Brits are clueless in terms of figuring out a number of the UK’s most well-known landmarks
Most of us could recognise the Statue of Liberty in New York, 36% weren’t able to name iconic landmarks closer to home, such as Hadrian’s Wall or St Paul’s Cathedral
What are these? Statue of Liberty? Maybe(Image:
GETTY
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Britons are clueless when it comes to identifying some of the UK’s most famous landmarks – including Hadrian’s Wall, the White Cliffs of Dover and the Angel of the North.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 59% of us struggle to name well-known sites across our native country. While 94% could correctly recognise the Statue of Liberty in New York, 36% weren’t able to name iconic landmarks closer to home, such as Hadrian’s Wall or St Paul’s Cathedral.
Angel of The North and the White Cliffs of Dover were also among those left unidentified. And 62% say they want to learn more about British landmarks and local history.
The research was commissioned by Travelzoo, which is celebrating all the great places to see in the UK.
The club for travel enthusiasts has teamed up with TV personality and keen explorer, Julia Bradbury, who said: “I have been lucky enough to visit almost every corner and coastline of our amazing country.
“From rugged peaks to gently rolling hills, fairy tale villages and vibrant cities.
“We have so much diversity packed into our island, I can’t imagine ever being bored exploring it, and I encourage others to discover the incredible places right on their doorstep too.”
The study also found cost was the biggest barrier to exploring local landmarks, followed by lack of time and transport logistics. Three in 10 believe people are more likely to visit international attractions over UK landmarks.
When asked to place landmarks geographically, 38% were unsure where Stonehenge was located, whereas 66% couldn’t correctly identify the region for Hadrian’s Wall, and 33% struggled with Giant’s Causeway.
More than four in 10 respondents who had children didn’t think their child could correctly name well-known UK landmarks off the top of their head.
Parents believed their children would be more likely to recognise the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower over Stonehenge and The Angel of The North.
In addition, 81% believe children need to learn more about UK landmarks and local heritage. More than a third said they would not know where to begin when it comes to exploring what is on their doorstep. Almost three in 10 believe they have visited more countries outside of the UK than they have counties across the country.
That may be set to change, as a fifth said they are planning to spend more time holidaying in the UK this year compared to previous years.
Cat Jordan, for Travelzoo, said: “These findings show there’s a real appetite to connect with what’s on our doorstep, but many people don’t always know where to start.
“In a country with so much to discover, it’s easy to overlook just how much is at our fingertips. With so much history, coastline, and culture spread across the UK, you don’t need a passport for it to feel like a proper break.”
