking for experiences that feel authentic and help them connect with the places they’re visiting.”
Top 9 Pub Walk Collection routes
Peak District – e.g. Bamford Edge, Goyt Valley Heritage Walk, Youlgreave: Land of the Druids
Yorkshire (Dales or Moors) – e.g. Settle: to the top and round, Richmond and Easby Abbey, The Coast Path & Larpool Viaduct
Lake District – e.g. Walla Crag and Derwentwater, Cockermouth to Papcastle and the River Derwent, Kendal to Sizergh Castle
Northumberland – e.g. Corbridge, Tyne River and hills, Morpeth and the River Wansbeck, Castles and Kippers, Embleton Bay
Wales and Welsh Borders – e.g. Conwy Valley views, Wintour's Leap, Mumbles and Langland Bay
Cornwall - e.g. Boscastle Discovery, Looe to Polperro and back, Kynance Cove and Lizard Point
Scottish Borders – e.g. Kelso Abbey and the Teviot, Melrose and the Eildon Hill
Scottish Highlands – e.g. Pitlochry, Killiecrankie and the River Garry, Fort William and Inverlochy Castle
Norfolk - Aldborough Three Churches, Salthouse and Cley Marches, Norfolk Broads Waterways and Woodlands
