Official figures reveal that the cost of a takeaway fish supper has risen by more than 50% over the past five years, with a portion now costing £9.29 in June. This increase outpaces overall inflation and highlights the rising expenses of a classic British seaside getaway.
Other staples of a UK mini-break have also seen significant price hikes. Hotel, restaurant, and bar bills have all shot up, with a round of drinks including a premium lager, vodka tonic, whisky, and mineral water costing nearly £16 in June. Car hire has surged by 75% over the same period.
Despite soaring costs, domestic tourism remains strong. A recent VisitBritain poll shows 75% of Britons plan an overnight UK trip in the next year, up five percentage points from last summer. The Travel Association's Holiday Habits survey indicates Britons took an average of 2.3 holidays in the UK last year, compared to 1.8 in 2018.
Some items have seen more modest increases. A game of tenpin bowling cost £7.41 in June, a 1.9% year-on-year rise, while bestselling books have increased by less than annual inflation. However, suncream prices have risen 17% year-on-year, now costing 99p more than last year.
