Children who enjoy beach holidays less at risk of depression when growing up to be adults

CHILDREN who enjoy beach holidays grow up to be happier adults, research shows.

Scientists say being surrounded by nature helps us feel calm, reduces stress and protects against anxiety and depression.

In a study, those who remembered spending more time near the sea, rivers, canals and lakes as children rated their happiness higher as adults.

They were also more likely to be outdoorsy, boosting mental health.

Scientists at Exeter and Rome universities used data from 16,000 people in 18 countries.

Study author Valeria Vitale said: “Growing detachment from the natural world may be a factor in poor mental health.

"This provides evidence that childhood exposure to blue spaces was positively associated with well- being in adulthood.

“It supports the need to encourage childhood visits to them.”

Regular trips to rivers and lakes also boost kids’ health — even in landlocked countries such as the Czech Republic.

About 5.3million people live in coastal towns in England and Wales and 15million seaside trips are made a year.