From fish and chips to the sound of the waves, what Britons most love about the seaside revealed

What DO we like to do beside the seaside? Listening to the sound of the waves is the No1 shoreline activity for Britons, followed by tucking into fish and chips

  • Britons’ favourite seaside activities have been revealed in a new poll
  • Fifty-seven per cent of those quizzed can’t resist a seashore ice cream
  • A further 57%, according to the VisitScotland poll, like strolling the boardwalk

Listening to the sound of waves, eating fish and chips and watching the world go by are Britons’ favourite things to do beside the seaside, according to a recent survey. 

In total, 66 per cent of UK adults polled named listening to the sound of waves as their top coastal pastime.

A further 62 per cent said they enjoy tucking into fish and chips and 61 per cent said they like watching the world go by best. 

Two youngsters enjoy fish and chips from Giacopazzi’s in Eyemouth

Meanwhile, 57 per cent of those quizzed in the YouGov poll, commissioned by VisitScotland, can’t resist a seashore ice cream, and a further 57 per cent like strolling the boardwalk. 

The survey, with a sample size of 2,103, also revealed that 98 per cent of UK adults have been to the seaside and, despite the UK’s unpredictable weather, 38 per cent like to sunbathe on the beach.

Other recent findings by VisitScotland show that almost two-thirds of people are keen to revisit places in Scotland they haven’t been to for years. Some are doing so in a different way, either by trying new activities such as paddle-boarding and canoeing, or by staying in different accommodation, such as a glampsite or a luxury hotel. 

Eating ice cream is one of the nation's favourite seaside pleasures, according to a new survey

Eating ice cream is one of the nation’s favourite seaside pleasures, according to a new survey

VisitScotland is encouraging people to take a holiday at the seaside this year to help the tourism industry recover from the impact of the pandemic. 

Suggested trip locations include Nairn, ‘a relaxing and friendly seaside resort’ in the Scottish Highlands; Arbroath in Angus, with its historic harbour; Irvine, with its award-winning beach; Eyemouth, with its ‘fine coastal scenery’, and Burntisland, which sits on the Fife Coastal Path.

Chris Greenwood, VisitScotland’s senior tourism insight manager, said: ‘As we celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 there’s never been a better time to visit the seaside. Scotland’s coastline is stunning, full of golden sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, spectacular marine life and lots of history and heritage.

Hotspot: Irvine boasts an award-winning sandy beach (pictured) and a bustling town centre

Hotspot: Irvine boasts an award-winning sandy beach (pictured) and a bustling town centre

‘It is where families have holidayed for generations and with so many holidaying at home this year, we’re increasingly seeing people seeking out experiences that they maybe haven’t enjoyed since childhood, coupling nostalgia with a desire to recreate new memories with loved ones.

‘The seaside is the perfect spot to embrace water wellness and enjoy a break away from it all while being mindful of water safety. 

‘In the wake of Covid-19, it is important that Scots support local businesses, and Scotland’s seaside locations are ready to welcome visitors on a staycation, serving stunning scenery, mouth-watering food and drink or a totally new experience.’

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