NEVER BEEN TO THE SEASIDE

  One in five UK children have never been to

the beach in this country

New research(1) revealed today shows that over a fifth (22 per cent) of UK children have never been to the British seaside. The survey of 1,000 UK children aged between six and fifteen carried out to mark the launch of brand new kids’ game Big Beach Sports™2 found that two thirds (66 per cent) would rather go on a holiday abroad than in Britain.  

More than three quarters of those polled (78 per cent) said that they had been on a holiday abroad. A further 19 per cent said that it had been between five and 10 years since they had last visited a British beach and a quarter (25 per cent) of those polled said that they would definitely not visit the seaside in the UK this year. 

The research also found that ten year-olds would prefer to go on holiday abroad more than any other age group (a huge 92 per cent of 10 year-olds said this) and 14 year-olds followed with 83 per cent. 41 per cent of children polled from London said that they would not be visiting a British beach this year, compared to the national average of 25 per cent.  And while 34 per cent of children surveyed from London have never been to a British beach, a huge 91 per cent have been on a beach holiday abroad. 

A huge 90 per cent of those polled in Belfast and 86 per cent in Newcastle said they would prefer to go on holiday abroad rather than in the UK.  While 17 per cent of girls polled have never been to the British seaside on holiday, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of boys have never done so. However, 74 per cent of girls polled said that they would prefer a beach holiday abroad than to visit the British seaside compared to 60 per cent of boys surveyed.  

Sam Forrest, from THQ, said: “It is a shame that so many youngsters in the UK have not visited the brilliant beaches that Britain has to offer, however for busy families, especially those living in cities away from the coastline it is tricky finding the time to get to the seaside. “A game such as Big Beach Sports 2 allows families to bring the beach to their own living rooms – and means you can get to the seaside whatever the weather!” Big Beach Sports 2 launches on 18th June 2010 and is available on Nintendo WiiTM.  

(1) THQ used the independent online research company SWNS which interviewed a random sample of over 1,000 UK children aged between six and 15 between 15th and 18th May 2010.

About BIG BEACH SPORTS 2: This summer get into the beach sprit whatever the weather with the great new Wii game from THQ, Big Beach Sports 2.Play a whole host of games sure to keep the entire family entertained ranging from Rugby Fives, Disc Golf, Cricket, Dune Buggy Racing, Surfing, Jet Ski Racing, Canoe Races & Football.Players can work their way up the leaderboard in challenges, compete in gruelling triathlons or play against up to four friends in five different game modes in an endless combination of events.  

About THQ THQ Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.  More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ, Big Beach Sports and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. 

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