A record of 5,184 struggling families were able to take a day trip or short break through the Family Holiday Association last year with support from the travel and tourism industry.
The figure represented a 38% year-on-year increase, described by the charity as a testament to all who contributed to its 40th anniversary activities in 2015-16.
More than 11,000 children and almost 8,000 adults benefited from a British seaside break or a day trip.
Almost half had a family break together for the very first time, with a third of children enjoying their first ever visit to a beach.
FHA research found that virtually all families (99%) reported reduced worries and stress levels after their break, and 94% of parents felt better able to cope.
The charity’s programme manager John Kinnear said: “These results are an important and tangible indication of the importance of breaks away from home.”
FHA director John McDonald said: “We approached our 40th anniversary aiming to generate enough income and goodwill to help 4,000 struggling families, so we’ve exceeded our target by a long way. And it’s important to remember that for the families we help, these breaks really are a lifeline, not a luxury.
“The travel and tourism industry has always been central to our charity’s activities, and the extent to which supporters embraced both our 40th anniversary and ‘500 for 500’ campaigns – the latter generating £250,000 – was incredible.
“I’m hugely proud of that support and what it has achieved.”