The Nation’s Most Loved Landmarks Revealed

We’ve just unveiled the Seven Wonders of Britain – the most popular landmarks which, according to holidaymakers, should be top of any sightseeing list. And it shows that the nation is shunning modern man-made attractions for natural and historic sights, with prehistoric monument Stonehenge, topping the list.

The New Seven Wonders of Britain are:

1. Stonehenge
2. Hadrian’s Wall
3. The White Cliffs of Dover
4. Loch Ness
5. Snowdonia
6. Edinburgh Castle
7. Cheddar Gorge

According to our survey of 1,000 holidaymakers it appears that when it comes to landmarks, country beats city nine times out of ten. What’s more, 88 per cent of respondents think there are more interesting places to see in the UK than overseas, with more people preferring to visit Blackpool Tower than the Egyptian pyramids (55 per cent v. 14 per cent)!

Apart from our famous landmarks, when asked what they most associate with a great British break nearly a third of 18-24 year olds said fish and chips on the pier, whereas for over 35 year olds, it’s our country’s spectacular scenery.

cottages4you believe this shows the value we place on our natural and historic landmarks and just how spoilt for choice we are with so many fantastic places to visit in the UK. We think the rich diversity of stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, historic monuments and grand stately homes make the UK a unique holiday destination for all ages and we’re so glad holidaymakers agree with us!

Do you agree with our survey results? Have you an idea for an alternative Seven Wonder of Britain? What do you associate with a great British break? We’d love to hear your opinions, just drop us a comment below.

Snowdonia, the historic heart of Wales, is unique. The mountains have a scale and grandeur which belies their actual size and the region is blessed with rivers, lakes, forests, moorlands and a lovely coastline.

The island of Anglesey ~ backed in the east by the dramatic backcloth of Snowdonia, ever changing in the shifting light ~ is separated from the mainland by the Menai Straits, a lovely sinuous arm of the sea which seems more like a tidal river in its wooded middle reaches. The island’s coastline is immensely varied and beautiful, and the little town of Beaumaris has a relaxed charm all of its own, with its urbane terraces and sea-side air.

Further south is the Brecon Beacons National Park. In it, swooping mountains look down upon the river Wye from a height of almost 3,000 ft (900m) and, should you stand on the distinctive flat topped summit of Pen-y-Fan, you’ll see spread out around and below you the truly exhilarating landscapes of the Beacons, which take their name from the towering peaks at their centre.

Then to Pembrokeshire: as Cornwall is to England, so Pembrokeshire is to Wales. It lies in the far south-west, with the sea on three sides, and it is impossible to stand more than eight miles from salt water anywhere here, for the tide runs up past Milford Haven and on, far up the Cleddau estuaries. Much of the coastline consists of rugged cliffs broken up by stretches of superb sandy beaches ~ the best in Wales ~ and rocky coves. The offshore islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm are windswept and wild homes to thousands upon thousands of seabirds.

Gardens open for charity
Cilgwyn Lodge, Llangadog, Carmarthen
Two separate gardens are set in glorious countryside. A large water lily and wildlife pond is a contrast to the more formal koi pond. A wide variety of herbaceous plants, particularly hostas and hardy geraniums, are displayed in colour-themed borders.
See National Gardens Scheme Yellow Book or visit www.ngs.org.uk for full details and opening times.