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MORE AND MORE BRITS ARE TURNING THEIR BACKS ON FOREIGN HOLIDAYS FOR THE CLASSIC SIGHTS, SMELLS AND SOUNDS THE UK HAS TO OFFER, LIKE FRESHLY MOWN GRASS, THE ICE CREAM VAN AND A PINT IN THE
SUN 14:01, 02 Jun 2025 Millions of Brits are opting for staycations this year as they are filled with classic summer sights, smells and sounds. Nearly half of adults say they believe taking
breaks in the UK is just as good – or better – than travelling abroad to soak up sun. Most of it is down to them loving traditional British fare, including enjoying strawberries and cream
when Wimbledon is on, slurping on 99 Flake ice-creams at the park and beach and sipping a cold pint in a beer garden. The smells of neighbours’ barbecues and freshly mown grass also topped a
new list of reasons why Brits say they love staying put during their summer holidays. Research from food and drink supplier A.F. Blakemore showed music festivals and sticking on shorts at
the first sign of sun were among the most-loved UK summer vacation activities. Article continues below Sarah Ellis, of AF Blakemore, said: “The research shows that nothing beats a Great
British summer, whether it’s the sparking up the barbecue, getting away in the caravan for a few days or even hearing the rain while you’re in a tent. “The one thing that is clear is it is
all about appreciating those magic moments. “Summers are all about going with the flow and creating the magic in the smaller moments.” A total of 48% of Brits said they believe summer in the
UK is as good or tops foreign trips. And 28% of those polled added the unique charms of a quintessential British summer are what makes staycations perfect. Hearing the tinkle of ice cream
trucks was also among the favourite joys of the UK in June and July. Cool boxes at picnics and beaches, street parties and listening to rainfall from inside a tent also made the list.
One-in-five said they reckon sharing a jug of Pimms is another mark of a Great British Summer. And 10% of respondents said they think nothing beats a cold pint in a beer garden. Good friends
and family and a great playlist were also ranked among essential ingredients for a perfect summer. Research indicates at least 80% of Brits will be opting for a staycation in the UK this
year. A huge chunk of them are from the age groups of 25 to 34 and 35 to 44. Industry experts say factors such as affordability and the rising cost of living are contributing to the soaring
trend – along with hotter weather in the UK linked to global warming. TOP 10 BRITISH STAYCATION JOYS Smell of your neighbours’ BBQ – 61% Scent of freshly cut grass – 60% Sound of birds
tweeting – 57% Garden parties – 36% Strawberries and cream – 35% Putting shorts on at first sight of sun – 33% Hearing ice cream van – 29% Article continues below Paddling in sea – 28% 99
Flakes at park – 27% Music festivals – 26%