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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Sarah Lumley

One in ten Brits have mistaken Blackpool Tower for Eiffel Tower in Paris, study finds

Can you tell the Brighton Pavilion from the Taj Mahal, or St Paul’s Cathedral from the Vatican?

Take this quiz to see how well you know your landmarks, and how you fare against the British public.

It comes after research of 2,000 adults found nine per cent mistook Hadrian’s Wall for the Great Wall of China – and 22 per cent thought Humber Bridge, in Kingston-Upon-Hull, was in fact San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

Highlighting how many beautiful spots the UK is home to, the study also revealed one in ten think Blackpool Tower is Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

And 16 per cent had no idea where the Angel of the North can be found.

It also emerged 29 per cent believe they have a gap in their knowledge when it comes to UK sights and landmarks, with 46 per cent wanting to explore more local spots.

Chris Timbs at Mercure, which commissioned the poll to highlight its collection of local guides across Europe, said: “We want to inspire people to travel and explore more, both at home and abroad.

“And this study shows you don't have to travel far to enjoy great views, local hidden gems, and incredible landmarks. Millions of people are living close to something wonderful without even realising it.

“There’s so much to explore in the UK, whether it's mountains, beaches, or historic landmarks – you could holiday here for a lifetime and still not see it all.”

The study also found a quarter of adults (26 per cent) haven’t visited many UK landmarks – but 35 per cent make sure to see all the big sights when they travel abroad.

On average, adults haven’t visited a UK landmark for nearly 11 months, with 17 per cent admitting it has been at least two years.

It also emerged 15 per cent would only rate their knowledge of UK cities, locations, and landmarks as “poor”, according to the OnePoll figures.

However, four in ten believe their knowledge of UK locations has improved since the pandemic, because of all the staycations it enforced.

Of those planning trips away for the rest of 2023, 37 per cent have scheduled in a staycation, while 27 per cent are keen to take some kind of holiday in nature.

But 12 per cent are hoping for a last-minute, impromptu trip away, with the destination currently unknown.

Chris Timbs added: “Travelling – either at home or away – is really important to keep the mind fresh, and discovering a destination like a local feels different.

“Of course, there are world-renowned landmarks to see in the UK and across Europe – but exploring a place with local insights gives you a feel for a place, and its people and culture.

“If you feel like you need to brush up on your local knowledge and see the sights of the UK, then the summer’s coming around quickly, and it’s the perfect opportunity.

“Just remember, that impressive bridge in Yorkshire is the Humber Bridge, not the Golden Gate Bridge – and it’s also longer than its San Francisco counterpart.”

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