
British public more familiar with celebrity trivia than personal family details, study finds
Meanwhile, 26% knew Wayne Rooney's first car – a Ford SportKa – yet only 21% could identify their mum's initial vehicle.
The research was commissioned by National Rail, representing the rail industry, which has introduced a fresh version of '36 Questions' to encourage people to discover more about their loved ones and engage in more meaningful discussions with friends and family.
Psychologist Dr Madeleine Mason Roantree, collaborating with the brand, explained: "Many of us assume we know our loved ones better than we actually do.
"But research, and everyday experience, show us that we often have blind spots and gaps in our understanding of those around us."
The study also revealed that many haven't explored fundamental questions about themselves, with 40% unaware of how they received their name. Yet 47% know how at least one of the Beckham children got their names – with Brooklyn leading the list (37%).
Nevertheless, failing to find time for personal questions can result in regret later in life – amongst those who've lost a parent, 30% wished they had enquired about their grandparents. Additionally, 27% yearned to discuss their happiest memories with them.
While a majority of 57% are keen to learn more about their family members, a fifth of the population (21%) are at a loss for how to initiate these meaningful conversations.
The study also highlighted that train travel is seen as one of the top settings for fostering connections with others. This preference is attributed to the minimal distractions and the opportunity for quality time (59%), positioning train journeys as prime occasions for strengthening relationships.
Television personalities George and Larry Lamb have given National Rail's '36 Questions to Connect' a go, acknowledging that their busy lives seldom allow for in-depth discussions.
Larry commented: "I'm so lucky to have a very close relationship with my kids but life's so busy, it's often hard to find the time to sit down and have a proper chat, connect, and have those more deep and meaningful conversations - but on the train you can.
"I really enjoyed playing 36 Questions to Connect with my son George, reminiscing on past experiences and sharing a few stories that we didn't know about each other. I didn't realise he didn't actually know what my first job was, and there's a few things I learnt about him too."

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The Guardian
22 minutes ago
- The Guardian
How to save (or go for free) on a family day out this school summer holiday
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In London, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain and Tate Modern are some of the most prominent ones that do not charge. You may have to pay for specific exhibitions and many ask for voluntary donations. Bath Abbey, the National Railway Museum in York, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester and the Royal Armouries in Leeds are also free to visit. People who are on universal credit can often get cheap entry to museums or other attractions. The Cartoon Museum in London has adult tickets for £3 (normally £12) for anyone on universal credit or jobseeker's allowance. The Cutty Sark in Greenwich has £2 (normally £22 for an adult and £11 for a child) tickets for people on some benefits. Up to six people in a household can claim the cheap tickets. Edinburgh zoo offers tickets for £7. Adults on universal credit, pension credit or UK legacy benefits can get access to the Eden Project in Cornwall for £5, while children's tickets are £1 each. 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' Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu ' – may all beings everywhere be happy and free. Listening to the lilting mantras of yoga instructor George, I looked out over the pristine ocean from the Tamarindo shoreline. Breathing deeply, I felt zen – something I thought wasn't possible. For the past six months I'd been bombarded with stress. My family had fallen apart, I was operating with high functioning burnout, moving house – and that wasn't even the half of it. So, when I made the 24-hour trip to the Four Seasons Tamarindo in Costalegre, Mexico, for just three nights, I feared it would leave me more burnt out than before. Instead, it was the ultimate reset. The hotel, nestled deep in 3,000 acres of private nature reserve, is often named the best beach resort in the country. And, until the start of December, every fourth night is free. If that hasn't convinced you, here's what's on offer… Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. While Mexico was the eighth most Googled destination of 2024, Costalegre is usually overlooked in favour of Cancun, Tulum and Mexico City. It's hard to reach, but that makes it feel like another world. That's the sense you get as you pull into the entrance of the hotel and make the 15-minute drive through the nature reserve to the open air lobby. If you look hard enough, you'll see iguanas, maybe a boa constrictor and five of the six native big cats. There's no need to worry though, as nothing ventures near the hotel (apart from the occasional racoon if you leave your door open). To beat the jetlag, book yourself in for a tailor-made spa experience – a full body massage including a facial and lymphatic drainage. My masseuse Jasmine worked knots out of my shoulders that I thought would be there for life, and I left feeling wide awake. I stayed in the ocean-view cliffside panoramic suite (£1,161 per night), which was the same size as my flat back home. 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Elsewhere in the resort, you can unwind with oceanside yoga (£91pp) and sound baths, or hike some 26 miles of track, encountering wildlife and learning about flora and fauna along the way (£46pp with guide). You'll spot 200-year-old cacti and learn love lessons from the parrots who always fly in couples and are monogamous for life. The restaurant worth shouting about here is Nacho, and yes, it does sell them. Think authentic Mexican, with a vast array of tacos including steak, pork, goat and octopus. The guac is divine, though I can't say the same for the grasshoppers on offer. It may be a delicacy, but it's not something I'll be rushing to eat again. If you're after something fancier, head to Coyul. It's Mexican with Italian influences and does a stunning Lobster pasta and burrata. Another option is Sal, which serves steak, plenty of ceviche and raw fish, and rum-based cocktails. Every restaurant has an ocean view. What's not to love? 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