UK holiday nostalgia often conjures memories of seaside towns, tucking into hearty portions of fish and chips wrapped in paper, and determinedly building sandcastles despite the wind and drizzle. Looking back at childhood vacations, many of us have warm and fuzzy memories of weeks spent in quaint cottages, with ice cream vans, arcades and beach visits filling our days.
The distinct charm of British holidays lies in their comfortingly familiar traditions, creating a sense of warmth and belonging that we cherish for years to come. In fact, in our recent survey of 2,000 participants, we discovered that 68% have revisited the destination of a childhood holiday as an adult, with over half (51%) stating that it is their happy place.
But people aren’t just making one-off trips for nostalgia’s sake; UK destinations visited as a child are revisited an average of five times, according to the survey, with 15% of respondents loving their favourite spot so much, that they’ve visited more than 10 times!
We delved a little further into the nostalgia of childhood holidays to discover where, why and what adults most remember about their UK getaways when they were small. Read on to find out more, or hit the button below to find a fabulous base in your favourite place.
UK holidays
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Nostalgic staycations infographic
We took the findings from our nostalgic staycations survey, added a splash of colour and some eye-catching imagery, and transformed the stand-out stats into the below easy-to read graphic. Read on after the graphic to explore the stats in more detail.
What are the UK’s top nostalgic holiday destinations?
Amongst those surveyed, St Ives, Whitby, Weymouth and Tenby stand out as top nostalgic childhood holiday destinations, each with its unique character, whatever time of year you visit. Take time out in the quieter seasons to soak up the charm of these well-loved destinations, and you’re sure to discover their magic for yourself.
St Ives enchants with its artistic vibe and golden beaches, which are as alluring under the heavy grey skies of winter as they are beneath the summer sun. The walk to Whitby’s Gothic abbey, up 199 steps, helps you warm up on autumn days, as does a generous portion of fish and chips on the harbourside. Weymouth’s sandy shores and classic promenade evoke family fun, while Tenby’s colourful harbour and medieval walls make it a timeless Welsh treasure, perfect for making cherished holiday memories.
St Ives | 7%
The picturesque Cornish town, famed for its astounding array of golden beaches, vibrant art scene and narrow winding streets came out top in our survey, with 7% of respondents declaring it to be their favourite childhood holiday destination. The town’s charming harbour, galleries and historic cottages make it a beloved destination for a seaside escape at any time of year.
Stay in St Ives
Whitby | 5%
One in 20 people surveyed picked Whitby out as the star among their childhood holidays. The historic Yorkshire town, known for its dramatic cliffs, varied beaches, Gothic abbey and connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a hub for unique and world-famous events and attractions.
The town’s eerie allure deepens during winter, with the Krampus Run, a festive December rampage through the town to find out who’s been naughty and nice! Steampunk and goth events, a regatta, a rhythm and blues festival and a superb Christmas market offer reasons to visit all year round.
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Weymouth | 5%
The classic seaside town of Weymouth was the favourite childhood destination of 5% of respondents. Set on the coast of Dorset, the cheery town has a lot going for it, from its sandy beaches and Georgian esplanade to its picturesque working harbour.
Ever-popular for family holidays, it offers traditional amusements, including donkey rides and Punch and Judy shows – experiences which stick in the memory from many a childhood getaway! The town’s rich maritime history and lively atmosphere offer the perfect ingredients for a holiday to remember.
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Tenby | 4%
Just under 1 in 20 people surveyed had the fondest memories of childhood holidays in Tenby, a charming Welsh town in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, whose medieval walls, colourful harbour and inviting beach help secure its nostalgic status.
With awe-inspiring coastal walks stretching out either side, a rich history and culture to discover in its museums and art galleries, not to mention its captivating beauty, it’s unsurprising that Tenby has found its way into so many people’s hearts.
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How does holidaying in UK destinations influence people’s lives?
Nostalgia is a difficult feeling to pinpoint – it’s that warm, fuzzy sensation when thinking about a certain location or experience, or happy memories associated with a time or place. What we do know, is that the impact of our holiday experiences lasts long after we return home, which is just as well, given that for many, these precious weeks off work are long-anticipated and treasured.
We asked our survey participants how they feel they benefit from UK holidays. The results go some way towards explaining why we feel so much nostalgia for our UK getaways!
Enhanced appreciation for the UK landscape | 35%
Here in the UK, we are blessed with landscapes that offer variety and drama, inspiring feelings from calmness to awe. The twinkling waters of the Lake District, the breathtaking mountains of Scotland, the tranquil Norfolk Broads, the golden villages of the Cotswolds, and the captivating beaches of the South West; our little island is spoilt for choice.
While admiring these destinations in photographs gives you a flavour of their allure, it’s only by standing in their midst that we can really appreciate the landscapes which we are lucky enough to be able to experience on UK holidays.
Strengthened family bonds | 29%
Often, it’s not where you go, but the company you travel with which makes a holiday special. A fact which hasn’t escaped 29% of our respondents, who cited strengthened family bonds amongst the ways their lives have been influenced by their UK getaways.
Our relationships with family members are strengthened through shared experiences, from exploring scenic landscapes to enjoying seaside traditions. Creating memories together when we are feeling relaxed and present fosters closeness and deepens connections across generations. While some bickering is unavoidable, a change of scenery and a reduction in commitments are usually a catalyst for bringing families together.
