Thanks to a rise in working hours, time spent glued to the computer and an increase in dependence on ‘connective’ technology such as Skype – Brits are finding it tricky to spend time with their nearest and dearest.
Happily, the study also revealed that a significant proportion of people in the West Midlands view the seasonal holidays as the ideal time to salvage this continuing difficulty, in particular the Easter weekend.
Over 80% of British adults in the West Midlands reveal that they see it as a key time to put the distractions of daily life aside and spend time with their loved ones – playing games and enjoying each other’s company.
The research, (which was commissioned to mark the sixth year of Cadbury and National Trust Easter Egg Trails) explores the importance Brits place on spending time together as a family and the reasons why, in our ever-modernising society, the traditional Easter break still holds such a fondness in our hearts – discovering that it’s not time spent slumped in front of the TV that we look forward to at this time, but actually getting back to basics with the great outdoors.
When asked what makes Easter stand out against other holidays, over 70% of adults in the West Midlands confirmed that it’s spending time together as a family – doing activities together and enjoying each other’s company whilst 64% of people cited the occasion as the perfect chance to create lasting memories, play games and share traditions. Over half the respondents added that they see the bank holiday as a great opportunity to get a much-needed break from hunching over a computer screen and the daily stresses of work.
Enjoying some down time and getting back to nature ranked highly behind the occasion’s popularity with 40% of adults in the West Midlands, optimistically citing Easter as the bringer of (slightly) warmer weather and the cheerful start of spring.
Delving further into understanding the importance we place on family time, how we find time together and what we do with it, the study revealed that active and engaged play was a significant factor as when asked, over 20% of parents in the West Midlands readily admitted that they insist their children step away from staying inside on computer games, encouraging them instead to venture outdoors and discover things for themselves.
Beccy Speight, Regional Director for the National Trust in the Midlands, says: “In our busy lives, it can be hard stepping away from things and finding good quality time for family. National Trust places offer great value family days out, no more so than at Easter when hundreds of our special places benefit from a touch of Cadbury magic with the hugely popular Easter Egg Trails. Families can enjoy beautiful outdoor places, make special memories and share in Easter tradition, including egg and spoon races and spotting baby lambs – the perfect antidote to hectic lives.”
Cadbury and National Trust’s Easter Egg Trails are the perfect way to spend quality time with those closest to you this Easter weekend (March 29th – April 1st).
Held at beautiful places across the West Midlands, the trails will have something for all ages to enjoy and a delicious Cadbury Egghead prize. For more information, or to find your local trail, visit: www.eastereggtrails.com
Most National Trust places will continue to offer school holiday activities during the Easter break, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands for information.
Shropshire National Trust Events
Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury
Cadbury Easter Egg Trails: Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr, 10am
Tel: 01743 708123
Carding Mill Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Church Stretton,
Easter Adventure Trail: Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr, 11am – 3pm
Tel: 01694 725000
Dudmaston Estate, near Bridgnorth,
Easter Activity Days: Sun 31 Mar – Mon 1 Apr, 12noon – 5pm
Tel: 01746 780866
Sunnycroft, Wellington, Telford
Easter Egg Trails: Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr, 10:30am – 4pm
Tel: 01952 242844
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