A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed that more people have seen the Eiffel Tower (55%) than some of Britain’s most popular landmarks, including the Tower of London (54%), Tower Bridge (53%) and Trafalgar Square (52%). The study found that Brits were also more likely to be able to identify landmarks abroad than those on home soil.
Recognition of landmarks
More than three quarters (78%) of people could identify the Eiffel Tower. Another 71% are able to identify the Leaning Tower of Pisa and 61% Rome’s Colosseum. Fewer people could recognise St Paul’s Cathedral (58%), Westminster Abbey (53%) and Edinburgh Castle (52%).
Sand sculpture celebration
To celebrate the range of landmarks and attractions across Britain, railcard.co.uk worked with sand sculptors to create the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of British landmarks. The sculpture was unveiled on Blackpool promenade and will remain there for the public to see until the weekend. It was built using 12 tonnes of sand, took three days to create and features the attractions at the top of Brits’ wishlist: Tower of London (22%), Edinburgh Castle (18%), Stonehenge (18%), Eden Project (18%) and Scotland’s Loch Ness (18%).
Encouraging exploration
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.”
Barriers and travel habits
The vast majority in the OnePoll.com study for railcard.co.uk (79%) said they would like to explore more British landmarks – but the cost of living (43%) and lack of time (33%) are the main barriers. When going to British landmarks, 23% will travel by train because it’s relaxing (59%), more convenient (46%) and they don’t have to worry about parking (43%).
Top 10 must-visit attractions in Britain
The study also listed 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, and Jurassic Coast.
