National research shows that nearly half aren’t the outdoorsy type at heart — as heat, warm drinks, crowded areas, and bugs see Brits retreating back inside
- 65% of Brits admit they have faked enjoying an outdoor summer activity, and 68% have felt secretly relieved when outdoor plans got cancelled
- 62% say a cold drink turns unpleasantly warm within 20 minutes in a British beer garden
- Crowds and parking (50%) are named a bigger summer irritant than wasps (41%), while 74% have had food or drink disrupted by wasps or seagulls
- In response to findings, King Pins are saving families with free bowling before 12pm for kids throughout summer, plus exclusive weekly deals and discounts
New research from King Pins, the state-of-the-art bowling and social gaming experience, has found that Britain may love the idea of the summer outdoors — but many admit they’re only pretending to enjoy it. Two in three adults (65%) admitted they’ve faked enjoying an outdoor summer activity when they really weren’t having fun at all, and almost as many (68%) confess to feeling ‘secretly relieved’ when their outdoor plans get cancelled altogether.
The findings, taken from a nationwide survey of over 2,000 adults across the UK, also reveal that 47% consider themselves some version of ‘an indoor person’ — saying they’ve either ‘fully accepted it’, ‘keep it secret’ from friends and family, or have simply ‘given up pretending otherwise’.
The main drivers of Britain’s lack of summertime satisfaction? Crowds and parking (50%) rank as the top outdoor irritant, ahead of wasps (41%), sunburn (37%), hayfever (29%) and rain (25%). Wildlife remains a persistent problem too, with almost three-quarters (74%) reporting a summer meal or drink disrupted by wasps or seagulls.
Even enjoying a drink proves difficult: 62% say a cold drink turns ‘unpleasantly warm’ within 20 minutes in a British beer garden, and 5% say their pint is already too warm from the very first sip.
When Brits do want to do something rather than try to find comfort on the sofa, a fifth reach for bowling (18%) or arcade games (18%) instead of the great outdoors. To embrace our grumpy nation of ‘indoorsy types’ this summer, King Pins is inviting families to celebrate the great indoors and make the most of an inside day out, with kids able to bowl for free before 12pm throughout the summer holidays.
Families can also sign up to the King Pins Summer Voucher Campaign to receive a new deal or offer delivered to their inbox every week, including exclusive deals and discounts. To find out more and sign up, visit kingpins.co.uk/the-great-indoors
King Pins venues offer air-conditioned, wasp-proof entertainment for all ages, with a range of games including Ten Pin and Duck Pin bowling, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, arcades, karaoke and more, alongside food, drinks and a music-led atmosphere under one roof. The team pledges there will be no wasps, no warm pints, and no scrabbling for parking.
James Travis, Marketing Manager at Pins Leisure Group, said: “As soon as the sun comes out, there’s real pressure for us Brits to act like we’re having the time of our lives, even when we’re really battling less-than-ideal conditions. Our research suggests a lot of people are feeling forced to fake their love of summer — so we want to throw our arms around those indoorsy types, let them know that they don’t have to pretend any more that they’re fine with bugs in their warm pints and hellish crowds and help them enjoy the great indoors.
“We promise to never make you feel weird for not loving summer. In fact, we think it’s time to stop pretending the Great British Summertime has to mean pretending to enjoy sitting outside. We’re unashamedly offering an alternative at King Pins, for those among us who’d like to enjoy some aircon and an ice cream that doesn’t melt on sight.”
King Pins venues are open across the UK for walk-ins and group bookings, providing a comfortable alternative when the heat, rain, or crowds become too much, all while offering fun for all ages, completely uninterrupted.
