What’s driving Brits to the countryside?

Posted: 17th August 2016

By: WiRE Team

pubA new survey has revealed what Brits love about the countryside – and it might not be what you’re expecting.

+ Brits are most in favour of the peace and quiet rural living offers

+ 45% of respondents head to the country in search of unrivalled views

+ A third of participants say a love of wildlife attracts them to the countryside

Country clothing retailer A Hume asked 10,000 people what they love about the great British countryside.

For 52% of overall respondents – and 77% of 55-64 year old females – peace and quiet was top of the agenda.

According to the study, idyllic scenery is high on the UK’s agenda, with 45% of participants – and 60% of 18-24 year olds – saying they love a countryside view.

A third of those surveyed said the chance to get up close with the wildlife is what draws them to the countryside.

This was also a popular answer with 25-34 year old male respondents, as well as women aged 45-54 – taking 45% and 55% of their votes respectively.

For 1 in 4, the appeal of a country pub is what they love most about spending time in the sticks.

20% of Brits – and 28% of those aged 55-64 – said a lack of traffic is their favourite thing about escaping urban areas.

Locally sourced country grub was also a popular answer – with 17% of Brits voting with their stomachs.

Last year British staycations hit a seven-year high with over 19.7 million UK holidays booked in the first quarter of 2015.

A report by the Daily Mail cited countryside festivals and above average weather as the main reason for the surge.

Archie Hume, Managing Director at A Hume, said “The survey results have highlighted the UK’s love of the great outdoors, reminding us how fortunate we are to live and work in a location as beautiful as the Scottish Borders. The countryside, peace and quiet, and unrivalled views are a huge part of Britain’s appeal – and clearly the survey’s respondents agree.”

Topline results:

What are your favourite things about the British countryside?

  • Peace and quiet: 51.5%
  • Views: 45.0%
  • Wildlife: 33.8%
  • Pubs: 25.1%
  • Lack of traffic: 20.4%
  • Food: 16.9%

Notes for editors

A Hume supplies country clothing throughout the UK and worldwide, delivering high quality materials and big fashion brands.With almost 90 years of experience in the clothing industry, A Hume delivers exceptional service to all of its customers.

This data was gathered in August 2016 and includes responses from 10,000 people in the UK. For images or additional data, or to discuss any aspect of these results in more detail, contact charlie@ahume.co.uk.