New research shows more Brits have visited the Eiffel Tower than some of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, with cost of living and lack of time cited as the main barriers to exploring closer to home.
Britons are more likely to have visited landmarks overseas than those on their own doorstep, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that more people have laid eyes on the Eiffel Tower (55%) than some of Britain’s most beloved landmarks, including the Tower of London (54%), Tower Bridge (53%) and Trafalgar Square (52%). The findings also revealed that people were better at identifying foreign landmarks than those closer to home.
More than three quarters (78%) of respondents could identify the Eiffel Tower, while 71% recognised the Leaning Tower of Pisa and 61% could identify Rome’s Colosseum. By contrast, fewer people were able to recognise St Paul’s Cathedral (58%), Westminster Abbey (53%) and Edinburgh Castle (52%).
In honour of these landmarks, Railcard.co.uk, which commissioned the research, collaborated with ‘Sand in Your Eye’ to craft a variety of attractions and famous sights from across Britain in sand. The sculpture was revealed on Blackpool promenade and will stay there for the public to view until the weekend.
Constructed using 12 tonnes of sand and taking three days to complete, the creation showcases the attractions topping Brits’ wish lists: Tower of London (22%), Edinburgh Castle (18%), Stonehenge (18%), Eden Project (18%) and Scotland’s Loch Ness (18%).
Catherine Lyver, from railcard.co.uk, which commissioned the research to encourage Brits to make the most of British landmarks by offering a third off travel for adults and 60% off for children, said: “It’s easy to overlook the iconic landmarks and hidden gems on our doorstep, yet Great Britain is full of incredible places to explore.
“We’re encouraging people to do a third more with their break, making it easier and more affordable to tick off some of the bucket-list-worthy destinations closer to home.”
“Whether you’re still looking to tick off historic favourites like the Tower of London or have added the modern Eden Project to your list, there are plenty of opportunities to make your summer go further when you travel by train.”
The overwhelming majority in the OnePoll.com survey for railcard.co.uk (79%) said they would like to discover more British landmarks – but the cost of living (43%) and lack of time (33%) are the primary obstacles preventing them.
When visiting British landmarks 23% will travel by train, because it’s relaxing (59%), more convenient (46%) and don’t have to worry about parking (43%).
THE 10 MUST VISIT ATTRACTIONS IN BRITAIN:
- Tower of London
- Edinburgh Castle
- Stonehenge
- Eden Project
- Loch Ness
- The British Museum
- Buckingham Palace
- Lake Windermere
- Windsor Castle
- Jurassic Coast