Top News

Parents say children need to learn more about UK heritage - but struggle to name landmarks
Reach Daily Express | May 15, 2026 6:40 PM CST

Brits aren't confident they could identify some of the UK's most famous landmarks - including Hadrian's Wall, the White Cliffs of Dover and the Angel of the North.

According to a poll of 2,000 people, 94% of adults were able to correctly recognise the Statue of Liberty in New York but two thirds struggled to name well-known sites across the UK. However, 62% admitted they want to learn more about British landmarks and local history.

The research was commissioned by Travelzoo, which is celebrating all the great places to see in the UK.

The club for travel enthusiasts has teamed up with TV personality and keen explorer, Julia Bradbury, who said: "I have been lucky enough to visit almost every corner and coastline of our amazing country.

"From rugged peaks to gently rolling hills, fairy tale villages and vibrant cities.

"We have so much diversity packed into our island, I can't imagine ever being bored exploring it, and I encourage others to discover the incredible places right on their doorstep too."

More than a third (34%) said they wouldn't know where to begin when it comes to exploring what is on their doorstep. But cost was a big barrier to getting out and visiting local landmarks. This was along with a lack of time and transport logistics.

In addition, more than four in 10 respondents who had children didn't think their child could correctly name well-known UK landmarks off the top of their head.

Parents believed their children would be more likely to recognise the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower over Stonehenge and The Angel of The North. But eight in ten say children need to learn more about UK landmarks and local heritage.

Almost three in 10 (29%) believe they have visited more countries outside of the UK than they have counties across the country.

That may be set to change, as a fifth said they are planning to spend more time holidaying in the UK this year compared to previous years.

Ease and reduced stress compared with travelling abroad was cited as the main driver behind choosing a UK trip this year (27%), followed by shorter travel times (25%) and cheaper to stay in the country (22%).

The coast topped the list of staycation destinations, chosen by 61% according to the OnePoll.com figures.

As a nation, Brits are willing to travel for short-break destinations, with journeys averaging almost four hours for a one to three-night getaway.

Cat Jordan, for Travelzoo, said: "These findings show there's a real appetite to connect with what's on our doorstep, but many people don't always know where to start.

"In a country with so much to discover, it's easy to overlook just how much is at our fingertips.

"With so much history, coastline, and culture spread across the UK, you don't need a passport for it to feel like a proper break."


READ NEXT
Cancel OK