09 May 2017
• 2000 parents quizzed about their kids failing to connect with the great outdoors
• Time spent with kids in the great outdoors helps their development
65% of UK parents admit their young children play outside for less than 1 hour on average at weekends, with nearly one in three listing safety concerns as the reason why.
That's the finding of a UK study* of 2000 adults with young children aged up to 14. It also revealed that only 18% of parents think their children spend enough time outside.
This latest survey, carried out by Ready Camp, official glamping operator for The Camping and Caravanning Club, is a wake-up call for young families whose children are failing to connect with family and friends, and with the outdoor environment.
Experts warn that active play is vital to the healthy development of children, but parents' fears for their children's wellbeing, a lack of convenient green spaces local to home, and the pull of digital technology is making youngsters lead lives short of emotional contact.
And 97% of respondents said that escaping for regular weekend family breaks, to different locations where countryside or beach are nearby, where you can be closer to nature, and the children can go and explore, was very or quite appealing.
Indeed, weekend glamping escapes could be the key - an affordable solution to getting children outdoors more, and to ensuring families spend quality time together. 42% of respondents said they'd never been glamping before, but would like to.
63% of parents surveyed recognised that the most appealing qualities about family camping and glamping breaks is that they get you spending quality time with family and kids. 46% also said they get you closer to nature, and 43% agreed that they're low cost when compared to other family escapes.
Parents said that the most important things for children on holidays is to have fun (77.5%), explore new environments (73%) and get outdoors more (68%), with kids' favourite activities listed as going to the beach (64%) and outdoor play (60%).
57% felt that encouraging children to spend quality time outdoors camping or glamping can improve social skills and mental wellbeing, and that being outdoors and surrounded by nature opens their minds and stimulates creativity.
Ready Camp ambassador, Katy Hill, current Heart FM radio presenter and celebrity parent blogger, and former Blue Peter TV presenter, said:
“This latest research just underlines previous findings in this area – such as the fact that three-quarters of UK children reportedly spend less time outside than prison inmates.** Families are busier than ever, and finding time to spend together is so precious. What better, healthier place to do this than in the great outdoors?”
Katy, a mum to two children aged 10 and 7, said: “Glamping is the no-hassle solution, and all Ready Camp sites are in safe campsite environments where kids can get away from the distractions of tech, make new friends, and go wild, before returning for a spot of al fresco dinner. Glamping breaks really are a great way to re-establish bonds and lay down unforgettable family memories. I love these breaks – life is so hectic these days and parents can be time poor so Ready Camp is perfect as you can hit the ground running.”
Glamping with Ready Camp makes the prospect of an escape in a tent, away from home comforts such as your own bed, a little less daunting. There's no need to pack your life into the boot for a few days away – the tent is pitched and ready for you, so you can concentrate on having fun!
The Camping and Caravanning Club's Ready Camp network of glamping tents, launched in 2015, has expanded with a further 9 new sites in 2017 to total 39 sites across Britain, close to many of Britain's best-loved tourist spots.
Each offers comfortable and hassle-free camping to people keen to camp without having to hitch up a caravan or pitch their own tent – all visitors need to bring are their own bedding, towels and a sense of adventure.
Washrooms are available on all Camping and Caravanning Club Sites, where holidaymakers are guaranteed immaculate facilities.
Since launch, Ready Camp has been recognised at several industry awards, including in summer 2016, when it was shortlisted in the Best UK Accommodation – Group category at the 2016 Family Traveller Awards.
To find out more about Ready Camp, and to research and book a holiday, visit the award winning* website www.readycamp.co.uk.
-Ends-
A selection of images are available for download at: http://we.tl/W1v8f2ccrf
For further media information or images, please contact:
Rob Ganley on 024 7647 5204 or rob.ganley@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Andrew Robson on 024 7647 5291 or andrew.robson@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
* OnePoll survey of 2000 adults, Parents aged 18-39 whose children are aged 14 or under
** UN guidelines for prisoners require at least one hour of suitable exercise in the open air daily: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/25/three-quarters-of-uk-children-spend-less-time-outdoors-than-prison-inmates-survey
*** The website www.readycamp.co.uk won the coveted 'Best Travel & Holidays' award at the 'eCommerce Awards for Excellence' in September 2015.
Notes for Editors
- Ready Camp is owned and run by The Camping and Caravanning Club, which is 116-years-old and is the largest and oldest Club in the world for all forms of camping. It has more than 100 award-winning sites throughout the UK and, through a partnership with the Forestry Commission, now runs and manages a further 16 Camping in the Forest touring sites.
- Ready Camp is yours to explore and is accessible to anyone; all you need to bring is your own bedding, towels and tea towel. Everything else is provided. To view a list of equipment included in each Ready Camp tent, please visit: http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/readycamp/faqs/.
- Bookings are for a minimum of three nights. Three-night stays commence on a Friday (Friday – Monday), Four-night stays commence on a Monday (Monday – Friday), Seven-night stays can start on a Monday, Friday or Saturday, ten-night stays commence on a Friday, while 14-night stays can start on a Monday, Friday or Saturday.
- Prices start from just £25 per night, per tent, in low season.
- Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from Ready Camp, visit www.facebook.com/readycampuk, www.twitter.com/readycampuk or check out our newly launched Instagram page www.instagram.com/readycampuk.
