Media can request a full copy of the press release and research results by contacting maria@mbcomms.co.uk

Lockdown has brought many families closer together, and made parents re-evaluate what's important and prompted them to think differently about their holidays as lockdown restrictions ease, according to new research commissioned by Luxury Family Hotels and conducted by Mumsnet.

80% of parents surveyed say that they have enjoyed the additional time spent together as a result of lockdown, and 76% say their children have enjoyed the additional time spent together. 67% say lockdown has brought them closer together as a family, and 70% say that it has made them re-evaluate what's important in life as a family.

This is despite the fact that 55% say lockdown has been stressful, and 30% admit it has put a strain on family relationships.  With limited opportunities to socialise and schools shut to most pupils, 69% say their children have spent too much time on screens.

55% say lockdown has made them behave more sustainably as a family, and 41% say it has changed their views on sustainability and foreign tourism. Once restrictions lift, two-thirds (66%) are hoping to go on some sort of holiday this year, with 41% saying it has made them reconsider the UK as a holiday destination. The majority (90%) of parents say they feel lucky that the UK has beaches and countryside where they can take their family for a break as restrictions ease.

The research confirmed a strong appetite for a Great British holiday for many families.  

Luxury Family Hotels is the pioneer of luxury family escapes in the UK. Simon Maguire, Managing Director, Luxury Family Hotels, commented: “We wanted to commission this research to understand family attitudes to travel as restrictions ease.  We know these last few months have been tough for parents and their children and their first holiday post-lockdown needs to be one that is enjoyable, stress-free and enables parents to have some much needed me-time and also quality time as a family. Each one of our unique hotels is located in picturesque places in the UK and has acres of space for families to enjoy and, importantly, gives parents a much-needed break from normal life.”

Mumsnet Founder Justine Roberts said: “Lockdown has had huge impacts on just about every aspect of family life. Among those parents who have been able to stay at home, the familiar worry that they just don't spend enough quality time with their children has been wiped out in one dramatic stroke. For some, lockdown has undoubtedly been a terrible experience, but this survey shows that for many, the time spent together has been transformative. It will be interesting to see whether families make long-term changes to reprioritise their time when restrictions start to ease.”

Simon Maguire added: “Our hotels are located by the beach or in the countryside and are perfectly placed to help families enjoy their first holiday as restrictions ease given they have acres of outside space and offer plenty of facilities for all the families to enjoy in a safe way.  In addition, our experiences' team has put together a whole host of ideas for families to enjoy – be it venturing to nearby off-the-track secret beaches; amazing walks away from the crowds, as well as a host of activities families can do in our spacious gardens and grounds.  We're very much looking forward to opening our doors and providing guests of all ages with a wonderful family experience.”

The research report also discovered:

1. What families are most looking forward to post lockdown
2. Wellness now even more important for families
3. Top holiday worries for families
4. Factors most important in choosing holiday accommodation post lockdown

Statistics and breakdowns of the above areas available to media, please request a full copy of the research results by contacting maria@mbcomms.co.uk