The UK’s 20 most iconic views with the White Cliffs of Dover claiming high spot

The White Cliffs of Dover and Snowdon have been crowned the most beautiful views in the UK in a new poll, beating Ben Nevis and Loch Ness to the top spot

The White Cliffs of Dover is the most iconic view in the UK, a new survey has revealed.

The famous Kent landmark, known for its dramatic chalk cliffs and sweeping views across the English Channel, came top in a poll with 25% of people picking it as the most breathtaking landscape.

Snowdon in Wales (24%) came in a close second, followed by Ben Nevis in Scotland (22%) and Durdle Door in Dorset (20%). Another top 10 highlight was Loch Ness in Scotland (20%), famed for the mystical creature living in the depths of the water and the stunning views across the shores.

The study also highlighted the beauty of Lake Windermere in the Lake District (19%), along with St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall (16%) and The Needles on the Isle of Wight (14%). Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond in Scotland rounded off the top 10 shortlist of the most iconic views in the UK.

The survey, commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club to celebrate the fact it was founded by friends 125 years ago, also found views are a huge part of a camping trip.

More than nine in 10 campers (93%) stressed the view from a campsite is important, with almost half (46%) saying it is very important. The research also found camping continues to be one of the best ways for people to reconnect, with more than a third (34%) saying it brings people together more than any other type of holiday and nine in 10 (90%) of Brits saying they are happy campers.

A third (32%) believe camping encourages better conversations than staying in a hotel, while almost one in four (23%) said it helps people create stronger relationships.

And with 92% confessing to spending less time on their phone while camping, the great outdoors appears to be one of the few places where Brits are still managing to properly switch off.

More than half (53%) revealed they have even made a friend specifically while camping, caravanning or staying on a campsite, with those who did staying in touch for an average of almost four years.

Sabina Voysey, Director General for The Camping and Caravanning Club said: “The UK has some truly spectacular views, from rugged coastlines and mountain ranges to lakes, lochs and countryside that people remember for a lifetime.

“What this research shows is that the view is still a huge part of the camping experience. Waking up somewhere beautiful, stepping outside and taking in the scenery is one of the simple pleasures that makes camping so special.

“It is also fitting that, as we celebrate 125 years since the Club was founded by friends, so many of these views are places people enjoy together, whether that is with a partner, children, friends or family.

“Camping has always been about more than where you stay. It is about the people you share it with, the places you discover and the moments that become stories for years to come.”

Full list of the top 20 most iconic views in the UK

1. White Cliffs of Dover, Kent – 25%

2. Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa, Wales – 24%

3. Ben Nevis, Scotland – 22%

4. Durdle Door, Dorset – 20%

5. Loch Ness, Scotland – 20%

6. Lake Windermere, Lake District – 19%

7. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall – 16%

8. The Needles, Isle of Wight – 14%

9. Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond, Scotland – 13%

10. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh – 13%

11. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye – 13%

12. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset – 13%

13. Seven Sisters Cliffs, Sussex – 13%

14. Land’s End, Cornwall – 12%

15. Derwentwater, Lake District – 11%

16. Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland National Park – 11%

17. The Norfolk Broads waterways – 10%

18. Bamburgh Castle and Beach, Northumberland – 10%

19. Tintagel Castle coastline, Cornwall – 9%

20. Lizard Point, Cornwall – (9%)