One in three holidaymakers rarely venture outside their hotel complex on holiday, according to new research from leading holiday provider Eurocamp.

The study found many of us are too tired or too nervous to wander further than a stone’s throw from the comfort of our hotel and its grounds. More than a quarter of those polled said they relax by the pool every day of their holiday, while nearly one in five admit to never leaving the complex.

The study also found one in five adults returned home embarrassed they had little or no stories or insightful information to pass on to friends about their sunshine break.

Chris Hilton of Eurocamp, which published the results, said: ‘‘It seems that British holidaymakers have lost their sense of discovery when abroad.

‘‘But as Brits work the longest hours in Europe, it’s understandable that we all want a bit of rest and relaxation from a holiday.

‘‘However, it’s a real shame to return from a holiday thinking you’ve not made the most of your time away.

‘‘The post-holiday research we conduct with our customers suggests that the key to getting it right is to strike a good balance.

‘‘Discovering new places or trying new activities on-parc, alongside some all-important relaxation by the pool or on the beach, is the best way to unwind.’‘

The report found families are most likely to hang around the pool, but 22 per cent of respondents said they didn’t have the confidence to explore whilst abroad.

The findings also revealed four in ten British tourists never get a true feel for their destination because they don’t ‘get off the beaten track’‘.

Despite this 18 per cent said they felt bad when they returned home without any insight into a country’s culture and traditions.

One in four said they were the type of person who just likes to ‘flop’ on holiday and so refuses to venture further than the pool and the bar.

But 16 per cent said they don’t like being hassled by promotions people who try to lure holidaymakers into bars, clubs or shops.

More than one in ten said they would fear for their safety if they left their hotel complex.

One third of Brits said the furthest they travel was just 10 miles from the hotel.

Rest emerged as the most important factor in a holiday ahead of sight-seeing, water sports and even sunshine.

A stressed out 40 per cent of workers said they use their annual holiday purely to re-charge their batteries.

And 19 per cent said their ideal holiday would consist of doing absolutely nothing.

Chris Hilton added: ‘‘Certainly, our customers tell us that getting off the beaten track and exploring as a family can really enrich the holiday experience and adventures like these - even it if it’s something as simple as hopping on a local bus and finding a brilliant restaurant where all the locals hang out - are great for bonding with the kids.’‘