People in the UK are turning to simple pleasures such as spending time in beautiful surroundings to get them through the gloom of the recession, figures from the National Trust show today.

Faced with a barrage of bad news about the economy, and the need to find ways to make their money go further, days out with friends and family are becoming more and more important to people.

In fact, the growing economic crisis seems to have focused people’s minds on what really counts, with most concentrating on spending quality time at a nearby beauty spot rather than expensive theme parks or other visitor attractions.

In a survey of 2,000 people published today ahead of the National Trust opening its properties’ doors by Saturday 14 March, 84 per cent said that days out were as or more important to them this year.

Simple pleasures were at the top of people’s priorities, with walks in the park (64 per cent), visiting galleries (36 per cent), historic buildings (34 per cent) and beautiful gardens (30 per cent) all more popular than the quick but more costly thrills offered by theme parks (26 per cent) and sporting events (13 per cent).

© NTPL / David Levenson

Asked what types of day out they were likely to choose this year, almost two thirds (64 per cent) chose visiting a historic building or beautiful garden, with a similar number likely to go for a walk in the countryside or nearby park. In contrast, only one in four said they were likely to go to a theme park this year.

Interestingly, more people than ever have renewed their interest in beauty and see the value in visiting beautiful places such as National Trust properties. Despite living in a society where more than 55 per cent of people acknowledge there is less beauty than there once was, 90 per cent want their days out to be in beautiful places.

Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, said:

'Getting away from it all and spending a day with family and friends in beautiful surroundings is becoming essential to help ease away the stresses and strains. And contact with nature and history clearly provides what people need.'

The National Trust looks after 300 historic houses and gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By Saturday March 14 every one of the National Trust’s properties will be open to the public.

On Thursday 19 March David Starkey and Germaine Greer will debate whether Britain has become indifferent to beauty at a National Trust event chaired by National Trust Chairman Simon Jenkins. For tickets and more information go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/debates