Grandparents were far more active in their childhood than their grandchildren are today, according to a National Trust survey.

The research found today's iPad generation spend an average of just an hour and 20 minutes outside each day - compared to the two hours and 40 minutes their parents enjoyed and the three and a half hours their grandparents spent outdoors.

Traditional games such as playing with conkers and flying kites have seen a decline, provoking fears that the next generation are missing out on activities that kept their elders entertained.

In fact, the research found that three quarters of grandparents believe they were far more adventurous and daring in their youth than both their children and grandchildren, with 51 per cent saying they have never even seen their grandchild climb a tree.

While advances in modern technology mean the latest generation of children have access to smart phones and social media at an increasingly young age, it appears they are missing out on the simple pleasures, with 80 per cent of adults saying they had more freedom to explore and play outdoors than children do today.

With the summer holidays underway, the National Trust have launched a campaign to encourage families to spend more time outdoors.