A new survey has revealed that we all like to be beside the seaside. The research by charity WaterAid found that a walk along the coastline is the top attraction, with other top reasons including “for a picnic” and “to take a plunge in the seas”.

The survey revealed:

* 75% of people like to head to the seaside to stretch their legs during a bracing stroll

* 66% like to go for a picnic

* 44% are very hardy and enjoy a dip in the seas.

The survey was carried out in Wales and asked a random sample of people for their reasons behind going to the seaside.

Anna Orton, National Trust property manager at the Gower, one of the UK’s best-loved seaside destinations, isn’t in the least bit surprised. She said: "Rosy cheeks have been the norm this summer at Rhossili and all along Gower coast.

"The fresh-faced look has been not so much due to the sun but more down to visitors determined to take bracing walks and play on the beach despite the weather.

"There's something very British about packing a woolly pully as well as a bucket and spade in the car and being determined to have a good time. There's also something quite memorable about swimming in the sea when it's raining and no weather is too bad for an ice cream."

New walking trail for Wales

Perhaps it is the new Wales Coast Path that has been attracting more people to the seaside for a jolly good stroll. Opened in May, it is the first of its kind in the world and stretches 870 miles from Queensferry in the north to Chepstow in the south.

Walk for charity

WaterAid, which works to improve access to safe water and sanitation in the world's poorest communities, is also hosting a Coast Along walk on September 15. The aim is to get people walking 2,000 miles of the British coast.

Sarah Canniford, of WaterAid, said: "As walking is Wales's most popular coastal activity, we are hoping people will be inspired to combine their favourite day out with doing something for charity by striding out on the country's beautiful coastal paths and joining in with Coast Along."