Top 10 fun days out - according to Brits

The perfect British day out would include a forest walk, an ice cream by the sea - and a trip to the zoo to see the meerkats.

Researchers polled 2,000 adults to create a ‘formula for fun’ – the ingredients for the ultimate day out, and a relaxing nature-filled walk came top (47 per cent).

Four in 10 would enjoy a delicious ice cream at the beach during their ideal day of fun, while 25 per cent would head to the zoo to meet the meerkats.

While seeing an iconic landmark like the Tower of London would be an ‘essential’ activity for 36 per cent of those polled.

Other ingredients for the perfect day out include visiting an art exhibition (20 per cent), seeing sharks at the aquarium (19 per cent), and a castle visit (33 per cent).

The research was commissioned by the National Lottery, which is offering £25 off days out to help the nation cut the cost of fun this autumn.

Dr Zoe Williams has teamed up with the lottery to provide some tips on how to truly enjoy a day out - and backed the benefits of laughter.

She said: "If something makes you smile, or even better laugh – then it’s likely to have a positive impact on your health.

"When we smile and laugh we instantly feel better - laughter releases feel-good brain chemicals, which also relieve pain."

TV star Scarlett Moffatt and partner Scott Dobinson were pictured putting this and other aspects of the 'formula for fun' to the test as they launched the days out campaign.

In the images they can be seen saying 'hello' to the penguins at the ZSL London Zoo and enjoying an ice cream with the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London.

The study also identified a trip to a heritage site like a country house or gardens (37 per cent) and learning something new at a museum (27 per cent) as activities they’d do on their day of fun.

Visiting an adventure park (20 per cent), riding a rollercoaster (18 per cent), and eating chips (35 per cent) also feature.

Other important factors

But there is more to a fun day out than just the activities - 52 per cent agreed plenty of giggles along the way are vital.

And all of this would ideally be enjoyed with family (50 per cent).

The study also found around three quarters of those polled (73 per cent) consider themselves to be ‘fun-loving’.

And as such a quarter are planning to enjoy ‘more’ fun days out this autumn - and 69 per cent added that the UK’s unpredictable weather won’t put them off.

Positive impact

It also emerged more than half think stepping outside their comfort zone and having fun would benefit their mental health.

While 55 per cent believe doing something different would help them learn something about themselves.

Carried out through OnePoll for National Lottery Days Out the study also determined what those polled consider to be the UK’s best attractions – ‘guaranteed’ for a fun day out.

Cornwall’s Eden Project topped the list, followed by the Tower of Lo