Unveiling the Perfect Beach Holiday: Research Reveals Top Preferences for Parents and Kids

The quest for the perfect beach holiday has been demystified, thanks to new research from self-catering holiday specialists, Beach Retreats. This comprehensive study reveals the ultimate formula for a seaside getaway, pinpointing the ideal duration, preferred activities, and even sand texture.

5.9 Days of Bliss

According to Beach Retreats, the optimal beach holiday lasts precisely 5.9 days, with immediate family members being the only companions. The study found that two-thirds of parents (66%) prefer not to invite extended family or friends, emphasizing a more intimate family experience.

Location, Location, Location

Both children and parents value proximity to the coast. A significant 74% of kids and 49% of parents expressed a desire to stay just footsteps away from the beach. The convenience of quick dips and out-of-hours visits makes beachfront accommodations highly appealing.

Fun in the Water

Daily aquatic activities are a must, with the perfect amount of time spent in the sea calculated at three hours and three minutes. Children, in particular, enjoy an extra 42 minutes of water fun compared to their parents. Swimming is the top activity for 64% of parents and 61% of children, followed by sealife exploration (40%) and leisurely floating (39%).

Sand Preferences: A Generational Divide

When it comes to sand, preferences diverge between parents and kids. While 60% of children prefer thick sand for building sandcastles, 58% of parents favour fine, tropical-like sand ideal for sunbathing. Despite these differences, sandcastle building remains a popular activity for both groups, enjoyed by 48% of kids and 23% of parents.

Top Beach Activities

Beach Retreats’ research identified the top ten beach activities for families:

1. Building sandcastles – 36%
2. Sunbathing – 15%
3. Eating and drinking – 13%
4. Digging holes – 13%
5. Playing beach sports (e.g., volleyball, pétanque, frisbee) – 10%
6. Reading – 6%
7. Sleeping – 3%
8. Dancing – 1%
9. Looking for shells and sea glass – 0.5%
10. Metal detecting – 0.5%

A Taste of Tradition

Traditional seaside treats remain a staple, with ice cream topping the list for both parents (32%) and children (64%). Fish and chips also feature prominently, favoured by 22% of parents and 12% of kids.

Finding Your Perfect Beach

Andy Easton, Managing Director at Beach Retreats, underscores the importance of finding the right beach. “Ultimately, we know every guest has a unique view on what their perfect beach holiday looks like, and that each beach can offer something different,” he says. From rugged clifftops to turquoise waters and classic fishing coves, the Cornish coastline has something for everyone.

Holidaymakers can take the Beach Retreats Beach Match Quiz to discover their ideal Cornish beach and enter a prize draw to win a week’s stay. Prizes include a £250 voucher for an activity or restaurant of choice, a bundle of land&water bath and body products, and a Cornish Food Box delivery of holiday goodies.

Book a week’s getaway in July and August with Beach Retreats and save up to 25%. Visit www.beachretreats.co.uk/special-offers/save-up-to-25-in-july-and-august for more details.

For more information, and to find your perfect beach holiday, take the Beach Retreats Beach Match Quiz at www.beachretreats.co.uk/beach-match-quiz.