Top 50 summer moments - including eating outside and BBQs

The list also included getting endless loads of washing done, the roads being clear of school-run traffic and whipping your top straight off after you finish working from home.

While getting to eat ice cream multiple times a day and waking up to daylight rather than darkness when their alarm goes off also make the list.

It also emerged summer is the favourite season for 51 per cent of the 2,000 adults polled, and a fifth feel this year is set to be their best ever.

Nearly a third (32 per cent) feel good about the upcoming season of heat because they plan on hosting their loved ones often, while 30 per cent have a busy social calendar of get-togethers with their family and friends.

And 29 per cent plan on making 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 nine per cent of summer-lovers will be tying the knot in what is said to be the ‘happiest time of the year’.

 While others are looking forward to major sporting and cultural events – with 24 per cent excited to take in the Wimbledon action.

Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) are eagerly awaiting England taking on Australia in the Ashes, and 18 per cent can’t wait to see the action unfold at the women’s World Cup.

But for 15 per cent, the best summers they remember were when they were under 18, while 69 per cent claim their fondest recollections are from when the sun was shining. 

And the warmer weather evokes nostalgic memories for 53 per cent, who said it makes them remember the summers they enjoyed when they were younger.

2023 is set to be the summer of BBQs

It also emerged four in 10 of those polled via OnePoll still feel giddy, like they were when they were young, thinking about the former years. 

More than half of those polled (56 per cent) feel it’s easier to have memorable experiences in the summer compared to the colder months when on a budget - and 49 per cent count down the days until winter is over.

But 69 per cent find there are more options for things to do when the weather is nicer, and 62 per cent feel more motivated to be more active.

 While 57 per cent find people are genuinely in better spirits, with 60 per cent feeling more impelled to be more sociable. 

And for 13 per cent 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 per cent.

And its good news for the 25 per cent 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 per cent. 

While 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 per cent compared to this time last month.

John Lewis’ spokesperson 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 per cent on our site.”

Top 50 moments Brits love most about Summer

1. Longer days/ sunny evenings
2. Not having to turn the heating on
3. Not having to wear a coat
4. Being able to use your garden
5. The smell of freshly cut grass
6. It not being dark when the morning alarm goes off
7. Eating outside
8. Not having to layer up
9. Seeing wildflowers
10. Being able to get loads of washing done
11. Reading in the garden
12. Looking healthier from getting vitamin D
13. The sound of bees and insects doing their pollinating
14. Sleeping with the windows open
15. Pub gardens
16. Going to BBQs
17. Problems just seem that little bit smaller when the sun shines
18. Getting a tan
19. People seem more friendly
20. Drinking wine in the garden
21. The smell of people barbequing in their gardens when on a leisurely stroll
22. Wearing shorts every day
23. Finally growing some tomatoes or other produce in the garden
24. That first sip of a cold pint on a warm day
25. Having the windows/ roof down in the car
26. Occasionally actually wanting it to rain
27. Being more likely to be spontaneous
28. Exercising outside
29. Hosting BBQs
30. Not wearing socks
31. Packing lighter when travelling
32. Food tastes better al fresco
33. Roads being clear of school traffic
34. Watching Wimbledon
35. Seasonal sport to watch e.g., Olympics, Euros, etc
36. Being able to walk the dog in the evenings
37. Music sounds better
38. Wearing sunglasses as a hair accessory
39. The first time you hear the jingle of the ice cream van
40. Prepping the garden for entertaining
41. Cocktail season
42. Justifying eating ice cream three times a day
43. Drinking Pimm’s
44. The domestic football season is over
45. Peak festival/ gig season
46. Whipping your top off straight after a day of working-from-home finishes
47. Working from home in the garden
48. Outdoor cinemas
49. Watching Love Island
50. Camping in the garden with the kids