BARELY half of children aged eight to 16 years old know where Bournemouth is, according to a new survey.

Hotel chain Travelodge asked 2,500 youngsters in the wake of an expected boom in families holidaying in the UK as the recession hits.

It asked children about their holiday plans and found some startling statistics about their geographical knowledge.

Almost half of those asked said they would be taking a beach holiday this summer, but with Bournemouth’s seafront set to be packed if the recent glorious weather continues, the survey revealed that 49 per cent of the children questioned did not know where the famous seaside town was.

But it wasn’t all bad news – the resort is in their top ten places to go on holiday, coming in at number nine, with Cornwall named as favourite.

Guy Parsons, Travelodge managing director, said: “2009 is the year of the ‘staycation’.

“By holidaying at home, youngsters will certainly find out why Great Britain is a top holiday destination. In addition they will learn more about their country and most importantly identify where key British holiday locations are.

“It is encouraging to see the report identified 88 per cent of young Brits think it’s important to grow up with memories of having holidays in the UK. This is great news for the future of British tourism.”

The survey also reckons it has established the perfect summer holiday formula for children – three days at the seaside, two in the country, one at a theme park and one on a city tour.

Bournemouth wasn’t alone in being in the wilderness as far as youngsters are concerned. Findings revealed a fifth of young Brits didn’t know where Cornwall was – thinking it was in Scotland – 46 per cent had no clue as to the location of the Lake District and a quarter were unaware that the popular holiday county of Devon was in the south west.