BRITAIN is a nation of dreamers who fantasise about what they’ll do when the lockdown is over – with three-quarters admitting they have taken their previous freedom for granted.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults revealed we are typically spending 20 minutes per day thinking about what we’ll do when the lockdown is over – a whopping 11 hours since the restrictions were introduced.
First up will be a trip to see a much-loved relative, followed by a bite to eat at a restaurant or café, a drink in the pub and a no-doubt urgent appointment at the hairdressers.
When it comes to attractions, the most popular destination is a National Trust park or property, followed by the Natural History Museum, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, London Zoo and Alton Towers.
And 17 per cent said they are looking forward to visiting a beach – with the surfing paradise of Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, topping the list ahead of Bournemouth, Brighton, Perranporth and Blackpool.
More than three quarters (77 per cent) of those questioned said they have taken their previous freedom for granted, while 73 per cent say the government restrictions have made them appreciate the outdoors more.
And one fifth (22 per cent) said they had actually dreamt about what they’ll do when life gets back to normal.
The research was carried out by Hyundai as we reach week five of the lockdown.
A spokesperson for Hyundai said: “For many people, the lockdown has been a strange situation that has made us appreciate the simple things in life and the outdoors more than ever.
“But we’re also dreaming of the day the restrictions are lifted so we can visit loved ones again or get out in the open with a trip to our favourite beach or attraction. The freedom to be able to just jump in the car and go for a drive is something that a lot of people are really missing. There will be plenty of time to do the things we love again though once it’s safe to do so.”
Half (53 per cent) of the adults questioned by OnePoll for Hyundai admitted they’re finding the situation difficult.
Despite this, 91 per cent think the lockdown is necessary.
It’s not just the fun days out we’re looking forward to – but also the mundane, daily chores.
And 49 per cent are looking forward to not having to worry about the two metre rule while shopping.
One in 10 are excited about the prospect of commuting to work, five per cent want to experience getting stuck in traffic again and 16 per cent are looking forward to shaking hands with someone.
And four in 10 said they were excited at being able to just jump into their car and go for a pleasure drive.
With dealerships currently shut, Hyundai has relaunched its Click to Buy website, which gives customers the chance to spec up a model and find the correct finance deal on a car like the zero-emission Kona Electric.
Hyundai has also picked out 10 great roads for Brits to drive on when we’re allowed back in our cars for non-essential journeys.
Top 10 beaches Brits want to visit when lockdown is over:
Fistral
Bournemouth
Brighton
Perranporth
Blackpool
Torquay
Woolacombe
Bamburgh
Durdle Door
Rhossili
Top 10 attractions Brits want to visit when lockdown is over:
National Trust park / property
Natural History Museum
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
London Zoo
Alton Towers
Eden Project
Brighton Pier
Science Museum
Tower of London
National Gallery
Ten great roads to drive on when the lockdown is over:
A686 – The Roof of England – Penrith to Haydon Bridge
The A39 – Atlantic Highway – Minehead to Bude
A4069 – Black Mountain Pass – Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen
A5, A543, B4501 – Evo Triangle
A82 – Loch Lomond to Loch Ness
Abergwesyn Pass – Tregaron to Llyn Brianne
A57 – Snake Pass – Glossop to Ladybower
B3135 – Cheddar Gorge – Cheddar to Ashwick
B3306 – St Ives to St Just
A2 – The Glens of Antrim – Portrush to Ballycastle
