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The Grand Divide

New research reveals Brits begin to lose their special connection with their grandparents by the time they turn 16

Railcard.co.uk is launching a nationwide competition to help older and younger generations create cherished memories together on days out by train.

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  • Railcard.co.uk is launching a nationwide competition to help older and younger generations create cherished memories together on days out by train

  • Research from the brand reveals that 77% of Brits would like to make more time to visit their grandparents this year 

With new research revealing that 70% of young adults begin to lose their all-important connection with their grandparents by the time they turn 16, Railcard.co.uk is launching a nationwide competition to help older and younger generations reconnect on days out by train.

The research found that Brits aged 18-30 who have at least one living grandparent, on average, only visit them every seven months. Those who see them less than twice a year put the main reason down to them living too far away (81%), with young people on average living two hours from their grandparents. Despite this, 77% agreed that they would like to make more time to visit their grandparents this year.

Railcard.co.uk is on hand to help people reconnect and make memories that last a lifetime, for less. To nurture and support more intergenerational relationships, the competition will offer five lucky duos the chance to recreate one of their cherished memories. Whether it’s a special trip to revisit where they shared their first family staycation or retracting their ancestors’ footsteps together, each winner will receive a Railcard and the opportunity to embark on an adventure of rediscovery.

Spending time with a grandparent not only helps to find out more about your heritage but at times can also help you learn a new skill. The other highest listed benefits of these relationships include grandparents’ ability to make their grandchildren feel comforted (66%), offering good, wise advice (61%), and sharing stories from when they were young (50%).

When choosing to visit their grandparents, just over a tenth choose to take the train (11%). However, despite the many benefits of travelling by train, only 40% of young adults surveyed have a Railcard, which means millions are missing out on being able to save 1/3rd on train travel.

Catherine Lyver from Railcard.co.uk, explained: “Connecting intergenerational relationships for less with a Railcard, means loved ones have more money to spend on creating new memories together. Reconnecting with loved ones enables a whole host of important benefits like being able to impart wisdom and advice, provide support and comfort, even learn new skills. We’re delighted to launch our nationwide competition to inspire people to take more trips by train and maintain these valuable relationships”  

Railcard.co.uk is offering 5 lucky grandchild and grandparent, or honorary grandchild and grandparent, duos the chance to win a Railcard and the opportunity to recreate a cherished memory together. Visit the Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab) to learn more.

Notes to Editors

About the competition

Railcard.co.uk are offering 5 lucky grandchild and grandparent, or honorary grandchild and grandparent, duos the chance to win a Railcard and the opportunity to recreate a cherished memory together. For a chance to win, pairs must either:

  • Email [email protected] with the photograph they wish to recreate accompanied by 100-150 words describing the significance of the memory, and where in Britain it was taken; or

  • Post the picture you wish to recreate to Instagram tagging @national.rail and including in the caption a brief description of the memory and its location

Competition opens on 20 March 2024 and ends on 3 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Learn more on the Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab).

About the research

This survey was conducted by Mortar Research by a total of 1,005 respondents, who have at least one living grandparent. on both mobile and desktop devices. All were based in the UK. The study ran on 5 - 6 March 2024. (Please get in contact with [email protected] for further research breakdowns)

For more information or any queries, please contact [email protected].

About Railcards

With a Railcard, rail users can save 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain, saving an average of £142 a year on rail fares. At just £30 a year, most Railcard customers make the cost back in just one or two journeys, whether visiting family, making new memories with friends or just exploring somewhere new. Visiting railcard.co.uk gives all the options available, whether you’re 16-25, 26-30, or 60+, and whether you travel solo, as a couple, or as a family, there is pretty much a Railcard for everyone. For more information visit www.railcard.co.uk.

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