As summer heats up, so does the battle for prime sunbed real estate at UK holiday resorts. A recent study has revealed which regions in Britain have the most determined—and some might say, ruthless—holidaymakers when it comes to securing their spot by the pool.
The Early Bird Gets the Sunbed
Forget breakfast—the most important meal of the day for some British tourists is securing that perfect sunbed. Reports show that in certain regions, guests are setting their alarms as early as 5:30 AM to claim their territory, leaving late risers out of luck.
Top Offending Regions
The study highlights several hotspots where sunbed wars are at their peak:
- Cornwall: Known for its stunning beaches, it's also notorious for pre-dawn sunbed dashes.
- Blackpool: The iconic seaside resort sees fierce competition for poolside spots.
- Devon: Family-friendly resorts here report some of the earliest risers.
Resort Policies and Tourist Frustrations
Many hotels have implemented 'no reserving' policies, but enforcement remains a challenge. 'It's become a game of cat and mouse,' one resort manager admitted. 'We remove towels, but guests just come back earlier the next day.'
Meanwhile, less competitive tourists express frustration. 'I'm on holiday—I shouldn't have to set an alarm to get a sunbed,' complained one visitor to a popular Cornish resort.
The Psychology Behind Sunbed Hogging
Behavioral experts suggest this phenomenon taps into deeper human instincts. 'It's about territory and security,' explains Dr. Emily Harris, a social psychologist. 'Having 'your' spot creates a sense of ownership and control during what should be a relaxing break.'
As temperatures rise, so too does the intensity of these poolside battles. Whether you're an early riser or prefer to sleep in, one thing's certain—the great British sunbed war shows no signs of cooling down.
