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From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

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The Decline of Patriotism Among Young Adults and the Prospects of Conscription

Paul Francis
Feb 13, 2024
3 min read

Why Young People Don’t Want to Fight for the Country?

Tensions around the world seem to be at their highest in my lifetime. Yes, there was still conflict when I was younger such as in Iraq, but there wasn’t the same fear of war on a global scale. All this unrest, and our country's apparent lack of manpower within its military, has led to rumours of a possible return to national service.

Youth Perspective on National Service

Do I think conscription making a return would be a good thing? I’m quite torn in truth. For the country, a return would make complete sense. If our military doesn’t have enough men to defend itself then we have a serious problem. A return of conscription would most likely involve myself directly and this is where I start to see issues. As a 22-year-old I’m arguably in prime fitness with regards to age so would likely receive a call-up but we are in modern times and choice is a right many of us are familiar with. Lots of people my age feel no real pride in our country. In truth, what reason does a young person have to be patriotic to the country? We’ve had zero help from our government, there’s little potential in our economy right now and many of us will never be able to afford to own a house. When the country gives little to us, why should we give back to it?

Line of British World War 1 solders — Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

The counterargument is I believe that if national service was already a thing I probably would have more love towards my country. If I was 22 in the 1950s I would have already served in the armed forces for 18 months. I believe had I done this I would be a lot more patriotic to my country, especially having served alongside other people your age which would build a sense of camaraderie. There are plenty of countries around the world that still have mandatory service. Most Scandinavian countries still require it as do Austria and Switzerland so it's not like conscription is an outdated concept, more just one that is out of favour in most places.

A Lasting Source of Allegiance

It's not like love for our country is completely absent within young people, it's just not maybe directly for the country. Take sport for example, when England is playing in football tournaments there is plenty of support for the country. We all don our shirts, sing the national anthem, and paint our faces with the flag of St. George but after the tournament, that sense of patriotism dies down pretty quickly. Outside of sport, there isn’t anything to be prideful of. We are a very divided country. That divide is everywhere to see, politically things are very conflicted right now. Economically the divide between rich and poor is massive. There’s even the North-South divide within our country that divides it even further. With all this division is it a surprise that we have a lack of people wanting to fight for the country?

Addressing the Challenge Ahead

Ultimately if war did develop close to home I do believe people would fight but I also believe many would refuse to. The only real love everybody has is for their family. There isn’t even a local community spirit never mind that on a national scale. Despite this, I want to make it clear I have nothing but the highest respect for anybody who has served our country. Our troops are something we can be proud of. Our Special Forces are the best in the world bar none and that is something we can be extremely proud of. We just don’t champion them as much as other countries like the United States. Over in the States, the Star Spangled Banner is everywhere. The national anthem is sung before every sporting event. Here in the UK unless a national team is playing or it's a Cup Final you simply won’t hear the anthem. The BBC used to play the anthem at the end of the day after programming had ended but since most BBC channels run around the clock this doesn’t happen anymore.

It's a real issue the country faces, there’s a lack of pride in our country and thus, at least in my opinion, a lack of people who want to serve the country. It's just another issue on a growing list the next government needs to address.

From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

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17 April 2025

Paul Francis

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With Universal Studios bringing blockbuster magic to Bedfordshire, Britain’s holiday landscape may be on the brink of a transformation. But what does this mean for our beloved seaside resorts - and what’s next for the Great British getaway?

Blackpool Tower silhouette against an orange sunset over the sea, with a pier and Ferris wheel in the background, creating a serene, warm mood.

A Hollywood Blockbuster Comes to Bedfordshire

There’s a palpable buzz in the air. Universal Studios - famed for its cinematic experiences in Florida, Hollywood, and Japan - is set to open its first-ever theme park in the UK. Landing in Bedfordshire, just an hour north of London, the project will be a game-changer not just for thrill-seekers, but for Britain’s entire domestic tourism economy.

