Grandparents more and more being kidnapped for holidays with children so dad and mom can sit back

New research shows UK family holidays with grandparents are at an all-time high, with multi-generational holidays becoming a major family travel trend — giving parents extra time to ‘unwind’

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More British families are bringing their grandparents along on holiday than ever before – so parents can chill out. The “Gran-ual Leave” phenomenon is transforming how families holiday together, as we seek to maximise our time away.

Fresh research by Hilton reveals that a quarter of grandparents report they’re taking more holidays with children and grandchildren compared to five years ago, with 69% having done so within the past year.

And there are obvious advantages for the entire family. Grandparents typically spend four hours daily keeping their grandchildren entertained while on holiday, which provides parents with an extra 24 hours of child-free time during a standard week-long break.

Beyond offering parents some respite to enjoy exploring, relaxing, or sharing romantic moments, and giving youngsters additional playtime while bonding with grandparents, it also allows the older generation opportunities to connect with family members they might not encounter daily.

A vast majority of grandparents report it strengthens their relationship with both their grandchildren (83%) and their adult children (73%). Meanwhile, 59% say it enables them to forge special, cherished memories.

It even helps some (34%) feel youthful and energised, with comparable numbers reporting enhanced physical (34%) and emotional wellbeing (33%).

Additional benefits include strengthening family relationships overall (59%) and helping everyone gain more from their break (47%), creating a win-win situation for all. While most grandparents are delighted to take on responsibilities like date-night childcare (66%) and organising games and activities (55%), nearly a quarter (23%) say they relish being the mischievous grandparent while away.

Indeed, 70% of grandparents acknowledge they’re far more laid-back and entertaining with their grandchildren on holiday than they ever were with their own offspring, and 77% own up to bending regulations and making exceptions that would never have been tolerated when their own youngsters were small.

The methods grandparents use to spoil include allowing little ones to remain awake beyond bedtime (63%), agreeing to additional treats (62%), engaging in more games (56%), and easing restrictions around mealtimes (41%).

One celebrity grandparent who is embracing the Gran-ual Leave trend and spoiling his own seven grandchildren while on holiday is TV personality Gyles Brandreth.

“For me, holidays together with my children and grandkids are all about maximising time and creating magical memories together – from the laughter over the breakfast buffet, to impromptu games around the hotel,” he says.

“And much to my own children’s envy, I find myself relaxing the strict rules with the grandchildren, which I once held dear with them – saying ‘yes’ more to embrace the fun, freedom, and joy that us grandparents can bring.” Multi-generational travel is already a well-known experience for many families. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report discovered that nearly half (48%) of Brits embarked on trips with their grandparents during childhood, while one in five youngsters (20%) travel solely with their grandparent, demonstrating the unique role grandparents hold in family holidays.

John Rogers, senior vice president, brand management, EMEA, said: “Family holidays create lasting memories, and our research shows that grandparents can help everyone get more from the trip – giving parents extra time to unwind and children more time to play and connect.

“Hilton simplifies multi-generational trips with confirmed connecting rooms, a diverse brand portfolio, and more than 1,000 hotels across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to suit any travel style or budget.”

Visitors receive 20% off bookings from June 4 to September 7 in the Hilton promotion, which launches on May 14.

Top 10 ways grandparents spoil grandchildren on holiday

Allow them to stay up beyond bedtime (63%)

Say “yes” to additional treats (62%)

Snap more photos / videos to preserve memories (61%)

Engage in more games (56%)

Provide them with extra pocket money (52%)

Urge them to attempt new experiences they wouldn’t typically try at home (47%)

Participate in activities grandparents wouldn’t normally do at home (47%)

Allow them to spend extended time in the pool (45%)

Ease rules around mealtimes (41%)

Allow them to make choices (36%)

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