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Watching the waves roll in is 'the most joyous thing about going to the seaside'

04 July 2023 , 15:04
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Nearly two-thirds of Brits say they would like to live by the seaside (Image: Gala Bingo)
Nearly two-thirds of Brits say they would like to live by the seaside (Image: Gala Bingo)

Watching the waves roll in, taking a stroll along the pier – and getting fish and chips wrapped in paper – are the top things that make for the perfect day at the seaside, according to Brits.

Watching the sun set over the ocean, and spending time with friends, are other seaside activities that help Brits feel joyous, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.

And 26% enjoy sunbathing on the beach, while 24% love playing on the 2p machines to try and win lots of coins.

It also emerged that nearly two-thirds of Brits (64%) wish they could live by the seaside, according to the research, from Gala Bingo.

And for 67%, food is the most important part of enjoying their time by the sea – with fish and chips, a stick of rock, and a pot of cockles named as the top seaside snacks.

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The research marks Gala Bingo's launch of its “Jolly Good Fish & Chips Hotel”, the first prototype of its kind in Blackpool.

Watching the waves roll in is 'the most joyous thing about going to the seaside'Nearly seven in ten say that fish and chips taste better by the seaside (Gala Bingo)

A spokesman for the bingo site said: “We understand that the summer and the seaside bring joy to many Brits, with fish and chips being a favourite food to enjoy beside the sea – and this research shows how food and the seaside are inextricably linked.

“The Jolly Good Fish & Chips Hotel will encapsulate the very best bits of Britain, and encourage Brits to find the little joys in life.”

The study also found that almost half of adults (45%) spend more time with their friends and family during the summer holidays.

And 55% of those polled, via OnePoll.com, prefer to create little moments of joy at their seaside break – with a handful of smaller treats to fill the day, rather than focussing the day on one big attraction.

Top reasons for this include there being something for everyone (52%), the fun lasting longer (45%), and the days seem to go on longer (40%).

Other things Brits find joyful about a day by the beach are hiking up and down sand dunes (29%) – and even the sound of seagulls wheeling overhead (24%).

More than seven in ten (72%) think British beaches can make a person just as happy as those found anywhere else in the world.

However, only 15% of beach visitors admit they always dip their toes in for a paddle or a swim when they do visit the seaside in the UK.

It emerged that 64% believe a day at the seaside simply isn’t complete without a savoury delight from the nearest chippy – with 68% even claiming that fish and chips taste better when enjoyed by the ocean.

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Gala Bingo’s spokesman added: “Readers of a certain generation will remember parents and grandparents never setting foot on the sand without a piping hot flask of tea.

“These recollections from the seaside show that just a little bit of joy can become a treasured memory for the rest of your life.

“Our Jolly Good Fish & Chips Hotel is opening its doors to seaside goers in Blackpool, for one weekend only, on July 8 and 9, where visitors will be served free portions of fish, chips, and peas.”

TOP 40 THINGS THAT MAKE A JOYFUL DAY BY THE SEA:

  1. Watching the waves roll in
  2. A walk on the pier
  3. Takeaway fish and chips wrapped in paper
  4. Watching the sun set over the ocean
  5. A 99 ice-cream (with a Flake)
  6. Taking in the general soundscape of noises you only hear at the seaside
  7. Spending time with friends
  8. Looking at the boats in the harbour
  9. A picnic
  10. Walking on the sand dunes
  11. Paddling in the surf
  12. Sunbathing
  13. Playing the 2p machines
  14. Hearing the sound of the seagulls
  15. Looking in all the little one-of-a-kind shops
  16. The smell of fried doughnuts
  17. Finding a high spot to take in the view
  18. A cold pint
  19. Going rock pooling
  20. Eating freshly-caught seafood
  21. Building a sandcastle
  22. Playing all the seaside arcade amusements
  23. A glass of chilled white wine with your seafood
  24. Drinking a cold cider with your toes in the sand
  25. Seeing a fishing boat coming in with a haul
  26. Looking at all the pretty pastel houses
  27. Winning something out of those claw hand machines
  28. A sunset selfie
  29. Collecting polished glass pebbles
  30. Plunging into the sea all at once
  31. Being able to let the dog off the lead
  32. Finding the free attractions and ticking them off
  33. Getting a souvenir for a friend back home
  34. Deciding you want to move to the seaside, and looking at house prices
  35. Beach games, like volleyball
  36. Playing bat and ball
  37. Having a go on the dodgems
  38. Vowing to your friends that you'll do this again next year
  39. Sticking your head through one of those funny picture boards
  40. Riding a pedalo

Sarah Lumley

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