Millions of children are failing to visit the attractions and locations on their own doorstep, a report has revealed. The study, of 2,000 Brits, found that 32% of families only really sightsee when they are on holiday and they usually holiday abroad.
The average Brit has also only seen one in four of the UK’s top landmarks, while two thirds are yet to see major sights such as the White Cliffs of Dover and Windsor Castle. However, 23% of people have paid at least one visit to Florida’s Disneyworld – more than the one in five who have visited the Eden Project in Cornwall or the 16% who have spent time exploring the Jurassic Coast.
Researchers found that more than a third say they don’t view something as a landmark when it is on their doorstep, while another 36% say they are too busy to do it when they at home.
Yesterday Charles Millward, chief executive of luxury cottage rental firm Rural Retreats, which commissioned the study, said: “It’s sad that our busy lifestyles mean that so many British children are not being made aware of this country’s history and landmarks, and are yet to discover the great places within the UK. And it’s disappointing to think that we are more likely to take our children to see overseas landmarks and attractions, such as Disneyworld, rather than those in our home country. There is so much on offer in the UK. Whether it’s Stonehenge, The Lake District or London’s tourist attractions, these islands have a unique appeal – maybe we forget as it is all on our doorstep. It’s a great shame, as many children miss out on seeing captivating aspects of their own heritage.”
Despite this, 88% also think it’s important that children explore the UK and the area they live, and 90% want their youngsters to be aware of the country’s history and landmarks.
Charles Millward from Rural Retreats added: “Swapping the routine of our urban living environment for the scenery of a rural location, or discovering something new and different closer to home can be a really positive thing, especially for children. For new parents in particular, the cost and hassle of a long-haul trip can be off-putting. So a mini-break closer to home, to discover our UK landmarks, can create treasured family memories at the fraction of the expense. The report also shows that parents are keen for their children to learn more about the UK’s heritage and the fascinating locations and places that it has to offer. Based on this, we would urge families to explore what our great country has to offer, rather than automatically booking a break aboard each year – they will not be disappointed.”
Top 10 most visited UK landmarks
Big Ben
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Lake District
Buckingham Palace
Blackpool Tower
Houses of Parliament
Natural History Museum
Westminster Abbey
Top 10 foreign attractions
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Disneyworld, Florida
Statue of Liberty, New York
The Colosseum, Rome
Rock of Gibraltar
Mont St Michel, France
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Pyramids, Egypt
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Hollywood sign, LA
So we ask you Mojomums how many of you have taken your children to see the top 10 attractions in the UK? And what attraction is near you that you recommend to other Mojomums?
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