Although the majority of trips are taken by car (78%), the survey identifies a lack of wheels for many 'would-be' rural retreaters as a barrier to the great outdoors. A third of respondents admit they sometimes struggle to access a car for leisure purposes.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – A new study shows that lack of transport is putting the brakes on trips to the countryside for British families over the half-term holiday.
While around two thirds of city dwellers have escaped to the country for a family day out in the last month (65%), a similar proportion would like to get into the fresh air more often. So says the Summer Getaway Survey from City Car Club, Britain’s largest independent car club which provides members with the convenience of a vehicle without the cost of owning one.
Although the majority of trips are taken by car (78%), the survey identifies a lack of wheels for many ‘would-be’ rural retreaters as a barrier to the great outdoors. A third of respondents admit they sometimes struggle to access a car for leisure purposes, with this figure rising to 40% among women and one in ten families haven’t visited the countryside for a day out in the past year.
Managing Director of City Car Club, James Finlayson, said: “A car is a gateway to the great outdoors for those living in the city. Most people surveyed (83%) agreed it was important for children to visit the countryside but the survey suggests that mums in particular are often stuck for transport as many families share their sole car for work and leisure.”
City Car Club’s survey also revealed:
- City dwellers prefer a trip to the countryside over shopping and visiting a sporting event for relaxation and quality time, or to experience something new. This includes women, who plump for visiting a country house or garden (42%) over hitting the shops (10%), for a relaxing day trip.
- 18-24 year olds were most likely to find travelling to the countryside difficult, and yet the majority (72%) said they’d like to visit more often.
- Top country based activities are walking (42%); visiting countryside attractions (24%); exploring the beach or coast (17%).
Photo caption: Bournemouth.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
