Nearly half (48%) of British children are clueless about the true meaning behind the most important festival in the Christian calendar (Easter) according to findings from a new report out today.
The research conducted by Travelodge surveyed 2,500 children across Britain and key findings revealed that over a third (34%) of young Britons think Easter is all about celebrating the birth of the fantasy character, the Easter Bunny, who originates from Germany. Whilst a quarter (25%) of children think Easter is when chocolate eggs were first invented. On average children will receive five chocolate eggs this Easter. However six out of ten children reported that they do not know why eggs feature at Easter.
Sixty per cent of children surveyed also reported that their families do not celebrate Easter and just one in ten British children will be going to church with their parents over the Easter holidays this year. Also, just one in ten British children will be eating fish on Good Friday.
The survey also revealed that whilst the religious elements of the Easter festival are forgotten, bringing the family together in unity over the Easter break is still important in modern Britain. As key findings revealed, on average British parents will be splashing out £478.25 to take one short break and four day trips with their children this Easter – which in total will give the UK economy a welcome boost of £2 billion.
Interestingly, the traditional British seaside is back in vogue as it tops the Staycation destination for Easter family getaways this year. Research findings revealed that 37% of families are taking a traditional British seaside holiday this Easter. Whilst 26% of parents are taking their children to explore a UK city and 14% of families are planning to spend quality time together exploring the great British countryside by taking a rural break. Less than one in ten (9%) parents is taking their children on a theme park short break.
Listed below are the top 20 Staycation destinations for family getaways this Easter
1-Blackpool
2-London
3-Birmingham
4-Cornwall
5-Brighton
6-Cardiff
7-Devon
8-Bath
9-Edinburgh
10-Lake District
11-North Wales
12-South Wales
13-Liverpool
14-Bristol
15-Norfolk Broads
16-Scarborough
17-Newcastle
18-Great Yarmouth
19-Bournemouth
20-Clacton on Sea
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: It is good news that families are still spending quality time together over the Easter break. However keeping the children entertained over the Easter school holidays is no easy task and this year, parents are certainly investing in an Easter Staycation short break, as we have seen a double digit increase in bookings.
The research also found that in addition to an Easter short break, parents will be taking their children on four day trips (which is one more than last year). The average day out will cost around £39.18.A quarter of parents are planning to take their children to a museum. Around a fifth of families will be visiting a working farm this Easter. Just one in ten families is planning a trip to an art gallery or a theme park this Easter break.
Over a third of families (36%) will be taking a day trip to visit family this Easter and one in ten grandparents have planned to take their grandchildren away on a UK break this Easter.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Travelodge Press Office
01844 358703 / pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk
Notes to editors:
The research was conducted in April 2014 with a sample group of 2,500 British children aged between 5 to 16 years old.