Revealed: Why Brits are choosing staycations this summer

Published: 01:29, 28 May 2026 | Updated: 01:50, 28 May 2026 Brits are ditching Marbella for Margate as surprising new research reveals many holidaymakers are opting for staycations this summer. With temperatures hitting 35 degrees during the May heatwave and millions already flocking to beaches to cool off, the sunshine is fuelling a craving for the simple pleasures of fish and chips by the sea and melting '99's. New research has revealed that walking along the beach with the sand between your toes is the summer experience Brits are looking forward to the most this summer, with six in ten saying it is their favourite holiday activity. Nearly half can't wait for fish and chips, while just over one in four want to make more family memories, and more than one in three want to take more family photographs. Over 25 per cent of Brits said paddling in the sea and heading off on long countryside walks are some of their other favourite nostalgic themed summer pastimes they want to bring back, the poll of 2,000 people showed. The data from temporary vehicle insurance experts GoShorty also shows that nearly 62 per cent of Brits are planning a staycation this summer. Seven in ten also said they would usually be considering a holiday abroad but are instead planning to stay in the UK. But it isn't just fish and chips and making memories that Brits are craving, as seaside classics, including tucking into a traditional '99' ice cream, family picnics in the sunshine and seaside arcades and 2p machines are also on the list. A family enjoying a donkey ride on Blackpool's famous beach. Six in ten brits say walks on the beach is there summer activity  Sunseekers at Margate beach during the bank holiday heatwave. Brits are ditching Marbella for Margate as surprising new research reveals many holidaymakers are opting for staycations this summer Queen Camilla enjoying a '99' ice cream with a flake.  A quarter of Brits said eating the iconic British summer time snack is their favourite staycation activity   Others are looking forward to other classic British summer activities such as enjoying rainy day pub trips, staying in caravan parks and buying sticks of rock. The data also showed that three-quarters of staycationers say they are actively looking forward to a 'back to basics' summer, free from airport queues, expensive flights and travel disruption, according to the poll. Phil Evans, Managing Director at GoShorty said: 'With the 90s nostalgia trend taking over fashion, tech and lifestyle already, our data also shows it's influencing people's travel plans this year, with many Brits looking to recreate the seaside holidays they enjoyed growing up. 'Rising costs and uncertainty around overseas travel are encouraging more families and couples to stay closer to home, but that doesn't mean people want to compromise on adventure.' This also seems to be influencing where Brits are choosing to holiday this year with almost 62 per cent heading for the coast. Countryside escapes and town breaks were also popular among Brits. And classic British destinations are back on the map, with the stunning Lake District, home to England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, and its biggest lake, Lake Windermere, topping the poll of holiday places with 13 per cent - closely followed by Brighton on 12 per cent and Bournemouth on 11 per cent. The poll additionally found that a whopping 90 per cent of Brits want to get to know the UK better this year, with more than a third plotting a road trip from June onwards. This means that, in total, we're planning to hit the road and drive an average of 191 miles. And there's an upswing in motorhome usage, with one in twenty  aiming to travel the country in one. Mr Evans added: 'Motorhomes are becoming an increasingly attractive option for travellers wanting freedom and spontaneity this summer. Whether it's a coastal escape, countryside break or a full road trip around Britain, people are embracing the idea of getting out on the open road and making the most of what the UK has to offer. 'Our new temporary motorhome insurance is the perfect way to facilitate this, offering flexibility and spontaneity in as little as 90 seconds.' Walking on the beach (60 per cent) Eating fish and chips by the sea (49 per cent) Making family memories (43 per cent) Taking family photos (33 per cent) Paddling in the sea (27 per cent) Long countryside walks (27 per cent) Eating a '99' Flake (25 per cent) Playing slot machines (22 per cent) Playing board games (22 per cent) Visiting the pier (21 per cent) Eating doughnuts from a seaside stall (20 per cent) Building sandcastles on the beach (18 per cent) Collecting seashells (17 per cent) Rainy day pub trips (16 per cent) Sitting in deckchairs (15 per cent) Staying in a caravan park (14 per cent) Buying sticks of rock (10 per cent) No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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