Over half of Brits (51%) say summer is their favourite season – with longer days and sunnier evenings, and not having to wear a coat, named as some of the best things about the warmer months.
Other top things about summer include not having to turn the heating on, being able to use your garden, and the smell of freshly-cut grass, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.
And many see the warmer days as an excuse to enjoy a cheeky tipple – with sitting in pub gardens and sipping on wine, Pimms, a cocktail, or a cold pint, all featuring in the top 50 summer moments.
Food is also a big part of summer, as Brits look forward to eating outside, going to or hosting BBQs, and being able to tuck into ice cream multiple times a day.
And a fifth of those polled feel hopeful that this summer is set to be their best yet – as three in ten already have a busy social calendar planned with family and friends.
One in three (32%) is looking forward to hosting their loved ones regularly this summer, while 29% intend to make the most of the scenic views all over the UK.
The study was commissioned by John Lewis, whose spokesman said: “Our customers love summer moments and with good reason.
“It’s felt like a long time coming this year, but we’re well into the swing of the good weather now – although as we’re in the UK, that could change at any moment.”
The results also found 9% of summer lovers will be tying the knot in what is said to be the “happiest time of the year”.
And others are looking forward to major sporting and cultural events – with 24% excited to take in the Wimbledon action.
Nearly a fifth (19%) are eagerly awaiting England taking on Australia in the Ashes, and 18% can’t wait to see the action unfold at the women’s World Cup.
But for 15%, the best summers they remember were when they were under 18 – while 69% claim their fondest recollections are from when the sun was shining.
And the warmer weather evokes nostalgic memories for 53%, who said it makes them remember the summers they enjoyed when they were younger.
It also emerged four in ten of those polled, via OnePoll, still feel giddy, like they were when they were young, as they think about the former years.
More than half of those polled (56%) feel it’s easier to have memorable experiences on a budget in the summer, compared to the colder months – and 49% count down the days until winter is over.
But 69% find there are simply more options for things to do when the weather is nicer, and 62% feel more motivated to be more active.
More than half (57%) find people are generally in better spirits, with 60% feeling more impelled to be more sociable.
And for 13% of respondents, being able to walk the dog in the evenings is their favourite part of summer.
Following the findings, John Lewis has released internal data showing sales of comfortable sandals are up 200%.
And it's good news for the 25% who love the sizzle of the grill, as the retailer predicts 2023 will be the summer of “boujee barbecues” – with searches for electric BBQ’s up by 267%.
Meanwhile, many are looking to add a bit of summer fun to their wardrobes and home – with searches for tropical and fruit products up by 129% compared to just this time last month.
John Lewis’ spokesman added: “It’s really interesting to look at how much our summer memories and moments mean to us as a nation.
“Everyone has memories of those long days and nights from when they were younger, and our youthful days almost seem to have been spent in a permanent summer.
“Perhaps this is why we love summer so much, even as older adults. It promises that sense of freedom we felt back then – we’ve seen our customers on the hunt for nostalgia, with searches for “retro” increasing by more than 70% on our site.”
TOP 50 MOMENTS BRITS LOVE MOST ABOUT SUMMER:
- Longer days/sunnier evenings
- Not having to turn the heating on
- Not having to wear a coat
- Being able to use your garden
- The smell of freshly cut grass
- It not being dark when the morning alarm goes off
- Eating outside
- Not having to layer up
- Seeing wildflowers
- Being able to get loads of washing done
- Reading in the garden
- Looking healthier from getting Vitamin D
- The sound of bees and insects doing their pollinating
- Sleeping with the windows open
- Pub gardens
- Going to BBQs
- Problems just seem that little bit smaller when the sun shines
- Getting a tan
- People seem more friendly
- Drinking wine in the garden
- The smell of people barbequing while on a leisurely stroll
- Wearing shorts every day
- Finally growing some tomatoes or other produce in the garden
- That first sip of a cold pint on a warm day
- Having the windows/roof down in the car
- Occasionally actually wanting it to rain
- Being more likely to be spontaneous
- Exercising outside
- Hosting BBQs
- Not wearing socks
- Packing lighter when travelling
- Food tastes better al-fresco
- Roads being clear of school traffic
- Watching Wimbledon
- Watching seasonal sports e.g. Olympics, Euros, etc.
- Being able to walk the dog in the evenings
- Music sounds better
- Wearing sunglasses as a hair accessory
- The first time you hear the jingle of the ice-cream van
- Prepping the garden for entertaining
- Cocktail season
- Justifying eating ice-cream three times a day
- Drinking Pimm's
- The domestic football season is over
- Festival/gig season
- Whipping your top off right after finishing a day of working from home
- Working from home in the garden
- Outdoor cinemas
- Watching Love Island
- Camping in the garden with the kids
