Strike, spare and sun as new research reveals Brits miss UK leisure activities while on holiday abroad

With families busy booking their sun-soaked escapes following January payday, new research has revealed the surprising ways parents are keeping children entertained with UK-style fun while on holiday.

A survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers, from Hollywood Bowl, the UK’s largest tenpin bowling brand, found that parents are working hard
to keep the family fun flowing and it’s not just ice-cream and the pool:

One in five (18%) parents say their children have asked for UK-style activities during holidays abroad

London parents topped the list, with over a third (35%) reporting kids missing homegrown entertainment

The most popular UK activities which holidaying families miss the most from home include playing at the British seaside arcades (16%), going to their local bowling centre (9%) and going to their neighbourhood’s playgrounds (11%)

40% of Brits actively seek out family leisure activities while overseas — rocketing to 70% among parents aged 18–34.

The research comes as Hollywood Bowl announces a new partnership with Jet2holidays, giving one lucky winner the chance to bowl a turkey and travel to Turkey by entering a competition to win a dream holiday and bowling prize.

Dave Williams, Operations Director at Hollywood Bowl, said: “We know families across the UK love ten pin bowling and other leisure activities, so much so that even when they are on holiday, they look for familiar family entertainment that offers a
home away from home.

“The research reinforces how important it is to make memories together doing the things we enjoy, even on holiday. We’re thrilled to team up with Jet2holidays to give one lucky winner not only the trip of a lifetime, but unlimited bowling for a whole year.
It’s the ultimate combination of fun and celebrates family togetherness.”

The Hollywood Bowl and Jet2holidays prize draw is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a £5,000 holiday voucher plus a whole year of free bowling at their favourite centre - so the winner can keep the good times rolling all year long.

Visit https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/jet2holidays-competition
to enter the Hollywood Bowl Jet2holidays competition to enter. Competition closes on 23 February, with the winner announcement on 26 February 2026.