Nessie’s doorstep voted top beauty spot in UK survey
Attraction beat sites including Stonehenge and Houses of Parliament in ‘seven wonders’ vote
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LOCH Ness and Urquhart Castle have claimed top spot in a national survey carried out by the RAC.
The beauty spot beat tourist favourites including Stonehenge, the Houses of Parliament and Windsor Castle in the Seven Wonders of Britain road-trippers’ survey.
The poll was conducted following research revealing that just 40% of Britons are proud of attractions on their own shores.
Twice as many British people had visited the Eiffel Tower than had been to Stonehenge.
New York’s Statue of Liberty and the Coliseum in Rome were considered more popular, suggesting Britons appreciate overseas attractions above those at home.
The RAC was prompted to list Britain’s “seven wonders” after the deepening economic crisis apparently left 77% of Britons opting to take more UK breaks this year.
Motorists revealed that they expect a “wonder” to combine historical importance with entertainment, while having a “wow factor” that is easily accessible by road.
From a shortlist of 14 locations fitting tourism agency VisitBritain’s criteria, the seven wonders are Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Whitby Abbey, Hadrian’s Wall, Stonehenge, Hardknott Pass in Cumbria, the Angel of the North and the Houses of Parliament.
A spokeswoman for Historic Scotland said: “We are delighted that Urquhart Castle on the beautiful banks of Loch Ness has claimed the top spot in the poll.
“In a stunning location, this dramatic and atmospheric castle is really something to be seen, and definitely has the wow factor.
“It certainly deserves to be up there with some of the most spectacular tourist spots in the UK.”
VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: “It’s been interesting to see which ones have found favour with the public. What’s become clear is that Brits are looking to rediscover the sights sitting on their own doorstep.
“Many of the British roads are a real pleasure to drive on so there’s never been a better time to get behind the wheel and discover the national treasures on our own doorstep.”
There are full details of the “seven wonders” online at rac.co.uk
