At the first hint of sunshine, Brits love nothing more than to head outdoors to dine al fresco style and a new study has found that for over two-thirds (65%), a picnic is the perfect way to be romantic with their partner, combining food and drink with canoodling in the great outdoors.
The study has found that as well as serving up delicious sandwiches and snacks, a traditional picnic also dishes up a big slice of nostalgia with 87% of Brits confessing that picnics bring happy memories flooding back. And as well as filling their bellies, a further 83% say a picnic treat also fills them with happiness with two-thirds (65%) picking a picnic as one of their favourite things to do.
The research*, commissioned by convenience retailer Nisa also reveals when it comes to picnic spots, over a fifth (21%) pick a perfect spot by a river or lake as the ideal place. But for 20% of Brits the beach is where it’s at followed by the local park (14%) or local beauty spot (13%). One in 10 don’t feel the need to venture beyond their own back yard – picnicking in the privacy of their own gardens.
The study, commissioned to coincide with National Picnic Week (16-25 June), looks into our picnicking habits and reveals 29% of Brits enjoy spending time with family and friends as the best thing about a traditional picnic followed by eating outside (25%), the scenery (14%), and visiting different locations (9%). 8 per cent think a picnic represents the perfect cheap lunch and 6% use it as an opportunity to get away from it all and de-stress.
The research, highlights the majority of Brits (88%) see a picnic as a great British tradition with nine out of ten (92%) believing it to be an activity that can be enjoyed as a family. A further 70% would go on picnics more regularly if they could with 80% seeing them as a perfect way to see different parts of the country. A plucky third (37%) would picnic whatever the weather and 42% are proud owners of a traditional picnic basket with all the kit.
Commenting on the research, Alex Rimmer of Nisa commented: “Our research highlights proves that Brits love nothing more than packing up a picnic and heading for the great outdoors. It’s great to see that such a classic family tradition is alive and well and still a popular pastime with many families. In this age of technology when lots of youngsters are seemingly glued to their tablets and games consoles it’s great to see that three-quarters of parents say their children love to go for a picnic.
“Nothing can quite beat that feeling of tucking into a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, savouries, fresh salads and sweet treats in a scenic location with our nearest and dearest. Just don’t forget the picnic blanket!”
