Top 40 things that make a perfect seaside day – like fish and chips in newspaper

The perfect day by the seaside includes friends, fish and chips – and the smell of fried doughnuts. A survey of 2,000 adults has painted a picture of exactly what goes into a joyful day out by the sea.

Watching the waves roll in, and boats bobbing in the harbour, were also named among the most enjoyable activities.

While a stick of rock, a pot of cockles, and fish and chips wrapped in paper, are among people’s favourite seaside snacks.

And it’s even better with friends – as 67 percent said a hearty coastal meal is the best way to bring everyone together beside the sea.

It also emerged 45 percent of those polled spend more time with their friends and family during the summer holidays.

Gala Bingo commissioned the research to launch its “Jolly Good Fish & Chips Hotel”, the first prototype of its kind in Blackpool.

A spokesman for the bingo site said: “We understand that the summer and the seaside bring joy to many Brits, with fish and chips being a favourite food to enjoy beside the sea.

“And this research shows how food and the seaside are inextricably linked.

“The Jolly Good Fish & Chips Hotel will encapsulate the very best bits of Britain, and encourage Brits to find the little joys in life.”

The study also found more than half of adults (55 percent) prefer to create little moments of joy at their seaside break – with a handful of smaller treats to fill the day, rather than focussing the day on one big attraction.

Top reasons for this include there being something for everyone (52 percent), the fun lasting longer, (45 percent) and the days seem to go on longer (40 percent).

Other things Brits find joyful about a day by the beach are hiking up and down sand dunes (29 percent), and sunbathing on a sunny day (26 percent).

Nearly a quarter (24 percent) love playing on the 2p machines, for the opportunity to win loads of coins – and the same amount even like the sound of seagulls wheeling overhead.

The research also showed 64 percent would like to live by the seaside.

More than seven in ten (72 percent) think British beaches can make a person just as happy as those found anywhere else in the world.

However, only 15 percent of beach visitors admit they always dip their toes in for a paddle or a swim when they do visit the seaside in the UK.

It emerged that 64 percent believe a day at the seaside simply isn’t complete without a savoury delight from the nearest chippy.

And 68 percent even think fish and chips taste better when enjoyed by the ocean, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Gala Bingo’s spokesman added: “Readers of a certain generation will remember parents and grandparents never setting foot on the sand without a piping hot flask of tea.

“These recollections from the seaside show that just a little bit of joy can become a treasured memory for the rest of your life.

“Our Jolly Good Fish & Chips Hotel is opening its doors to seaside goers in Blackpool, for one weekend only, on July 8 and 9, where visitors will be served free portions of fish, chips, and peas.”