Nostalgic Holidays: Top 5 UK Childhood Holiday Destinations Revealed

We asked Brits which of their old favourite holiday spots they would most like to return to. We wanted to know which locations carry the fondest memories and if you were to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, where would be your destination of choice?

Nearly half (44%) of those surveyed said they plan to re-visit childhood holiday spots in the future, so that they can create similar memories with their own children. Two-thirds of people polled agreed that some of the best holidays they had as a child were with their family on a staycation.

So with that in mind, we have rounded up the most popular answers, alongside suggestions of where to stay if you’re looking to revisit those happy childhood memories this summer.

Read on to discover the top 5 childhood British holiday destinations…

1. Blackpool

A trip to the traditional seaside resort of Blackpool topped the list of childhood holidays Brits would most like to recreate.

Visiting Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, spending afternoons at the arcades and enjoying a scenic stroll along the promenade, followed by some delicious fish and chips on the beach, in the salty sea air, sets this northern seaside resort apart from the rest.

Other major Blackpool attractions and landmarks include Blackpool Tower, the Illuminations, Blackpool Zoo and the UK’s only surviving first-generation tramway. With so much to see and do, Blackpool is still a great destination for a family seaside break.

Stay at: Mayfield Cottage (Ref. 1045409)

This tudor-style property is just three miles from the centre of Blackpool, offering a peaceful and quaint retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the thriving seaside resort. The property rests within the grounds of the owner’s home, with shared use of the outdoor swimming pool and a large lawned garden to enjoy, as well as a contemporary-style interior, with touches of character, like its magnificent wooden beams.

Sleeps: Three

Price: Seven nights from £431

View our full range of cottages in Blackpool »

2. Scarborough

Located on the coast of the North Sea, the popular town of Scarborough and its idyllic sandy beaches has been voted the second favourite childhood holiday destination in our recent survey.

Guests can enjoy a visit to the Medieval ruins of Scarborough Castle, resting on the headland overlooking the sea, separating its stunning North and South Bay beaches.

Stroll along the harbour beside South Bay Beach and enjoy views of the boats bobbing in the water, as well as the scenic lighthouse, while enjoying a classic fish and chip dinner.

The historic North Bay Heritage Railway offers scenic journeys between the incredible, Japanese-inspired Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills, while family-friendly days out can be enjoyed at Alpamare UK, Luna Park and SEA LIFE Centre Scarborough.

Stay at: Hook’s House (Ref. 1017253)

This stunning four-storey property can be found at the heart of the action of Scarborough, a short walk away from the sea front and all of the attractions and amenities this resort has to offer. This quirky property offers a great blend of contemporary style mixed with traditional features, with stylish bench seating and a Smart TV in the sitting room, balanced with traditional wooden beams and a warming woodburner, to add a cosy feel to the space.

Sleeps: Four

Price: Seven nights from £321

Discover our range of Scarborough cottages »

3. Newquay

The picturesque town of Newquay rests on Cornwall’s north coast, enjoying rolling Atlantic waves and is renowned for being the home of UK surfing.

Newquay ranks third in our poll and is a fond favourite amongst Brits due to its collection of three stunning beaches, with soft sand, safe swimming and incredible watersports opportunities.

You can enjoy walks along the idyllic harbour, as well as joining the South west Coast Path in either direction, taking in incredible coastal landscapes along the way, while family-friendly attractions like the Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo and Pirate’s Quest provide hours of entertainment.

Stay at: Newquay Harbour View (Ref. 951734)

This perfectly-placed ground-floor apartment offers far-reaching and uninterrupted coastal views from the living room, master bedroom and the terrace.

This contemporary property is close to the sea and the local amenities, and provides bright and spacious accommodation for four guests, with the highlight being the stunning terrace, where you can sit back with an evening glass of wine or morning coffee and observe the fishing boats coming in and out of the harbour.

Sleeps: Four

Price: Seven nights from £480

Browse our collection of cottages in Newquay »

4. Whitby

Coming in fourth, the North Yorkshire town of Whitby ranked highly on our list of childhood holidays Brits would love to recreate.

The traditional seaside resort is known for its Blue Flag beaches and some of the best fish and chips around, as well as the world-famous steam train and beautiful Old Town.

Discover the famous 199 steps and Abbey ruins, Captain Cook Museum, RNLI Museum and enjoy boat trips from the harbour to enjoy whale watching. Foodies will be spoilt for choice by an array of excellent restaurants serving freshly caught fish.

Stay at: Fossil Cottage (Ref. 1015799)

This delightful, Grade II listed, former fisherman’s cottage can be found amidst the cobbled streets of Whitby’s Old Town, practically on the doorstep of some of Whitby’s best known attractions. The famous 199 steps, offering incredible views of the town and coast below, as well as the 7th century abbey ruins, which were the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, are within walking distance.

This property has been renovated to a very high standard, yet also retains plenty of character and charm, with traditional beams and a cosy cast iron fireplace with woodburner, plus delightful and homely bedrooms to enjoy a  good night’s sleep in.

Sleeps: Four

Price: Seven nights from £497

See our full range of Whitby holiday cottages »

5. Isle of Wight

Rounding off the top 5 is the Isle of Wight. An island haven, accessible by ferry from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington, where you are likely to recognise The Needles on approach. three white chalk rocks on the coastline, guarded by a lighthouse.

The Isle of Wight is known for its picturesque sandy beaches, which include Shanklin Beach and Ventnor Beach, which is lined by vintage beach huts.

You can enjoy an adventure uncovering dinosaur remains and fossils in areas like Compton Bay, as well as excavated Roman remains at various sites and museums on the island. Spend an afternoon visiting family-friendly attractions such as Donkey Sanctuary, Amazon World Zoo, Butterfly World and the medieval Carisbrooke Castle.

Stay at: Claret (Ref. 1083795)

Looking for something quirky? Take a look at this two-bedroom eco-lodge located in Pondwell, on the outskirts of Seaview, Isle of Wight.

The property is perfect for a coastal escape, with a good selection of beaches just a stone’s throw away. Spend your evenings within the  light and airy open-plan living space, boasting contemporary furnishings, plush seating and a wall-mounted TV.

Once the sun has set, find two well-presented bedrooms, comprising of a king-size and a twin, both with their very own stylish en-suite shower rooms.

Sleeps: 4

Browse our catalogue of cottages on the Isle of Wight »

Fancy taking a trip down memory lane? Re-live your childhood favourite destination with a stay at one of our many holiday cottages, located all over the UK, and don’t forget to tag us in your pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

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