Scheduled to open in 2031, the £multi-billion development promises immersive worlds based on James Bond, Paddington Bear, and possibly Middle-earth itself. While Harry Potter is off the table due to Warner Bros. exclusivity in nearby Leavesden, the resort will feature state-of-the-art attractions, a 500-room hotel, retail and dining districts, and a dedicated train station to ease the expected footfall.

With over 476 acres of space, it’s poised to become the largest theme park in Europe, creating more than 28,000 jobs and injecting an estimated £50 billion into the UK economy by 2055.

This isn’t just another amusement park - it’s the start of a shift in the UK’s holiday culture.

The Staycation Renaissance: A Market in Motion

Brits have always had a love-hate relationship with the staycation. But recent years, fuelled by climate anxiety, Brexit, the pandemic hangover, and now the cost-of-living crisis, have rekindled a nostalgic affection for home-grown holidays. According to ABTA, more than half of UK holidaymakers are opting for domestic trips, citing environmental concerns, affordability, and convenience.

In fact, UK holidaymakers are booking earlier than ever, with a 76% rise in early bookings for 2024. “Slowcations” are also booming - longer, more mindful breaks in places like Cornwall, Norfolk, and the Lake District. Many are even bypassing the peak summer rush and heading away in spring and autumn to find better value and quieter shores.

Seaside Resorts: Old Charm, New Challenges

As Universal’s cranes prepare to rise in Bedfordshire, the UK’s traditional holiday resorts face a fork in the road.

Brighton & Hove continues to thrive, topping Airbnb’s 2024 list for the most desirable UK staycation destinations. It’s a city that has mastered the art of reinvention - equal parts bohemian, beachy, and boutique.

Blackpool, despite years of economic struggle, still pulls in over 20 million annual visitors and contributes £1.7 billion to the local economy. With its piers, tower, and unapologetically retro charm, it holds a special place in the national psyche.

Yet not all resorts are riding the wave. Torquay, once the "Queen of the English Riviera", has struggled with declining footfall, tired infrastructure, and a high number of empty retail units. Others like Rhyl, Skegness, and Morecambe are engaged in long-term regeneration battles, hoping to reawaken their mid-century glory days.

A Tale of Two Futures?

The arrival of Universal Studios may signal a shift from nostalgia-fuelled, heritage-led tourism to blockbuster-based holidaymaking. But does this mean our seaside towns will fade into obscurity?

Not necessarily.

Instead, the smart money may lie in blending nostalgia with innovation. Towns that embrace sustainable tourism, cultural rejuvenation, and experiential travel are finding a new audience. Folkestone, for instance, is enjoying a quiet renaissance thanks to investment in its creative arts scene and the restoration of its grand hotels.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers are increasingly mixing experiences - choosing a week in the countryside or coast followed by a short break at a theme park or city destination. The UK may be small, but it’s never been more varied in what it offers.

What It All Means for the Great British Holiday

The launch of Universal Studios in the UK isn’t a threat to our seaside heritage - it’s a catalyst. This is a reminder that domestic holidays can be aspirational, high-quality, and world-class.

But if Britain is entering a new golden age of holidays, it must be inclusive. That means investment not only in blockbuster destinations like Bedfordshire, but in places like Scarborough, Margate, and Weston-super-Mare. It means creating transport links that connect cities to coasts and supporting independent businesses that give these towns their soul.

Universal may bring the stars - but the heart of the Great British Holiday still beats by the sea.

Sidebar: Top 5 UK Staycation Trends to Watch

Theme Park Tourism – Expect a boom in travel tied to Universal Studios, Legoland, and Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Slowcations & Wellness – Mindful travel to peaceful destinations like the Lake District or Norfolk Broads.
Heritage Seaside Revival – Towns investing in regeneration, arts, and culture to attract new demographics.
Eco-Conscious Travel – Low-carbon holidays, rail-based travel, and locally sourced stays.
Activity Holidays – Sportcations, paddleboarding weekends, and cycling-friendly routes are on the rise.