July 17, 2012 | Elise

I’m excited about the Games this summer, but a lot of folks here in London are opting to flee from the crowds and go away on holiday.

If that’s their plan new research recommends heading to the coast. Responses given by 48 million English people in the 2001 census suggest that those living less than 1 km from the sea feel more fit and healthy than those living inland.

Poorer communities seem to benefit the most from living by the sea. It’s now hoped some of the health-promoting features of the English seaside could be replicated elsewhere.