Increased environmental awareness | 16%
As proud partners of the RSPB and the Marine Conservation Society, we are all too aware of the environmental issues that affect our country and beyond. We are dedicated to supporting these organisations in the important work they do and focusing on our own green initiatives and community work to ensure that the UK destinations we love are there for those in the future.
While fun and making memories are high up on the holiday agenda, 16% of respondents to our survey cited increased environmental awareness as a way they are influenced by their UK holiday destination. With eco-conscious organisations such as the national parks, nature reserves and attractions including the Eden Project, Knepp Wildland and The National Botanic Garden of Wales, we are able to educate ourselves while we travel, developing an environmental awareness that stays with us on our return home.
Gained appreciation for local food and culture | 14%
We’re willing to wager that now, more than ever, we’re a nation of foodies, and that we’re becoming more discerning when it comes to the origin and production process of our food. Everyone loves a little holiday indulgence, so it comes as no surprise to discover that 14% of respondents feel they’ve gained an appreciation for local food and culture from their UK travels.
Wherever you go in the UK, you’re sure to find a new delicacy to enjoy, whether it’s your first cream tea in Devon or Cornwall (cream first or jam first? The jury’s out!), or a mouthwatering Bakewell pudding. With smoked kippers in Whitby, Welsh cakes in Wales, and no end of cakes and biscuits originating from across the UK, not to mention fine dining, there are foodie destinations aplenty!
Gained cultural enrichment | 13%
With the help of fabulous museums (including some very unusual museums …), galleries and attractions, we soak up the culture of the places we visit too, filling ourselves, physically and metaphorically, with local food and cultural knowledge. 13% of those asked felt like they’d benefited from cultural enrichment on their UK break. From Land’s End to John O’Groats, the UK is a melting pot of historic traditions and modern influences, featuring iconic landmarks, diverse cuisine and vibrant arts.
Its unique heritage, from Shakespearean theatre to royal ceremonies, ensures that travel here is a journey of cultural discovery.
What do people remember most about their UK holidays?
Cast your mind back to holidays from your childhood, and it’s likely that some memories stand out more vividly than the rest. We asked the same of our participants and discovered that most holiday memories fall into the following categories.
Time spent with friends and family | 56%
More than half of those surveyed declared that what they most remember about their UK holidays is time spent with family and friends. This adds weight to the argument that whatever wonderful UK destination you choose for your holiday, it’s the people you go with that will help make it special.
Time spent together is even more important in this era in which we find ourselves tethered to technology, working full-time jobs, or leading busy lives in retirement. The opportunity to slow down, be present with those we love, and enjoy the simple things in life is one which can’t be underestimated.
Joy and freedom felt as a child | 51%
Looking back with rose-tinted glasses, we find ourselves dreaming of the days we were able to go on Famous Five-style adventures with our friends and siblings. From roaming around like explorers in the expansive garden of a holiday cottage to the feeling of freedom stepping onto a beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, from a child’s perspective, a family holiday is an opportunity to leave behind the constraints of school and daily routine, and just enjoy being a child.
Half of our respondents carry that feeling of joy and freedom from their own childhood holidays into adulthood, reinforcing how special family holidays are for us as we grow and develop.
UK landscape | 45%
There’s nothing quite like standing before a magnificent view and having the image burnish itself indelibly into your memory. There are some vistas that we see and just know are special – think back now to the last time you felt awe at the landscape that lay before you.
45% of respondents to our survey found the UK landscape to be an element of their UK holiday that most sticks with them. Perfect waves crashing on the beach at Sennen, Cornwall; turning to look back down the iconic 199 steps of Whitby, Yorkshire; summiting Snowdonia/Eryri as the clouds begin to part – the UK is blessed with myriad landscapes which can’t fail to leave a lasting impression.
Travelling to the destination | 38%
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. Almost two out of five people surveyed are in agreement with this famous quote by American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. Whether it’s popping into your favourite service station (there are some outstanding examples, really!) to cracking out the car games to pass the time, or – more likely – passing through stunning scenery en route, there are some things that can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination (motorway traffic jams aside!).
Tips for making the journey memorable (in a good way)
Why do people like to revisit their favourite childhood destinations?
So, what is it about childhood holiday destinations that gets us all nostalgic? The results suggest it’s all about the feelings they invoke …
Relive childhood memories | 56%
Our research shows that in more than half of cases (56%), people are looking to relive childhood memories. They hold the memories of their childhood holidays so dearly, that they want to trigger those same feelings again with another visit.
Share the experience with loved ones | 43%
43% of people favour visiting childhood destinations again so that they can share the experience with loved ones. We’ve all got that relative that likes to point out the exact cafe they went to as a child, or the cottage where they stayed and amassed happy holiday memories. The thought of our loved ones experiencing the same joy makes us want to share our own favourite destinations with them.
Relaxation and escape | 48%
A place which was once associated with happy holiday memories is likely to deliver the same feelings of relaxation and escape when revisited in adulthood. Journeying back through time to a destination which was special to you in childhood promises nostalgic memories at every turn – a delightful form of escapism from our adult lives that are full of responsibility!
Enjoy a nostalgic holiday with us
Ever wondered what your favourite childhood holiday destination is like now? Are you looking to treat your children or grandchildren to experiences you enjoyed as a child? Have a browse of our holiday cottages in your favourite spot and set the ball rolling for what could become a nostalgic memory for future generations!
UK staycations