Nearly three-quarters of Brits (73%) are planning a staycation trip in the next 12 months to parts of the UK they have never visited before – with Loch Ness topping the list, research has found.
It seems many are keen to venture further north, as the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh Castle, and the Lake District appeared among their top UK “bucket list” destinations.
And at the other end of the country, Dorset's Jurassic Coast, and Land's End in Cornwall, also proved popular as spots that people have never visited, but really want to.
It emerged that half (49%), of the 2,000 adults polled, have at least three UK destinations on their travel wish list.
But one in ten (11%) feel as though they are stuck in a holiday rut, with 18% unsure about where to go – while 13% even admit they are “afraid to risk” trying somewhere new.
And 60% prefer familiarity – with 31% of Southerners having never been to Scotland, while 29% of those in the North have never ventured as far south as Devon or Cornwall.
The study was commissioned by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which has teamed up with Visit Kent, Southeastern, St. Pancras International, and the King’s Cross Neighbourhood, to launch an extended fourth version of its popular LNER Green Guide series.
The latest version of the guide features environmentally-friendly traveller tips for people looking to discover the best of the south and east coasts of England and Scotland, with the guide focusing on Leeds, Aberdeen, Canterbury, Folkestone, and the King’s Cross St. Pancras area – all “underdiscovered” gems.
David Horne, managing director for the brand, said: “In spite of the fact that three-quarters of us want a staycation this year, and millions of us want to do that as part of a wider sustainability commitment, it’s clear that we just don’t know where to start.
“We’re visiting destinations on repeat, yet there are so many gems just waiting to be explored.”
The study also found that 43% have never visited the beautiful and historic town of Canterbury, while three in ten have never ventured to Leeds.
And Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria, Stonehenge in Salisbury, and London’s Buckingham Palace, also featured on the nation’s list of places they’d love to visit.
In fact, over a fifth (21%) of those polled, via OnePoll, admitted they have only ever passed through England’s capital – without taking the time to enjoy the rich nature, culture, and gastro opportunities London has to offer.
As a result, 72% were unaware the cultural hotspots of the newly-developed Granary Square, and tranquillity of Regent’s Canal, are within 10 minutes walking distance of London’s King’s Cross and St Pancras International stations.
The research also found 37% feel it is important they stay somewhere that is environmentally-friendly, while almost half (48%) want to support places that source food locally.
David Horne added: “This autumn, we’re delighted to partner with other leading travel and tourism partners – to bring green travel inspiration to millions dreaming of staycations.
“We’re lucky to live in a country with vibrant, diverse, and beautiful locations, all within easy reach by the most sustainable form of transport. Whether you’re looking to explore sweeping scenery, historic landmarks, or cities buzzing with life, the possibilities are endless.”
TOP 20 UK DESTINATIONS ON BRITS’ WISH LISTS:
- Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit
- The Scottish Highlands
- Eden Project, Cornwall
- Lake District, Cumbria
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
- Roman Baths, Bath
- Jurassic Coast, Dorset
- Stonehenge, Salisbury
- Ben Nevis, Fort William
- Land's End, Cornwall
- Scottish Coastline
- Hadrian's Wall, Cumbria
- Kew Gardens, London
- Windsor Castle, Berkshire
- Mount Snowdon, Gwynedd
- Buckingham Palace, London
- The Needles, Isle of Wight
- The Peak District, Derbyshire
- York Minster, York
- White Cliffs of Dover, Kent
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