Beautiful locations to see in the British Isles

Wondering where to spend your next staycation? Research unveiling beauty spots every Brit should visit reveals no shortage of inspiration, writes Fiona Evans.

The pandemic no doubt opened many people’s eyes to the endless possibilities of holidaying on home shores. And for some, a foray into what the British Isles have to offer may have been a revelation.

To those of us who have been enjoying these islands’ magic - if not their weather for years, it only reinforced what we knew already.

The UK is brimming with natural beauty; steeped in history and imbued with stunning architecture.

So much so that we really are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting somewhere for a day-trip or a holiday.

But help is at hand as research has revealed the UK beauty spots that every Brit should visit during their lifetime.

Unsurprisingly, the worldfamous prehistoric monument, Stonehenge in Wiltshire and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover top the list (with 40 percent each).

Stonehenge has a history of 4,500 years and stands at the centre of the Avebury World Heritage Site.

The monument’s purpose remains a mystery, but it’s believed that it was created as a spiritual home by Neolithic and Bronze Age people, with the sarsen stones carefully aligned with the movement of

The White Cliffs of Dover are located in Kent along the English coastline and look out to the Strait of Dover and France.

One of the country’s most spectacular natural features, the cliffs are an official icon of Britain and have been a sign of hope and freedom for centuries.

The study, by Vision Express - as part of its #DiscoverMore challenge - found that Snowdonia in Wales (38 percent), Ben Nevis in Scotland (37 percent) and Lake Windermere (36 percent) are also sights that every Brit Other bucket list beauty spots include Cornwall’s St Ives Harbour, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, breathtaking city views from the top of the London Eye and the historic Hadrian’s Wall, which is 73 miles long and was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire.

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage site and part of the popular Game of Thrones Tour, is also a “must see” for Brits, followed by Arthur’s Seat, with its stunning views of Edinburgh, St Miwall and the Needles, situated on the Isle of Wight.

The research of 1,500 UK residents, which was carried out earlier this year, also revealed that no one should miss seeing Canterbury Cathedral, Durdle Door in Dorset, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and Portmeirion in Wales.

Also on the list were the top of the Welsh Brecon Beacons, the Whitby Abbey ruins in Yorkshire and the Seven Sisters White Cliffs in Sussex.

“We know there is so much joy to be had

through vision and discovering more through a new lens,” said Dan McGhee, director of optical services at Vision Express.

“Our research shows that there are some amazing places right here in the UK to enjoy with your loved ones.”

The research also found that three in five Brits (60 percent) admit that there are plenty of world famous British sights they have yet to experience.

And it’s no surprise that almost two thirds (65 percent) have vowed to see more of Britain this year than they have done in the last 12 months.

Forty-three percent of those polled admit that they can sometimes forget just how breathtaking the UK can be - with 48 percent claiming that the UK is one of the most beautiful places to live in the world.

When it comes to experiencing the UK’s most beautiful sights, 71 percent would like to make it a romantic moment with their partner, while 38 percent would like to see them with their children.

And 76 percent claim seeing a UK beauty spot is all the more special if you’ve shared it with a loved one.