One in ten have mistaken Blackpool Tower – for Eiffel Tower in Paris

The Blackpool Tower, and Kingston-upon-Hull’s Humber Bridge, are some of the top UK landmarks that get mistaken for famous spots overseas – with as many as 22 percent wrongly identifying the latter as the Golden Gate Bridge, in San Francisco. Nearly a third of Brits (29 percent) admit their knowledge is lacking when it comes to local UK landmarks – as nine percent have mistaken Hadrian’s Wall for the Great Wall of China.

And one in ten have got muddled between Blackpool Tower, one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions – and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

But almost half (46 percent), of the 2,000 adults polled, say they want to explore more sights on home soil – as it emerged that 17 percent have not visited a UK landmark for over two years.

The research was commissioned by Mercure, to highlight its collection of local guides across Europe.

And the hotel brand also created a quiz, so that you can test your knowledge of famous UK hotspots – and see if you can tell the Brighton Pavilion from the Taj Mahal.

Chris Timbs, at Mercure, 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 percent) haven’t visited many UK landmarks, with the average adult not having seen one for nearly 11 months – but 35 percent make sure to see all the big sights when they travel abroad.

And it emerged that 15 percent 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 percent have scheduled in a staycation, while 27 percent are keen to take some kind of holiday in nature.

But 12 percent 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.”