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Childhood memories
Our most treasured memories
Childhood memories are what make us who we are. From first pets to special family holidays, we all have cherished moments to look back on. At On the Beach, we’ve made it our mission to find out more about early memories – what makes them stand out? And how do we continue to make lasting memories with our family and friends?
To find some answers, we pressed rewind with 2,000 Brits, and asked them about their most treasured and vivid childhood memories. Working with an expert in the field – Peter Kinderman, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool and honourary consultant clinical psychologist with the NHS – we’ve identified the best ways to make sure we remember the moments that matter.
Top 50 childhood memories
Is yours on the list? Which ones stand out most for you?
Top 10 happiest memories
Our research proved that we Brits are a nostalgic bunch, with 88% of the people we surveyed saying they talk about their best childhood memories with family and old friends. 20% of people also said that looking back on happier memories helps them feel more optimistic about life in general.
Find out our top 10 happiest childhood memories and see where yours fits on the list.
What's your funniest holiday memory from childhood?
We asked the people of Manchester about their funniest holiday memories from childhood and the answers were... well, we'll let you decide...
Want to hear more? We also asked people to share their favourite childhood memory - some of the responses are priceless!
Making memories last - the 5-4-3-2-1 method
Making memories is easy - making them last is another thing altogether. In our fast-paced lives, with so much information being fed to us on a daily basis, it can be difficult to focus on the most important things. According to Professor Kinderman, this is where the 5-4-3-2-1 meditation method comes in. Traditionally used by people suffering from anxiety, the method is a way of grounding yourself in the moment and taking control of your thoughts. It can also be used to preserve precious family moments forever.
Want to try it for yourself? Focus on five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste – by using each one of your senses to savour a moment, it’s more likely to stay in your memory.
From our survey, almost half of the people we talked to (48%) said that their most vivid childhood memories were formed when the weather was hot and sunny. Check out where's hot in October and go make some memories of your own.
Childhood memories blogger fun
We've teamed up with some brilliant mummy bloggers, Slummy Single Mummy, What the Redhead said, Life according to Mrs. Shilts and Write like no one's watching.
We asked them all to take a trip down memory lane with us, and to share some of their favourite holiday memories. Here's what they had to say!
And check out some of the excellent videos they made, with holiday memories in mind, of course!
Make some memories
You've shared your happiest memories with us. Now why not go and form some more?
Spend all day in the pool...at Laguna Park in Tenerife
- Enormous swimming pool area
- Perfect for families
- Great views of Playa de las Americas
Make a holiday friend...at Sol Pelicanos Ocas in Benidorm
- Giant lagoon-style pool
- Brand new entertainment programme
- Featured on the hit TV series Benidorm
Build sandcastles...at Annapurna Hotel in Tenerife
- 20m from a sandy beach
- Beautiful buffet-style dining room
- Evening entertainment programme
Join in the entertainment...at THB Tropical Island in Lanzarote
- Extensive entertainment programme
- Two themed restaurants
- Children's aqua park
Make waves in the big pool...at Club Eurocalas in Majorca
- Three outdoor pools
- Daytime and evening entertainment programmes
- Free shuttle service to the beach
Enjoy long, hot summers...at Sol Tenerife in Tenerife
- Fantastic All-Inclusive programme
- Activities for children
- 250m from the beach