WINNIE-THE-POOH sits in an idyllic New Forest scene, surrounded by his friends Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and Christopher Robin.

A pony grazes contentedly in the background and the gang sit on the grass in a circle while Christopher draws.

The quintessential image has been created to illustrate the public's favourite family activities, and camping in the New Forest takes pride of place on the leaderboard.

The attraction is the fifth most popular in the country, while fossil-hunting at Brook Beach on the Isle of Wight comes 15th in the VisitEngland and Egmont poll.

Parents were asked for their favourite traditional activities and the answers hark back to an age when the great outdoors was considered an ideal family activity.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, said: “It's great that respondents' fondest holiday memories are from time spent in England and we are thrilled that these simple pleasures can be experienced across the country.

“We hope the guide will inspire families to discover, explore and enjoy the best of England this bank holiday.”

Top on the list was enjoying a fish supper on Blackpool Pier, Lancashire, closely followed by having an afternoon tea in Devon and picnicking on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District.

Four national parks appear in the top 25, while the only attraction from London in the top ten was negotiating the maze at Hampton Court Palace.

Sarah Bates, publishing director of Egmont, said: “Winnie-the-Pooh shares many a simple adventure with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood so he is the perfect character to remind us how to enjoy the simple pleasures that England has to offer.”