Top 20 UK 'wish list' destinations - and Loch Ness takes the top spot

18 October 2023 , 11:54

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Loch Ness has topped a list of UK 'bucket list' destinations (Image: @elsenormopa/Instagram)

Brits have shared their top 20 UK travel “wish list” destinations – with Loch Ness, and the Scottish Highlands, topping the list. Other Scottish hotspots that people are keen to visit include Edinburgh Castle, Ben Nevis, and the picturesque Scottish Coastline.

And down south, Cornwall proved a popular place to want to visit – with Land's End, and the environmentally focused Eden Project, making the list.

The Roman Baths in Bath, Dorset's Jurassic Coast, and the World Heritage Site, Stonehenge, also ranked highly on Brits' bucket lists.

The survey, of 2,000 adults, found that almost a fifth (18%) are unsure of where to go on their travels – with six in ten preferring somewhere familiar.

As a result, nearly a third of Southerners (31%) have never travelled as far as Scotland, while 29% of those in the North have never ventured down to Devon or Cornwall.

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But one in ten (11%) claim they are stuck in a holiday rut – with 13% admitting they are “afraid to risk” trying somewhere new.

In light of the findings, London North East Railway (LNER), which commissioned the research, 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.

Top 20 UK 'wish list' destinations - and Loch Ness takes the top spot

And three-quarters are planning a trip in the next 12 months to an area of the UK they have never visited before (@rubytuesday.photography/Instagram)

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 half (49%) have three or more UK destinations on their bucket list – with Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria, and London’s Buckingham Palace, also featuring on the nation’s list of places they’d love to visit.

It emerged 43% have never visited the beautiful and historic town of Canterbury, while three in ten have never ventured to Leeds.

But more than seven in ten (73%) of those, who are likely to visit areas of the UK they’ve never seen before, are planning a trip within the next 12 months.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 21% have simply passed through England’s capital – without taking the time to enjoy the rich nature, culture, and gastro opportunities London has to offer.

In fact, 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.

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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: