Recreation in Nature - How We Spent Summer 2024

Types of activities on day trips

Walking was the activity most frequently reported, with 80% of visits to nature involving walking. Appreciating scenery was the next most popular activity, at 40% of visits, while eating or drinking out was enjoyed by 28% of people. Wildlife watching was enjoyed on 12% of visits (See Table 4.1, Table 4.2).

Around 7% of people ran on their most recent same day visit to nature, including 9% of those visiting Urban Greenspaces.

Sports and games were enjoyed by 7% of people on their most recent trip to nature, including 14% of visitors to Urban Greenspaces.

Around 5% of people spent time hiking on their most recent trip, including 38% of those visiting Heathlands & Shrub, Inland Wetlands, and Sparsely Vegetated Ecosystems.

Swimming was enjoyed by 4% of people on their most recent same day visit to nature, including 61% of those visiting Marine & Transitional Waters, and 7% of people visiting Coastal Beaches, Dunes & Wetlands (See Figure 4.1, Table 4.1, Table 4.2).

Types of activities on overnight trips

Walking was the most popular activity (84%), followed by appreciating scenery (67%) and eating or drinking out (65%). Visiting an attraction (38%), wildlife watching (24%) and swimming outdoors (22%) were also popular. 

Walking was the most popular with the youngest age group, with 90% of those aged 16-29 walking on their most recent overnight trip, compared with those aged 60-69 (81%) and over 70 (80%). Only 48% of those over 70 participated in eating or drinking out, compared with 76% of those aged 30-39 (See Figure 4.2, Table 4.3).