- Research analysed by The Cut & Craft has revealed that British holidaymakers want to try local food more than any other activity when on staycations this summer.
- 200% more people would rather try local food and drink rather than visit family attractions.
- 457% more Brits would rather try local food and drink than visit a theme park.
Newly released data from Visit Britain which has been analysed by The Cut & Craft has revealed that trying local food and drink is the top activity for Brits when on a staycation this summer.
Looking at June’s figures, trying local food and drink takes the lead (39%), walking, hiking, or rambling is second (32%), a 22% difference, exploring scenic locations by car and visiting heritage sites were in third place (26%).
| Activity |
Percentage May – June 2024 |
Percentage difference when compared to trying local food and drink |
| Trying local food and drink |
39% |
N/A |
| Walking, Hiking, or Rambling |
32% |
22% |
| Explore scenic areas by car |
26% |
50% |
| Visit heritage sites |
26% |
50% |
| Visit cultural attractions |
21% |
86% |
| Nature and wildlife experiences |
17% |
129% |
| Learn about history and culture |
15% |
160% |
| Visit family attractions |
13% |
200% |
| Experience the nightlife |
13% |
200% |
| Speciality shopping |
12% |
225% |
| Visit locations featured in TV and film |
8% |
388% |
| Health or wellbeing experiences |
8% |
388% |
| Creative or artistic pursuits |
7% |
457% |
| Visit a theme park |
7% |
457% |
| Adventure activities |
7% |
457% |
| water sports |
6% |
550% |
| Cycling or mountain biking |
5% |
680% |
| Golf |
3% |
1200% |
| Conservation or volunteering activities |
3% |
1200% |
Analysing the data, The Cut & Craft discovered vast percentage differences between certain activities and trying local food and drink. Some of the most surprising ones were visiting locations featured in television and film (388%), visiting a theme park (457%), and visiting family attractions (200%).
The activities with the highest percentage difference were conservation or volunteering activities and golf (1200%) and cycling or mountain biking (680%). Water sports also had a huge contrast (550%).
Looking ahead to the rest of summer and September, food and drink stays at the top (33%), visiting heritage sites matches walking hiking or rambling in second place (28%), and visiting cultural attractions comes in third (23%).
| Activity |
Percentage July- September |
Percentage difference when compared to trying local food and drink |
| Trying local food and drink |
33% |
N/A |
| Visiting heritage sites |
28% |
18% |
| Walking, Hiking or Rambling |
28% |
18% |
| Visit cultural attractions |
23% |
43% |
| Explore scenic areas by car |
20% |
65% |
| Visit family attractions |
19% |
74% |
| Nature and wildlife experiences |
18% |
83% |
| Learn about local history and culture |
17% |
94% |
| Experience the nightlife |
15% |
120% |
| Visit a theme park |
12% |
175% |
| Speciality Shopping |
12% |
175% |
| Adventure activities |
11% |
200% |
| water sports |
11% |
200% |
| Health or wellbeing experiences |
10% |
230% |
| Cycling or mountain biking |
8% |
312% |
| Creative or artistic pursuits |
8% |
312% |
| Visit locations featured in TV and film |
7% |
371% |
| Conservation or volunteering activities |
4% |
725% |
| Golf |
3% |
1000% |
Although percentages have come down, there are still huge percentage changes when compared to trying local food and drink. Golf continues to have the highest contrast, which is 1000%, conservation or volunteering activities have a 725% percentage difference, and visiting locations featured in TV and film has a 371% percentage change.
Speaking on the findings, the operations manager of The Cut & Craft Darioush Shahidi said:
“It is fantastic to see that Brits want to try local food and drink more than anything else when on a staycation this summer.”
He went on to say:
“Not only is it great and encouraging for local restaurant businesses and for the local economy, but it also shows that the local food industry continues to be strong this summer. Whether you are with family, or on a solo staycation, there is something for everyone to enjoy when trying local food and drink.”
