Rock-pooling in Cornwall, a picnic in the Lake District and watching the changing of the guard : The 25 simple pleasures that make childhood special
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With life accelerating at breakneck speed, a new report found some of us still hanker for a simple life - like Winnie the Pooh.
So, instead of charging around, it seems many Brits often just want to take it easy, like having a fish supper on Blackpool pier.
Families what they wanted to experience in life's simple pleasures, all inspired by the tales of Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin.
Keen contenders are dining al fresco, negotiating mazes and camping, which all hark back to a 'bygone age' says the new study.
Sunset: Picnicking on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria made the list of pleasures
Dining out: People said they really enjoy a fish supper on Blackpool Pier, Lancashire
Simple pleasures: Cornwall is one of the places Brits remember most from their childhood according to VisitEngland. Here, surfers crowd Polzeath Beach
Nearly half of parents claim that their own fondest holiday memories are from time spent in England, and a third said they enjoy at least one family outing a month.
The new study on behalf of Egmont Publishing and supported by VisitEngland asked 2,000 parents to vote for the traditional activities, attractions and days out.
Others like trying to make the Queen's Guard laugh at Buckingham Palace
The results provide a fascinating overview of the activities, which hark back to a bygone age when the great outdoors was considered the ultimate family tonic.
From learning to skim stones to fossil hunting, exploring castles and forests, are high on the agenda.
Four National Parks appear in the full list of 25, highlighting our appreciation for England's green space.
Negotiating the maze at Hampton Court Palace was the only activity from the capital to make the top 10, although making the Queen's Guard laugh at Buckingham Palace came close at number 13.
Winnie-the-Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood in East Sussex, the original destination for playing Pooh Sticks in A.A. Milne's classic novel, was voted into the 17th spot, closely followed by another favourite activity Pooh would enjoy - visiting a honey farm at number 19.
Overall, the south-west of England came out on top as the area that offers the best opportunity to enjoy life's simple pleasures, closely followed by the south-east and the Midlands.
Nearly half of respondents claim their fondest holiday memories are from time spent in England, with having a picnic, taking a walk and building sandcastles coming out as the most memorable activities. Interestingly the research shows that children today get outside almost as much as their parents did, with nearly 50 per cent of families enjoying outdoors activities.
Parents also highlighted just how precious quality family time is, with over a third saying they enjoy at least one family outing a month.
Going round the maze at Hampton Court Palace was the only activity from the capital to make the top 10
THE WINNIE THE POOHGUIDE TO LIFE'S 25 SIMPLE PLEASURES
1. Enjoying a fish supper on Blackpool Pier, Lancashire
2. Indulging in afternoon tea, Devon
3. Picnicking on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria
4. Rock-pooling in Treyarnon Bay, Cornwall
5. Camping in the New Forest, Hampshire
6. Marvelling at Stonehenge, Wiltshire
7. Getting lost in the maze at Hampton Court Palace, Greater London
8. Taking a stroll beside Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland and Cumbria
9. Boating day out on the Broads, Norfolk and Suffolk
10. Watching the puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland
11. Stargazing in Exmoor National Park, Somerset and Devon
12. Taking in the vista from the peaks at the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
13. Trying to make the Queen's Guard laugh at Buckingham Palace
14. Watching the changing of the Guards at Windsor Castle, Berkshire
15. Fossil-hunting on Brook Beach, Isle of Wight
16. Exploring the famous White Cliffs of Dover
17. Playing Pooh Sticks at 100 Acre Wood, East Sussex
18. Rolling down the hills around Corfe Castle, Dorset
19. Visiting a honey farm in Devon
20. Skimming stones at Holy Island, Lindisfarne, Northumberland
21. Picking blackberries on Box Hill, Surrey
22. Riding a narrow boat through the canal ways, Birmingham
23. Taking in the grandeur of Chatsworth House from the park, Chatsworth, Derbyshire
24. Seeking out the deer at Richmond Park, London
25. Admiring Bamburgh Castle from the beach, Northumberland
The 'Simple Pleasures' campaign was inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh to encourage modern families to enjoy the great outdoors whilst celebrating English heritage.
The activities reflect the core themes in A. A. Milne's best-selling books, which centre around a series of simple adventures for Winnie-the-Pooh and his close friends in the Hundred Acre Wood - including playing the game 'Pooh Sticks'.
James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland said: 'It's great that respondents' fondest holiday memories are from time spent in England and we are thrilled that these simple pleasures can be experienced across the country.
'We hope the guide will inspire families to discover, explore and enjoy the best of England this bank holiday.'
Sarah Bates, publishing director at Egmontm added: 'Winnie-the-Pooh shares many a simple adventure with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood so he is the perfect character to remind us how to enjoy the simple pleasures that England has to offer.'
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