The seaside holiday camp- formerly the epitome of the great British holiday. Thriving holiday complexes would offer the complete package to families. Entertainment, leisure facilities, and rather compact and bijoux chalets and caravans were one of the most popular ways to spend a vacation. You’d eat on site, children would play on site, and people were encouraged to get involved with all of the “family fun!” activities available on their front chalet step. There wasn’t much need to venture outside and explore the surrounding areas. People were happy to embrace the cheese and tack as the UK holiday market had slim pickings to offer.
The “Carry On…”, “Red Coat” beach holiday wasn’t for everyone, but, some people loved it- having no qualms over the forced participation of happy smiley, very much in your face, competitions, and a tight schedule packed full of compulsory activity. Today most people like to plan their holidays to suit their own needs. No two people are the same, and luckily today’s holiday industry encourages free thinking tourists to do as they please. With no pressure to wear knotted hankies or bare those knobbly knees!
A rising star of desirable UK holiday destinations. The South East has a rather “cosmopolitan” feel to it, in the past it was the epitome of the tacky seaside holiday. In recent years it has had considerable investment and now offers a contemporary destination to suit families, couples, and professionals looking to enjoy a leisurely UK vacation. There’s a range of cultural attractions, an abundance of high end eateries, and of course a beautiful stretch of coastline. It’s a long way home from the arcades, amusements, and deckchairs of days gone by.
People today like to stay in properties with the “wow” factor. In the past holidays makers had very little to say about their accommodation other than what type of property it was. Chalet? Caravan? Tent? How about a Martello Tower? This is a prime example of the type of property that people find desirable. They want something different from everyone else’s holiday. People don’t want the same experiences as everyone else, they want to be unique!
Variety is something that the UK industry has worked hard to deliver on. The holiday camp culture of tourists staying in an almost pack like complex is not to everyone’s taste. People want to stay within the communities of different areas. This property in Southwold is a great example of this, and highlights how the industry has had to deliver in order to suit the varying tastes of the UK holiday consumer. It’s located in the heart of the town, and is nestled in amongst residential homes, and businesses.
Today’s idea of a seaside holiday is very different. People used to be happy sleeping in paper thin walled caravans and chalets, with vary basic or no mod cons and amenities (toilet and shower blocks were the norm when on holiday!). Today people want privacy (much thicker walls!), and all the mod cons they need to make them feel like they’re home from home- with a bathroom as standard! A lot of people will choose to stay in properties like this. Clean, modern, light, airy, and self-catering, making it a comfortable base that will allow them to come and go as they please.
In the past people where happy to have their holiday mapped out for them. Today people want to do their own thing which makes sense as self-catering is the most popular ways to holiday in the UK. It gives holiday-makers the freedom to enjoy their holiday in their own time. They can do what they want when they want, and they can opt for accommodation to suit their needs. Couples, families, and even pets can be catered for as people tailor their own perfect holiday.
Researching the perfect holiday has never been easier. There are plenty of publications available for inspiration, and the internet offers everything anyone could need in terms of research. People can check out areas before they go to really get a feel for if the holiday is “for them”. Forward thinking companies such as Freedom Holiday Homes– based in the sunny South East, and Suffolk Secrets– a little further up the east coast, have plenty of information online to help visitors plan their bespoke British holiday… Without a Red Coat in sight!
Just the thought of the knobbly knees competition leaves me in a state of panic. Luckily the terrors of forced participation are now void with the changed needs of the modern tourist- thank goodness! Today holiday makers just want to unwind, recoup, and soak in the local area at their own pace. UK holidays have waved a firm Bi- De- Bye to the cringey Hi-de-Hi holiday!
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