Long live the postcard! How The i Paper readers are rescuing holiday ritual

The i Paper has received hundreds of postcards from readers across the UK and beyond in recent weeks, reigniting interest in the traditional practice of sending handwritten notes from travel destinations. These cards, ranging from scenic views of coastal towns to personal reflections on everyday life, suggest that despite declining usage, the postcard remains a cherished means of communication for some. Readers have responded to an appeal launched by the newspaper to revive the fading custom, offering glimpses into their lives and surroundings with a nostalgic touch. The resurgence of postcard sending comes amid concerns about the future of the practice. English Heritage recently warned that postcards are facing “terminal decline,” citing a survey revealing that only 8 percent of adults send one annually, and 52 percent never send them at all. The organization noted that while 86 percent of adults grew up either sending postcards or being part of a household where someone did, fewer than 20 percent continue the habit regularly. This shift is attributed to the rise of digital communication, rising postal costs, and the effort required to compose and send a physical card. Despite these challenges, readers have embraced the challenge of reviving the tradition. One such reader, Christopher, sent a postcard featuring the High Street in Rochester, Kent, noting that he had not traveled far that year. “I haven’t travelled so far this year,” he wrote, “Here’s a card from my neighbouring town.” Others shared similar sentiments, highlighting how even local excursions can inspire the desire to send a postcard. Gill, for example, sent a vintage-style greeting from Newton Abbot in Devon, humorously pointing out that the location wasn’t technically on the coast, yet the card still captured the spirit of seaside traditions. Readers from diverse locations contributed their own unique perspectives. Eileen from Northumberland described the weather as “good” and the scenery as “grand,” while Fiona found the Yorkshire coastal resort of Bridlington a refreshing alternative to her hometown in Derbyshire. Cath, writing from North Berwick in East Lothian, praised the milder climate compared to her home, and Mark, revisiting Llandudno in North Wales after five decades, included a heartfelt request to his friends in Brighton to care for his tomatoes. The postcard tradition also resonated with those seeking connection and nostalgia. Margaret in East Yorkshire claimed she was experiencing “a whale of time,” while Sian shared that she was enjoying “a marvellous time in the Mumbles.” Valerie in Bosham, West Sussex, emphasized the value of sending postcards as a way to share news and preserve social history. Rachel from Dorset expressed relief in learning she was not alone in continuing the tradition, calling postcards “part of my holiday.” Karren in County Durham likened the act to receiving a “hug on a card.” Some readers took the opportunity to reflect on the broader significance of postcards. Amy from the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands described the cards as “a small treasure coming through the letter box,” a “window to the world” and a “piece of history” capturing a moment in time. Another reader from Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd highlighted the contrast between modern instant communication and the slower, more deliberate nature of sending a postcard. “My postcard is not from my holiday but from my three-mile journey, six times a week to pick up my The i Paper and, tide permitting, walk on the beach,” they wrote. In an effort to further promote the tradition, English Heritage collaborated with children's illustrators Nick Sharratt and Sir Quentin Blake to create three limited-edition postcards. These designs are available for free at 18 historic sites as part of the “Great British Summer” events, aiming to reconnect people with the cultural heritage of postcard sending. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the emotional and historical value of the medium, even as digital alternatives dominate daily communication.