Loch Ness 'most picturesque view' in the UK, new survey by railway company London North Eastern Railway (LNER) finds
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LOCH Ness has topped a nationwide poll for the most picturesque views in the UK that inspire, delight and excite us, a new survey has found.
The beautiful and mysterious waters of Nessie's home cast their spell on UK travellers – according to a survey by rail giant LNER.
Twenty-seven per cent of those people quizzed listed it as their favourite – placing it in joint top place with Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
The London Eye (26 per cent) and the Tower of London (24 per cent) were the next highest, while the next highest Scottish vistas were Ben Nevis (18 per cent), Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (16 per cent), Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh (15 per cent) and the Three Sisters in Glencoe (11 per cent).
The survey also found that two-thirds of Brits missed being able to visit UK beauty spots during the past year, while 58 per cent hope to do so once the pandemic restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “It’s clear to see that as a nation we’re proud to be home to some amazing views, ranging from natural beauty like Loch Ness and the Yorkshire Dales to great cities like London and York. Although restrictions are in place for now, it’s not difficult to see why so many of us will be looking to explore the beauty of Britain once it’s safe to do so.
“When people are able to travel again, it’s pleasing to see that the staycation should return thanks to the ease of travelling around the UK, and an enjoyable, safe journey being a key priority. We’re not surprised to see destinations on the LNER route feature highly in the popular vote as we’re blessed with some of the most picturesque spots in the UK. With over 900 miles of track to explore, we’re looking forward to helping people discover their favourite views again soon.”
Other favourite UK vistas included the likes of the Yorkshire Dales (24 per cent), Snowdonia (23 per cent), the Giant's Causeway (16 per cent), Hadrian's Wall (12 per cent) and Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland (nine per cent).
The study also discovered that UK residents are proud of the views in the British Isles, with 47 per cent insisting that we’ve been blessed with some of the most beautiful vistas in the world, and a further 44 per cent saying they were grateful to live somewhere that has such stunning scenery.
Two-thirds have British beauty spots and destinations on their own personal travel bucket lists (67 per cent).
When it comes to what it is about Britain’s views that make them so spectacular, 47 per cent said we have a great mix of both landscapes and urban cityscapes, 45 per cent think there’s so much history to see in our views, while over a third said the proximity of city and countryside means you can be transported to a different view in minutes (36 per cent).
The survey also found that 42 per cent feel the UK is home to places that feel wild and undiscovered, and 57 per cent believe that a trip in the British Isles is as good as a holiday overseas. People also liked to explore destinations that offer plenty to discover (49 per cent), beautiful views and scenery (47 per cent) and going somewhere they’ve never been before (42 per cent).
The research also reveals that 77 per cent of those surveyed hope to take a UK staycation first before planning a trip abroad.
Top 30 favourite views in the UK:
- 1. Loch Ness – 27%
- 2. Lake Windermere – Lake District 27%
- 3. The London Eye 26%
- 4. The Tower of London 24%
- 5. St Ives Bay, Cornwall 24%
- 6. The Yorkshire Dales 24%
- 7. Snowdonia 23%
- 8. The Jurassic Coast 20%
- 9. The White Cliffs of Dover 19%
- 10. Stonehenge 19%
- 11. Ben Nevis 18%
- 12. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset 18%
- 13. York Minster 17%
- 14. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park 16%
- 15. Brecon Beacons, Wales 16%
- 16. The Giant’s Causeway 16%
- 17. Durdle Door, Dorset 15%
- 18. The view from Westminster Bridge of the UK Parliament and Big Ben 15%
- 19. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh 15%
- 20. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall 14%
- 21. Peak District view from Stanage Edge, Derbyshire 13%
- 22. Buttermere, the Lake District 13%
- 23. Robin Hoods Bay, the Dinosaur Coast - Yorkshire 13%
- 24. Hadrian’s Wall 12%
- 25. Richmond Park, London 12%
- 26. The Angel of the North 11%
- 27. The Three Sisters in Glencoe 11%
- 28. Freshwater Bay, the Isle of Wight 11%
- 29. Eden Valley, Cumbria 10%
- 30. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland 9%
