Relive your childhood: These are the most 'nostalgic' places to visit in the UK
From tucking into fresh fish and chips beside the sea to clambering up craggy hillsides, where was your favourite childhood holiday spent in the UK? We all have different happy places, but new research has uncovered the top spots for a nostalgic staycation based on the areas we visited as children. The study conducted by Cambridge University found that sun, sea, and sand make Brits most nostalgic, with Devon, Cornwall and North Yorkshire coming in as the best feel-good spots. The study of 200 Brits and 800 Americans also found that blue landscapes, featuring bodies of water, are the most frequent nostalgic places. Researchers cited that nostalgic places are psychologically closer than ordinary places, and they are loved for their social connectedness and meaning in life. Study author Dr Elisabeta Militaru said: "Our findings add to the growing evidence that blue places are associated with increased psychological wellbeing."People don't like extremely chaotic outlines of the kind you might see in the middle of the forest, where you don't get a sense of openness. Seaside, rivers, and lakes may give us the optimal visual complexity." Meanwhile, a separate study by Holiday Cottages found that 51% of adults surveyed say a nostalgic UK holiday destination is their happy place; meanwhile, the top happiness activities include beaches (3,484 mentions) and walking (3,187). Ashley Cooper//Getty ImagesPembrokeshireCumbria took the third spot in the research from Holiday Cottages, with top nostalgic attractions including Beatrix Potter World, cosy village pubs, and glistening lakes for adventure seekers. Other regions in the top five include Norfolk and North Yorkshire, plus Dorset and Pembrokeshire. Take a look at the top 10 happiest destinations for a nostalgic trip: CornwallDevonCumbriaNorfolkNorth YorkshireNorthhumberlandDorsetPembrokeshire North WalesSuffolk Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, adds: "Joy and happiness can be found in so many areas of life – whether that’s getting active in some of the UK's most scenic locations, sharing a laugh with family over fish and chips on the beach, or seeing the wonder of wildlife through the eyes of your children. "Though everyone's happy place is different, we wanted to explore some of the shared moments of happiness experienced across the UK, in the hope of inspiring more travellers to discover their own."Travel rucksacks: The best waterproof, lightweight and wheeled backpacksMountain Warehouse Carrion 80L RucksackNow 60% OffCredit: Mountain WarehouseAn 80-litre lightweight rucksack that’s comfortable to carry, you’ll find a huge range of features in this rucksack and multiple pockets. 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It's also perfect for women as it accommodates a smaller frame.Decathlon Forclaz Travel 500 Men's Trekking 50 Litre Lockable BackpackCredit: DecathlonDesigned in collaboration with trekkers who expressed specific travel needs, this rucksack was created with a focus on safety. It has a wide, lockable zip which prevents pickpocketing and the hood doubles up as a saddlebag so you can take your most precious belongings wherever you go - genius!Lisa JoynerDeputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
