The traditional British holiday has had its day in the sun, according to new research.
A study of 2,000 families exploring old and new holiday pastimes revealed that games like beach cricket and wheelbarrow-racing are in decline.
Just a third of families played I-spy on their last family holiday, less than that sat in a deck chair and under four per cent used a beach hut.
Smartphones may have all but killed off the postcard as we happily snap 81 photos on average per holiday, with only 30 per cent sending a single postcard while away. Sending three updates to friends and family via Facebook might also be responsible for the postcard decline.
Other results to emerge were that, while 54 per cent of parents enjoyed Punch and Judy shows as children, just 16 per cent of families experience them in modern times.
Andrew Easton, business manager for Beach Retreats, said: “The results give an interesting look at which activities are standing the test of time when it comes to how we spend our precious holiday time.
“Being a contemporary beachside holiday letting agency we embrace modern technology in abundance. From breath-taking Instagram photos to Facebook updates and quick tweets – sharing your holiday moments on social media is now an essential part of everyone’s holidays.”
HOLIDAY PASTIMES ON THEIR WAY OUT
Walked along a pier
Built sand castles
Played in a penny arcade/2p machines
Dig holes in the sand
Walking along a promenade
Explored rock pools
Ate fish and chips wrapped in newspaper
Ate a stick of rock
Played a board game
Played I-spy
Sat in a deck chair
Sending postcards
Went on a merry go round
Went crabbing
Saw a steam train
Used a windbreaker
Kite flying
Went on a donkey ride
Beach cricket
Going on a helter skelter
Watched a Punch and Judy show
Visited a model village
Ate cockles
Changed in a beach hut
Went fruit picking
Wore a hankie on head
Had a wheelbarrow race
Ate jellied eels