A whiff of freshly cut grass, a roast dinner – and crayons are the top smells that take us back to our childhood.

       A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that roses, sweets and Play-Doh also ranked highly among the scents that trigger memories of growing up.

       2

       A whiff of freshly cut grass is among the top smells that take us back to our childhood

       While the distinct smell of grandparents’ homes and mothers’ perfumes cause adolescent memories to come flooding back for 18 and 19 per cent of Brits, respectively.

       More than three quarters (76 per cent) believe certain aromas could evoke fond memories, and 61 per cent claim encountering smells they love has a positive impact on their mood.

       In fact, 58 per cent claim smells they enjoy can even help them to unwind when they feel stressed.

       Dr. Angharad Rudkin, a clinical psychologist and mum, speaking on behalf of decongestant brand Olbas which commissioned the research, said: “It is incredibly powerful what feelings, emotions and memories certain smells can evoke.

       “From childhood memories to feelings of comfort and relaxation, it is clear that what we smell can have a profound impact.

       “Even if it is something more on the unusual side that we enjoy, it is so important that we embrace these scents and look after our noses so we can continue to breathe easily and celebrate them.”

       Most read in The Sun

       GRANDAD SUICIDE Star's grandad took his own life after sending card to daughter in prison

       TODGEY PARKING Rooney's ￡150k car daubed with graffiti after parking it at Christmas market

       JANUARY BLUES Pubs, shops and restaurants could be forced to shut in January due to Omicron

       HEARTLESS Chilling moment shameless mum & lover blame 2-year-old boy for Star's murder

       TOP 20 SMELLS THAT REMIND US OF OUR CHILDHOOD

       Fresh-cut grass Certain meals being cooked – like Bolognese or a roast dinner Crayons Roses Sweets Play-Doh The smell of a school The countryside Your mothers perfume Pencil shavings Your grandparents' house Lavender Medicines The smell of paints – oil, acrylic, poster An old teddy bear/ blanket Leather Daisies Potpourri Bark from a playground Packaging from a new toy or video game

       The survey also found that curry, bonfires and the interior of a new car topped the list of the nation’s favourite smells.

       While leather shoes, freshly laid tarmac and fireworks are among the more unusual scents to put a smile on faces.

       More than two thirds (67 per cent) feel embarrassed when revealing the eccentric odours they love, but 39 per cent find it amusing when a loved one tells them about an unusual smell they adore.

       A quarter of those polled (27 per cent) even admitted to going out of their way to encounter smells they enjoy, with a third (33 per cent) doing so on a weekly basis.

       Fish and chip shops ranked as the number one smell the nation associates with the UK, with 54 per cent of those polled via OnePoll claiming it to be the quintessential British smell.

       This was followed by the unmistakable smell of roast dinners (39 per cent) and the pub (33 per cent).

       Claire Campbell, brand manager at Olbas, said: “When we are suffering with a blocked nose from a cold or flu, it is often the treasured smells that we miss the most as they can be extremely comforting when we’re not feeling at our best.

       “That’s why, we want to help the whole family to relieve congestion and breathe more easily every day.”

       2

       The unmistakable smell of roast dinners was another popular choice for Brits Credit: Getty

       I'm a perfume addict with hundreds of fragrances but there are only three men can't resist - and one’s a budget Superdrug scent