English holidays through the decades - VisitEngland takes a trip down memory lane
Family staycations and the magical memories they create have a starring role in VisitEngland’s new campaign with cottages4you, so why not roll back the years and relive your own childhood holidays? Here’s how with some top tips from VisitEngland, the country’s national tourist board.
1940s
Lidos flourished in the 1930s and by the 1940s were an integral part of an English holiday, so if you’re a war-time baby, pack your trunks or skirted swimsuit and head for the Jubilee Pool in Penzance. The Grade II Listed art deco lido is the largest open-air sea-water tidal swimming pool still in use in the UK, open from the end of May until September. www.jubileepool.co.uk
1950s
Road trip! Car ownership more than doubled in the 1950s, making the road trip the king of English holidays, long before US college students coined the phrase. Your first family car might have been a Morris Minor, but why not upgrade to an Austin Healy for your trip down memory lane? Classic Car Experience, based in Bath for scenic drives to The Cotswolds and Somerset, has a range of models available to hire for a day, weekend or longer. www.theclassicexperience.com
1960s
Oh, we did like to be beside the seaside in the 60s. After being closed during the war, followed by extensive repair work in the 50s, our piers were finally back to their former glory and people went in their droves. Take a stroll along Skegness Pier where you’ll still find the traditional seaside attractions, including hook-a-duck and a children’s carousel. www.skegnesspier.co.uk
1970s
After Woodstock in 1969, the 70s saw the arrival of the music festivals that are such a core part of our summers today. If you were at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival – widely acknowledged as the largest musical event of its time, with even more attendees than Woodstock – then recapture your vibe at this year’s festival. Bruce Springsteen – a 70s icon – and the E-Street band have been confirmed as part of the line-up. www.isleofwightfestival.com
1980s
Thanks to John Hughes and the Brat Pack, children of the 80s were fully submerged in American culture. Have your very own Emilio Estevez or Molly Ringwald moment at The Breakfast Club. All four of the London cafes pay homage to the 80s with polaroids, troll dolls and neon signs galore, along with memorabilia from Strawberry Shortcake, He-Man and Fraggle Rock. www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com
1990’s
The 90s, with Britpop and Cool Britannia, meant that holidays at home were cooler than ever and the city of Manchester was at the heart of the action, spawning music heavyweights such as the Stone Roses, The Smiths, New Order and Oasis, among others. The Hacienda might have sadly gone, but you can relive your explore this side of the city taking a Manchester Music Tour, which takes in some of the city’s most famous musical landmarks. www.manchestermusictours.com
To view the advert or for more holiday inspiration, visit www.enjoyengland.com.
For more information on cottages4you, visit www.cottages4you.co.uk. The self-catering experts are also running a Magical Memories competition. Upload a photo of your favourite holiday, along with up to 250 words on why it holds such a special place in your heart, at www.facebook.com/cottages4you before 29 February for a chance to win a £750 cottages4you voucher and a Fuji F600 camera.
Ends.
For further press information or for high resolution images please contact:
Rebecca Holloway/Mark Anthony McCulloch / Yolanda Copes-Stepney / Laura Smith
VisitEngland Press Office
Tel: 020 7578 1400
Email: rebecca.holloway@visitengland.org / mark.mcculloch@visitengland.org / yolanda.copes-stepney@visitengland.org / laura.smith@visitengland.org
Notes to Editors:
About VisitEngland
• VisitEngland is the country’s national tourist board. We work in partnership with the industry to develop the visitor experience across England, plan national tourism strategy, grow the value of tourism in England and provide advocacy for the industry and our visitors
• Our work is underpinned by robust research and customer insights. You can access the latest in-depth market intelligence and statistics on www.visitengland.org/insight-statistics
• VisitEngland markets England under the Enjoy England consumer brand in the domestic market and markets England under the VisitEngland brand internationally
About England
• England is a unique destination and a real powerhouse in global tourism. It represents 84 percent of the total UK visitor economy, is worth £97 billion, and supports in excess of 2 million jobs
• More information can be found on www.enjoyengland.com and www.visitengland.org