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The Good Old Holi-days — is the classic British seaside stay changing?
With budget airlines making European escapes more accessible than ever, the traditional British seaside holiday faces stiff competition. But do these classic coastal stays still hold the same magic they once did? And more importantly, are we at risk of losing younger generations to budget all-inclusive trips abroad?
04 September 2025
Static caravan sales provider Away Resorts, surveyed 2001 UK consumers on their relationships with classic British seaside holidays, uncovering surprising insights about what still draws us to our own coastline.
1. Seaside holidays are still a loved part of British culture
While budget flights abroad may pose a challenge to traditional seaside breaks, the love for British coastal holidays remains remarkably strong.
A resounding 68% of Brits agree that seaside holidays offer a unique, nostalgic experience you simply can't get anywhere else. Far from being a thing of the past, this sentiment is strongest among Millennials (69%) and Gen X (70%), proving that the coastal charm of the 50s and 60s remains embedded in Britain’s cultural identity.
The numbers tell us a hopeful story: the classic British seaside holiday isn't fading away. Instead, it continues to represent something distinctly British that foreign destinations, no matter how sun-soaked, simply can't match.
2. What do Brits love the most about the seaside?
When it comes to what Brits love the most about traditional seaside breaks, consistency seems to be the key, with some classics truly standing the test of time.
When it comes to seaside favourites, ice cream vans top the list, liked by 84% of British seaside goers, followed closely by fish & chips at 83%, and seaside arcades at 64%. These features continue to define the British beach experience.
However, the generational divide reveals itself most clearly when it comes to traditional seaside entertainment. Classic attractions like helter skelters (41%), donkey beach rides (40%) and Punch and Judy shows (40%) are losing their nostalgic pull, particularly among younger visitors.
A staggering 17% of Gen Z have never even heard of Punch and Judy, while 44% of Brits overall believe seaside holidays are mainly for older generations.
3. Why Brits still choose the seaside over holidays abroad
Despite the attraction of guaranteed sunshine abroad, British beaches still win hearts for distinctly different reasons.
The main draws paint a picture of what we value as Brits: “a relaxing pace” takes the lead at 35%, closely followed by “convenience and accessibility” at 34%. “Affordability” and “nostalgia” are both attractive features for 33% of Brits, while pure “love of the British coast” captures 32% of hearts.
The generational breakdown reveals fascinating priorities:
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Gen Z prioritises accessibility and convenience (35%) — they want easy, hassle-free experiences
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Millennials crave a relaxing pace (44%) — perhaps seeking respite from demanding careers
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Gen X is driven by nostalgia and tradition (34%) — recreating childhood memories
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Boomers are motivated by a genuine love of the coast (43%) — appreciating the natural beauty
Only 8% say they'd never choose a seaside holiday over going abroad, suggesting the vast majority remain open to coastal charm when the conditions are right.
4. What would make us go more often?
That said, there are some changes that the British public would like to see at their favourite coastal destinations.
Better weather tops the wishlist at 46% (though sadly, this remains beyond human control), followed by cleaner beaches, 38% and improved accommodation at 30%, and better food and drinks (24%).
Regional hotspots show particular concern about beach cleanliness, with residents in Cardiff (45%) and Brighton (42%) being especially vocal about wanting pristine coastlines. Edinburgh (36%), Belfast (32%) and Liverpool (31%) residents also expressed a desire for cleaner beaches.
The future of seaside holidays
Looking ahead, it’s clear the great British seaside holiday isn’t going anywhere. Nearly half of all respondents (49%) said they’re looking forward to taking their children or grandchildren to the coast in the future – and the enthusiasm is even stronger among younger generations.
In fact, two-thirds of millennials (67%) are keen to pass on those nostalgic seaside experiences, while almost half of both Gen Z and Gen X (46%) feel the same. Far from fading into the past, the traditional seaside break is being embraced by younger families, ensuring fish and chips on the pier, sandy picnics and bracing swims remain a staple of UK holidays for years to come.