Here in the UK, we cherish our holidays deeply, especially when we get to spend them within the country with our family. Because of this, many of us have countless classic memories from our holidays away, memories that we never want to forget. So, to give you a reminder, here is a list of happy holiday memories that you’ll most likely remember if you’re British.
Eating Fish and Chips Wrapped in Paper
No British holiday would be complete without fish and chips, and as Skull Creek Dockside remembers, this would ideally be eaten straight from the newspaper wrapping. The salty, vinegary aroma mixed with the sea air made this simple meal something special; so special, in fact, that when sitting on the beach enjoying it, you’d battle seagulls for each delicious bite.
Building Sandcastles on a Windy Beach
British holidays often feature beaches, whether sunny or not (usually not). While sunbathing may not have been on the cards, building sandcastles with a small, colorful bucket and spade certainly was, even if the wind was blowing sand everywhere. We got immense joy from crafting turrets and moats, often followed by the inevitable wave that washed it all away.
Enduring the Caravan Holiday
For many British families, Caravan holidays were a staple, offering an affordable way to explore the UK. Sure, it usually involved squeezing into tight spaces, cooking on a tiny stove, and dealing with temperamental showers, but we loved it all. These holidays held a certain charm and sense of adventure, and we miss them dearly.
Visiting a Rainy Theme Park
During your summer holidays, your family might have all taken a day to enjoy a theme park, rain or shine. This formed tons of great memories, but let’s be real: the unpredictable British weather often meant roller coasters and water rides were closed. We still had lots of fun, though. Exploring the park in our ponchos and umbrellas.
Watching Punch and Judy Shows
Back in the day, Punch and Judy’s shows were a seaside staple, drawing children and adults alike. The puppet antics of Mr. Punch, Judy, and the crocodile were delightfully chaotic, with a mix of slapstick humor and audience participation. Sitting on deckchairs, you’d watch the show unfold, laughter filling the salty air.
Buying a Stick of Rock
No British seaside trip was complete without buying a stick of rock, a tradition that has existed since the 19th century. Often brightly colored with the name of the town running through the middle, it was a sugary treat that seemed to last for ages. Whether you actually enjoyed eating it or not, a stick of rock was a classic holiday purchase.
Packing a Flask of Tea
A flask of tea was an essential companion on family outings. It didn’t matter if you were hiking in the countryside or spending a day at the beach; stopping for a warm cup of tea was a comforting ritual. The flask’s metallic taste mixed with the tea added a unique, familiar flavor that brings back memories when we encounter it today.
Collecting Seashells
Who needed to spend money on expensive souvenirs when you could collect seashells along the shore? This was a simple joy that made each British beach visit special; you’d search for the prettiest, most unusual shells to take home, often keeping them in a bucket or bag. These small treasures served as a physical reminder of sunny (or not-so-sunny) days spent by the sea. You probably still have them somewhere today!
Crabbing Off the Pier
If you remember crabbing off a pier or harbor wall, you clearly experienced a British holiday. This was a thrilling way to spend an afternoon; armed with a simple line, a net, and bait like bacon, you’d patiently wait for a tug. The excitement of pulling up a crab, even a tiny one, was unmatched, making it a quintessential British seaside activity.
Taking a Paddle in Cold Water
All over the world, seaside holidaymakers love taking a dip in the sea, and this was no exception in the UK, no matter how cold it got. Rolling up your trousers or donning a swimsuit, you’d bravely wade in, gasping at the cold. Despite the frigid water, the challenge of getting in and splashing around made it a memorable part of beach visits.
Feeding the Ducks
Feeding the ducks at a local pond or lake was a simple pleasure often included in holiday outings. Armed with bread or specially bought duck food, you’d watch as the ducks eagerly swam over. It was a peaceful activity that connected you with nature, making even a short trip special.
Riding Donkeys on the Beach
In certain parts of the UK, donkey rides on the beach were a popular attraction for children, offering a gentle, wobbly journey along the sand. Decorated with colorful saddles and sometimes bells, the donkeys patiently plodded along, guided by their handlers.
Enjoying an Ice Cream Despite the Weather
As with many other activities, we weren’t going to let the cold weather get in the way of us enjoying an ice cream at the beach. The classic 99 Flake was a family favorite, especially considering they used to cost just 99p! Rain, wind, or shine, enjoying a cone while wrapped in a coat were all part of the fun.
Exploring Rock Pools
Another adventurous activity that we Brits loved to do on holiday was rock pooling, which involved clambering over rocks to discover the hidden marine life left behind by the tide. Peering into small pools, you’d spot tiny crabs, anemones, and maybe even a small fish. It was a hands-on exploration that made coastal visits exciting and educational.
Battling Against the Wind with a Kite
Flying a kite on a blustery day at the beach was both challenging and exhilarating, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The wind was often too strong or too weak, making the kite dip and dive unpredictably. Nevertheless, the thrill of getting it airborne, even for a short time, made the effort worthwhile and memorable.
Cozy Days In
Above all, it was often far too wet and windy to spend time outside on our British holidays, so sometimes, we just had to admit defeat and have a cozy day in. While these didn’t exactly hold many exciting activities, we cherish the memories of gathering around a board game, reading our books by the fireplace, or just having a nice chat over a cup of tea.