Coastal walks, fish ‘n’ chips and rambling through countryside! Brits reveal top things about UK staycation

Brits have revealed their favourite things about UK staycations – with coastal walks, fish and chips and rambling through the countryside topping the list. A study of 2,000 UK adults revealed what they love most about holidaying closer to home, including an ice-cold drink in a beer garden, Mr Whippy ice creams and picnics.

Penny pusher machines at the arcade and miniature golf also featured on the list, along with not having to worry about airports, luggage allowance or creepy crawlies as you do when you go abroad. But sadly, the great British seaside tradition of buying sticks of rock didn’t quite make the top 30 list.

According to the research, more than eight in 10 adults have been on a British holiday previously, and 29% already have plans for one this year.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, which commissioned the research, said: “Whether it’s snuggling up by the fire on a cold day, jumping waves in the sea or tucking into freshly baked donuts, the UK really does have something for everyone. A holiday is a time to rest, do things you enjoy and make memories with your family which, given the last few months, is even more important.”

The study also found that Brits enjoy UK breaks for the nostalgia factor, the often shorter travel time, being able to speak the language and the opportunity to take your dog with you. And more than a third reckon they are more likely to opt for a holiday at home this year than they normally would. Nearly three-fifths are going on a staycation as they just want to get away from their home, while a third want to avoid flying due to Coronavirus. A fifth are simply hoping to save a bit of money.

It also emerged that 44% plan to take a trip down memory lane by returning to British destinations they visited as a child. Top of the list of holiday spots people plan to return to is Cornwall, followed by neighbouring Devon and scenic Scotland.

Creating memories with their own child is among the top reasons for wanting to revisit these locations as well as knowing it will be a trip loved by their whole family. In fact, two-thirds agreed that some of the best holidays they had as a child were with their family on a staycation. A further four in 10 said it’s the little things that happen on a holiday that make it enjoyable and memorable – not necessarily plush locations or extravagant beachside resorts.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found more than six in 10 want a holiday to try and find some normality outside of social distancing and the lockdown. And 57% also reckon they will do more staycations even when the pandemic is over.

Top 30 things about holidaying in the UK:

1. Walks on the coast
2. Eating fish and chips
3. Long, countryside walks
4. Going sightseeing
5. The Great British seaside
6. Strolling along the pier
7. A cold drink in a beer garden
8. Sunday lunches at the pub
9. Avoiding airports
10. Tucking into 99 flake / Mr Whippy ice creams
11. Not having a luggage limit
12. Picnics
13. Feeling like you’re doing your bit for the UK economy
14. Reading a book
15. Using 2p machines in the arcades
16. BBQs
17. Jumping waves in the sea
18. Going away with extended family members
19. Amusement arcades
20. The car journey on the way there
21. Being snuggled up indoors, sitting around a fire
22. Eating fresh ring donuts
23. Building sandcastles
24. Playing mini golf
25. Going to funfairs / on fairground rides
26. Camping trips
27. Bike rides
28. Not having to worry about creepy crawlies
29. Playing card games
30. Aquariums