With schools finishing for the academic year, the upcoming average British family summer break will take in 11 days out, 344 miles of travel, and two cases of sunburn - according to recent research.

A survey of 2,000 British families revealed the annual big school break will involve 11 and a half hours at the swimming pool, nine hours at the cinema and 12 hours with the kids foisted off on friends.

Another 16 hours will be spent simply sitting in the car ferrying the family around from place to place.

The research was conducted by National Express Coach, who want to encourage the nation’s families to head out and explore the UK this summer.

Chris Hardy, Managing Director for National Express UK Coach said: “Our research revealed that six in 10 parents worry their children will spend too long indoors during the summer holidays.

“And two thirds of parents see the summer break as an opportunity to take their kids to see parts of the UK they wouldn’t normally visit.

“The long summer school holiday is the best time of the year for families to take a trip together and discover somewhere new.”

Parents voted the beach or seaside as their favourite place to take kids for a day out during the break.

This was followed by the cinema, the local park or a nearby swimming pool.

Chris Hardy continued: “We’ve already seen increased bookings to coastal locations, no doubt thanks to the recent sunshine. A jolly to the seaside is a fun and active way to spend a day strengthening family ties and making the most of the British summer weather.

“Museums inspire inquisitive kids, while bike rides and trips to the pool ensure all that summer holiday energy is put to good use.

“At the UK’s largest coach operator, we run services to over 900 locations across the country, so whether you’re looking to take in some great British coastline, walk a picturesque trail with the kids in tow, or pay a visit to some of the UK’s renowned heritage sites and castles to take in some history, we can get you there.”

The average day out over the summer holidays will take families 52 miles away from home in search of fun things for the kids to do.

Unsurprisingly, the car is the most popular mode of transport to ferry families around their summertime destinations. Although over 14 per cent said they dread long hours driving in the car with kids.

For a quarter, the cost of travelling to and from activities is a big worry, while three in 10 struggle to get enough time off work.

And three times as many people say they’d rather take multiple short trips over the summer break, than one big long-haul adventure.

13 per cent of families will go on a train journey together, and almost one in 10 will hop on a coach as a family to visit a UK destination.

For nearly half of the population, a summer break will also involve a flight – with one in 10 hopping on a plane four times or more over a year.

On average, parents will hear their kids wail “I’m bored” more than 33 times each during the summer holidays – combating this by forking out for 19 ice creams a head.

Chris Hardy from National Express Coach added: “Don’t let your kids sit bored indoors this summer. There’s a whole nation out there to see, and with the lovely weather and free time the school break brings, there’s no better time to get out and explore it.”

MOST POPULAR SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY TRIPS

1.    The beach/seaside
2.    The cinema
3.    The park
4.    The swimming pool
5.    A walking trail
6.    An amusement park
7.    A water park
8.    A bike ride in the countryside
9.    A museum
10.   A friend's house

ENDS