29 August 2006
If you’re thinking of heading off on a family holiday, you may have considered the family favourites of France, Spain and Italy as your dream destination. Think again as new research released today by Flybe, one of Europe’s leading low cost airlines, reveals that the state of Jersey has been awarded the accolade for Britain’s Best Family Holiday Destination.
The research[1], which looks at the nation’s travel habits and creates a picture of a re-mapped Britain, provides a comprehensive insight into our colourful nation, demonstrating that the British Isles are an exciting destination in their own right.
Doorstep Discovery
Despite one in five (18%) people stating that they would never holiday in the UK due to the unpredictable weather, last year a quarter (25%) of Brits spent a period of time discovering the British Isles. And with the emergence of low cost air travel, it is now even easier to discover the UK, with two in five (42%) people stating planes as their preferred mode of transport.
Battle of the Brits
The survey reveals that Jersey is an ideal destination for families closely followed by the state of Guernsey. The Channel Island state also claimed the accolades for Britain’s Best Pavement Café Culture and Britain’s Best Walking Experience. Various regions in the UK were considered for the 14 accolades and the winners, chosen by the British public, challenge the perception of Britain as an outdated and antiquated tourist destination and celebrate the best that Britain has to offer.
The Family State
Traditional family holiday destinations could soon be a thing of the past with almost a quarter (23%) of Brits chose the State of Jersey as Britain’s Best Family Holiday destination, highlighting that the perfect holiday experience is right on our doorstep. Criteria considered included the range of indoor and outdoor family activities available, theme parks on offer, family-friendly restaurants and childcare facilities available.
Island Cafe Culture
The outdoor dining scene of Paris can also be found closer to home with Brits voting Jersey home to Britain’s Best Café Culture. 13% of those surveyed felt that Jersey provided the most unique outdoor dining experience and the best variety of cafes and restaurants.
This is perhaps no surprise considering the traditional British seaside resort holds records for being the sunniest place in the British Isles and has an array of outdoor dining experiences on offer from beachside restaurants, to pavement bars and cafes.
Walking in a Jersey Wonderland
The coastal paths, beautiful nature and fantastic views have also earned Jersey the accolade for Britain’s Best Walking Experience. One in ten (12%) Brits chose the Channel Island based on the variety of walks on offer, the scenery and nature.
From sweeping bays in the south give way to dramatic cliffs in the north offering spectacular scenery and stunning vistas. The varied geography of Jersey is ideal for walkers and ramblers and can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.
Says Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe: “We often forget about the exciting destinations that are right on our doorstep and instead go abroad to discover different cultures and see new sights. However by re-mapping Britain, we have highlighted that there is so much to see and do right here in the UK and we should be celebrating this and taking time to re-discover Britain and all it has to offer.
“Jersey has an abundance of hidden treasures which are just waiting to be explored. Flybe provides many direct, low-cost links to Jersey from bases around the UK and we would encourage people to embrace the opportunity and take advantage of Flybe’s comprehensive route network to discover what’s on our doorstep.”
Full breakdown of results
ACCOLADE |
WINNER |
RUNNER-UP |
Britain’s Best…surf capital |
Cornwall |
Guernsey |
Britain’s Best…beach |
Cornwall |
Jersey |
Britain’s Best…shopping experience |
Manchester |
Birmingham |
Britain’s Best…pavement café culture |
Jersey |
Edinburgh |
Britain’s Best…spa experience |
Bristol |
Edinburgh |
Britain’s Best…central park |
Edinburgh |
Jersey |
Britain’s Best…party atmosphere |
Manchester |
Newcastle |
Britain’s Best…family holiday |
Jersey |
Guernsey |
Britain’s Best…extreme sports adventure |
Manchester |
Southampton |
Britain’s Best…cultural hotspot |
Edinburgh |
Liverpool |
Britain’s Best…18 hole experience |
Edinburgh |
Jersey |
Britain’s Best…romantic hideaway |
Edinburgh |
Jersey |
Britain’s Best…walking experience |
Jersey |
Exeter |
Britain’s Best…city with a view |
Edinburgh |
Jersey |
[1] YouGov online survey, 16th – 18th August 2006, 2,231 respondents
gov.je