PRESS RELEASE

28 July 2016

 New Wellbeing Survey from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard reveals that one in two Brits think a great day out is just as good as a night away

• 73% of Brits value new experiences as the most important factor for a perfect day out
• 80% seek a mixture of outdoor and indoor attractions on a day out
• 24% of adults opt for cultural destinations

A survey released today by Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which canvassed the opinions of nearly 2,000 UK consumers, has unveiled the perfect ingredients for a “Great British Day Out” this summer.

Visit England has reported that holidays in England are already up 10% from 2015, with 7.3 million taking a break here so far this year. With so many of us opting to take a domestic holiday, activities and days out are more important than ever before.

The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard survey takes a deeper look at days out in the UK, and how they affect our overall wellbeing and work/life balance. Just how important is a day out to the typical Brit? The results show that just over half of us consider days out vital to our wellbeing, with 52% citing it as more beneficial than an overnight trip.

Breaking the findings down a little further, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard highlights the key ingredients which go into making a brilliant day out:

Doing something new (73%), taking the day at our own pace (68%) and fresh air (52%) were the top choices when asked which three elements make up the perfect day out experience for consumers.

Variety is also key, with 28% wanting to enjoy many different experiences at one time, and only 19% wanting a relaxing experience on their day out. The desire for variety is also seen in the environment that people choose, with more than 80% seeking a mixture of outdoor and indoor attractions on a day out.

Over 50% of consumers' state a special interest in an activity or attraction is their most important decision trigger. This corresponds with that fact that nearly a quarter (24%) of adults opt for cultural destinations, preferring to check out a museum, art gallery, or attraction when making time for themselves. Interestingly, respondents revealed word of mouth feedback is the least influential reason for choosing a day out or attraction, with 37% ranking it as the least important.

John Rawlinson, Director of Visitor Experience, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, said: “Our consumer survey has revealed some real insight into consumers' preferences for taking days out and what the decision triggers are. It is fascinating to see that a day out can be just as positive for wellbeing as an overnight stay, and as we enter the summer holiday period, we encourage all to make time for exploring some of the great attractions and destinations that the UK has to offer.”

The survey is part of the Historic Dockyard's year-long #maketime campaign, which is focusing on encouraging people to make the most that this world famous attraction has to offer, and to encourage them to visit and return throughout the year.

With iconic ships and world-class attractions, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a fantastic day out for all ages, offering a unique experience, which spans 800 years of British naval history. Situated within a working naval base, the Historic Dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy's past, present and future. And, with HMS Victory, the Battle of Jutland Exhibition and Mary Rose Museum offering new blockbuster experiences, a visit to the Historic Dockyard shouldn't be missed.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's annual All Attraction Ticket includes entry to the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, HMS M.33, the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth and Action Stations. Also included is admission to our off-site attractions, including Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower (Gosport), the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and HMS Alliance (Gosport) and the Royal Marines Museum (Eastney), plus a complimentary waterbus to the Gosport attractions and a 45-minute Harbour Tour.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The #MakeTime survey explored the attitudes of UK consumers towards domestic day out experiences. The findings provide an insight into decision-making factors, as well as views and opinions on taking days out in the UK.

The research for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard was carried out using a survey created on Survey Monkey in July 2016, which was distributed using social media and database mailers. The sample consisted of 1,879 adults in the UK, 97.27% of which were aged 30 and older.

A full break down of the data is available on request.

All Attractions Ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, one year unlimited access ticket - 

All attractions Adult - £26.40

All attractions Child - £18.40

All attractions Senior - £23

All attractions Student - £23

All attractions Disabled - £18.40

All attractions Family 1+3 (1 Adult and up to 3 Children) - £51.60

All attractions Family 2+3 (2 Adult and up to 3 Children) - £68

Issued by Flagship Consulting

For further media information please contact:

Nadia Fidler                 020 7680 7122           nadia.fidler@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Belinda Hallworth         020 7680 7114          belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Sophy Norris                 01392 248 934          sophy.norris@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

About Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's annual ALL ATTRACTION TICKET includes entry to the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Boathouse 4 HMS M.33 and Action Stations. Also included is admission to our off-site attractions, including Explosion!  Museum of Naval Firepower (Gosport), The Royal Navy Submarine Museum and HMS Alliance (Gosport) and the Royal Marines Museum (Eastney). Plus a complimentary waterbus to the Gosport attractions and a 45 minute Harbour Tour.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great day out for all the family, offering a unique experience which spans 800 years of British Naval history. Situated within a working Naval Base, the dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future - a must see for anyone visiting the south of England.