Cornwall: More fashionable

by Tina Banerjee - 28/04/2008

The tide is turning against traditional seaside resorts such as Blackpool and Bognor Regis among British holidaymakers.

More and more people are flocking to trendier hotspots like Devon, Cornwall and the Lake District for their UK break.

The survey of 2,500 people by Teletext Holidays revealed a generation gap in the holiday preferences of older and younger Brits.

While a third of over 60s preferred traditional beach resorts like Blackpool, Torquay and St Ives, those under 30 thought old seaside favourites such as Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides and end of pier entertainments were unfashionable.

And despite the recent warmer weather, only six per cent admitted they liked swimming off the British coast.

Other seaside past-times losing their appeal were playing bingo (3%) and sending novelty postcards (2%).

However, one in 10 respondents admitted they still loved tucking into a plate of fish and chips by the seaside. Other favourite coastal activities included watersports (18%), visiting fairground rides (17%) and caravanning (16%)

The survey proved there were distinct changes in the destinations Brits choose to escape to.

Younger holidaymakers prefer visiting theme parks, spa hotels, country retreats or booking extreme sports such as surfing.

And a quarter of those polled preferred city breaks, with Edinburgh, Brighton and Bournemouth registering most the votes.

Teletext Holidays marketing director Ash Makkar said: "There is so much to choose from when you are looking for a holiday in the British Isles, there really is something for everybody.

"Whether it's the traditional seaside fare or an extreme sports activity holiday, Britain has got it all. Holidays at home are as popular as they have ever been."

Teletext Holidays: Top UK holiday destinations

1. Cornwall – 22%

2. Devon & Somerset – 14.5%

3. Lake District -13.5%

4. Blackpool & North West -11%

5. London – 9%

6. South Coast – 8%

7. Scotland – 7%

8. Yorkshire & North East – 5%

9. Wales – 3.5%

10. Ireland – 2.5%