As the school summer break gets underway and a scorching heatwave looms, Britons are being urged to plan their staycations carefully — and to rethink what they drink to stay safe in the heat.
A new poll of 2,000 adults reveals that camping is the pitch-perfect way to spend a staycation, with seven in ten saying they love sleeping under canvas. The figure rises to 85% among the under-30s. The top spot, taking 28% of votes, is the National Trust’s campsite at Great Langdale beneath Langdale Pikes in the Lake District. Watermouth Valley in Devon came second (19%), followed by Red Squirrel in Glencoe, Scotland (18%), Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (17%), and Duchess’s Meadow in the Peak District and Cloud Farm in Devon, both on 14%.
“Camping tops staycation poll with 70% love rate; milk may hydrate longer than water in heatwave.”
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed believe Britain is the best place in the world to pitch a tent. The main attractions include reconnecting with nature (45%), spending more time in the UK (44%), enjoying time with family (37%), and saving money (33%). George Wallis, of Isuzu UK which commissioned the poll, said: “The findings have highlighted some wonderful places in the UK. The UK is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it’s no surprise loading up and heading somewhere remote remains timeless.”
But as temperatures rise, a top nutrition expert warns that staying hydrated is critical — and that one common drink may be better than water. Verónica Chazín, speaking on Spanish radio show ‘Herrera en COPE’, said the body struggles to keep its core temperature at 37°C during intense heat. She advises sipping water every hour or two, even if you don’t feel thirsty, because dehydration red flags include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, darker urine, and going to the loo less often.
While water is “a healthy and cheap choice” according to the NHS, some research suggests milk may keep hydration levels steadier because it lingers in the stomach longer due to its blend of protein, carbohydrate and minerals. Chazín also listed coconut water and isotonic sports drinks as good options for those sweating more than usual. However, she cautioned that milk is not suitable for infants under one, people with lactose intolerance, or those with a milk-protein allergy.
For campers looking to beat the heat, food can also help: Chazín highlighted watermelon, cucumber, melon, pineapple and tomatoes as water-rich picks, while warning against living on “just salad” in hot weather.