A survey of 2,000 adults who have taken holidays in the UK revealed that 61% regard a pub as vital for the ideal getaway. The pub should preferably serve traditional pub food, feature a cosy interior, and have a beer garden with scenic views. Local ales, a roaring fire, live music or entertainment, and being dog-friendly are also desirable. Additionally, 42% prefer a 'proper local' over a more touristy option.
Clare Balding Partners with cottages.com
The study was commissioned by cottages.com, which has teamed up with broadcaster and countryside champion Clare Balding to launch its Pub Walk Collection. The collection features a carefully curated 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.'
She added: '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 research revealed that 46% of people believe their sense of adventure has grown considerably over the last 10 years, while 51% would prefer to uncover lesser-known destinations rather than flock to well-known tourist hotspots. Furthermore, 32% of 18 to 34-year-olds favour what might be described as a 'hidden gem' over popular destinations, with nearly a quarter actively seeking out places that haven't been swamped by tourists.
Top Holiday Priorities
When questioned about their top holiday priorities, value for money came out on top with 49%, followed by good weather (34%), ease of travel (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% had visited a restaurant, beach or landmark specifically because they saw it on social media, according to OnePoll.com figures.
A spokesperson for cottages.com 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.
