HOLIDAYMAKERS have revealed the one thing a staycation must have – a pub nearby.
A poll of 2,000 adults who have holidayed in the UK found 61 per cent consider a drinking establishment to be essential for the perfect break upon these shores.
Ideally it should offer traditional pub grub (67 per cent), a cosy interior (60 per cent) and a beer garden with scenic views (60 per cent).
Local ales (37 per cent), a roaring fire (36 per cent) and live music or entertainment (30 per cent) are also desirable – as is being dog friendly (26 per cent).
And 42 per cent prefer a ‘proper local’ over a more touristy option.
The research was commissioned by cottages.com, which has partnered with broadcaster and countryside champion Clare Balding to launch its Pub Walk Collection.
It includes a hand-picked selection of pub walks, including some beautiful lesser-known routes, helping Brits to find their sense of exploration.
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.
“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.”
The study also found 46 per cent think people’s sense of adventure has increased significantly over the past 10 years, while 51 per cent would rather discover lesser-known destinations than visit famous tourist hotspots.
Further to this, 32 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds prefer hidden gems over famous destinations, compared to 69 per cent of over-55s.
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would actively seek out places which haven’t become overrun with tourists, while an additional 46 per cent would look for hidden gems when planning where to holiday in the UK.
When asked about the top holiday priorities, value for money ranked highest with 49 per cent, followed by good weather (34 per cent), being easy to get to (31 per cent), great local walks (28 per cent) and peaceful, crowd-free surroundings (28 per cent).
As many as 70 per cent said peace and relaxation matter more than how a destination looks on social media when choosing where to go.
However, 34 per cent 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, which has a collection to help travellers discover some of Britain’s best pub walk routes, including trying out some lesser-known trails, 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:
1. Peak District – e.g. Bamford Edge, Goyt Valley Heritage Walk, Youlgreave: Land of the Druids
2. Yorkshire (Dales or Moors) – e.g. Settle: to the top and round, Richmond and Easby Abbey, The Coast Path & Larpool Viaduct
3. Lake District – e.g. Walla Crag and Derwentwater, Cockermouth to Papcastle and the River Derwent, Kendal to Sizergh Castle
4. Northumberland – e.g. Corbridge, Tyne River and hills, Morpeth and the River Wansbeck, Castles and Kippers, Embleton Bay
5. Wales and Welsh Borders – e.g. Conwy Valley views, Wintour’s Leap, Mumbles and Langland Bay
6. Cornwall – e.g. Boscastle Discovery, Looe to Polperro and back, Kynance Cove and Lizard Point
7. Scottish Borders – e.g. Kelso Abbey and the Teviot, Melrose and the Eildon Hill
8. Scottish Highlands – e.g. Pitlochry, Killiecrankie and the River Garry, Fort William and Inverlochy Castle
9. Norfolk – Aldborough Three Churches, Salthouse and Cley Marches, Norfolk Broads Waterways and Woodlands