The increasing range of UK family holidays
UK family holidays have a long history, stretching back to the Victorian era. Back then, whether at a health spa or the seaside, much of the emphasis was firmly on the restorative powers of Spartan conditions, with bathing in near freezing water seen as a panacea for just about every ailment. UK family holidays by the sea have thankfully developed over the years, with operators like Park Resorts now offering sophisticated accommodation of which the Victorians would no doubt disapprove. While the sea may often remain the same temperature as our 19th Century forbears experienced - with global warming seemingly not denting the Great British Summer as yet - seaside holiday parks now offer a bit more than basic shelter.
Running water, electricity and fully plumbed toilets may have been on offer for some time now, but have been augmented in many static caravans and mobile caravan pitches in recent years with the supply of Wi-Fi and cable TV access. Home from home comfort is now part of the broader menu for UK family holidays, although some may still enjoy roughing it a bit, and choose to keep camping and caravanning a more rudimentary affair.
The march of progress does not just extend to increased access to creature comforts. In general, the range of options for UK family holidays has broadened. Much of this expansion is to do with the ongoing development of activities like cycling, which has diversified as the engineering has developed, producing ever more specialised off road bikes and disciplines.
Besides the high adrenalin thrills of serious mountain biking, cycling in general has benefited from the advance of technology, with multipurpose hybrid bikes offering efficiency and comfort that may be surprising to those who last rode in short trousers. UK Family holidays based around touring by cycle can be great way to get active as a family, with obvious health benefits for both adults and children, not to mention simply being good fun and an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Another family holiday classic that has benefited from the march of progress is boating on the Norfolk Broads. While hard core enthusiasts may still attempt to sail whenever possible, motors now come as standard, rather than as an additional expense. Avoiding getting stuck due to the vagaries of the tide and wind formerly required quite a developed skill set. The increased sophistication of navigation equipment, which can now include sonar depth readings and sat nav, has opened up this activity to the novice, something that should surely be welcomed.
Beaches around many parts of the U.K. have been cleaned up over the last twenty years, and many now boast the coveted Blue Flag for environmental excellence. The opportunities for taking to the water to try a new sport like surfing have never been better, and who knows, the bracing water temperature may be just what the doctor ordered!
