The Northern Lights, as seen from the Isle of Skye, have been crowned the ultimate UK staycation experience people are itching to tick off their bucket lists, a study reveals.
Research conducted by Sykes Holiday Cottages has revealed that Brits most wanted staycation activity is to see the Northern Lights. According to a survey of 2,000 adults, other hotspots making the top 30 UK must-sees include Cornwall's Eden Project, Belfast's Titanic Museum, and the iconic Stonehenge in Wiltshire. This natural phenomenon, known as the aurora borealis, graces Scotland with its presence more often when the skies are dark and solar activity is peaking.
Not to be missed is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, famed for its stunning caves, dramatic cliffs, and the namesake Cheddar cheese. The Jacobite Steam Train's 84-mile journey from Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland also made the top 10, offering passengers a magical ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films.
The findings show a whopping 81% of Brits believe that you don't need to venture to exotic international locations to broaden your horizons. Graham Donoghue, CEO of the holiday rental company, commented: "There is so much on our doorstep when it comes to holidays and activities, with the UK boasting a whole host of exciting things to see and do."
"Our research has shown that Brits have a strong desire to tick off a wide range of experiences in this country, including must-visit museums, natural phenomena, and popular nature spots," he added. "While the UK might be smaller in size in comparison to other countries, there is still plenty to pack into a staycation. Sometimes it's just knowing where to start, but this jam-packed list should provide some inspiration."
The report also discovered that 78% of Brits are adamant about exploring more of the UK, with a quarter harbouring a dedicated bucket list of stuff they want to experience here.
However, factors like finances (50%), unpredictable weather (35 %) and work duties (22%) mean that they don't get to do this as much as they wish. Among those who opt for staycations, comfort is a key factor for 44% while affordability sways 33%.
Nonetheless, the over half of respondents (54%) simply want to uncover what else the UK has to offer, as the OnePoll.com data reveals. Surprisingly, close to half (45%) are yet to explore fascinating places within an hour's drive from their homes, even though the average Brit typically travels as far as 216 miles from their residence to enjoy a UK getaway.
Documentaries and non-fiction TV series (37%) top the chart for bucket list inspirations, followed closely by family recommendations (33%), friend suggestions (32%) and films (23%).
Richard Madden, an award-winning travel writer and author, expressed his approval: "It's great to see that travellers' sense of adventure is just as strong while on a staycation as it is when abroad."
"During my time as a travel writer, I've discovered that the UK is not short of unforgettable locations, historic landmarks, unique experiences, and impressive wildlife," he added. "Hopefully this new research will spark ideas for trips closer to home this year."
The top 30 UK experiences Brits are most eager to try, according to Sykes Holiday Cottages:
1. Witnessing the Northern Lights from the Isle of Skye, Scotland
2. Exploring the Eden Project in Cornwall
3. Touring the Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
4. Experiencing Stonehenge in Wiltshire
5. Driving along the scenic coast of the Isle of Arran in Scotland
6. Discovering Cheddar Gorge in Somerset
7. Spending a day at Portmeirion Village in North Wales
8. Embarking on a round trip on The Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
9. Fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset
10. Watching otters frolic in the Avalon Marches in Somerset
11. Spotting seals at Blakeney Point, Norfolk
12. Visiting Lindisfarne & the Farne Islands in Northumbria
13. Hiring a canal boat along the Kennet and Avon canal (Reading to Bristol)
14. Exploring Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes
15. Spotting red squirrels on Brownsea Island in Dorset
16. Catching a play at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall
17. Watching starling murmurations at the River Exe Estuary (Devon), in Dungeness (Kent), in Leighton Moss (Lancashire), or from Aberystwyth Pier (Ceredigion)
18. Visiting Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage site in Yorkshire
19. Exploring Housesteads Fort on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland
20. Discovering the Gower Peninsular in Glamorgan, Wales
21. Riding the SteamLights at The Bluebell Railway in East Sussex
22. Hiking up the Glastonbury Tor, a hill rising 518 feet, in Somerset
23. Visiting the family home of Sir Winston Churchill in Kent
24. Attending the Dark Skies Festival in February in Yorkshire
25. Surfing in Newquay, Cornwall
26. Visiting the burial site of Raedwald, King of East Anglia, at Sutton Hoo Ship Burial in Suffolk
27. Visiting WWT Slimbridge, a wetland nature reserve, in Somerset
28. Bird watching at St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve in Berwickshire, Scotland
29. Cycling or walking The Ridgeway in Wiltshire/Buckinghamshire
30. Watching the Cooper's Hill annual Cheese Rolling contest in Gloucestershire
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