Researchers polled the nation to discover the most beautiful and iconic buildings across the UK, with St Paul’s Cathedral (21 percent), York Minster (18 percent), Westminster Abbey (16 percent) and Warwick Castle (13 percent) all making the final list.
But it was Buckingham Palace which claimed the top spot, with 24 percent of the vote. It’s origins can be traced back to 1703 when it was home to the Duke of Buckingham and referred to as Buckingham House. In 1837, the iconic palace became the official London residence of the UK’s sovereign and is today the administrative headquarters of the Monarch, attracting over a million visitors a year.
One in ten (10 percent) love The Shard in London, which was built in 2009, while a further 10 percent think that the biomes of The Eden Project (10 percent) are a wonderful addition to the Cornwall skyline.
Built in 1787, the Indo-Saracenic style Royal Pavilion in Brighton (nine percent) also appears on the list, alongside The Royal Crescent in Bath (nine percent), featuring a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent, the iconic Blackpool Tower (seven percent), which receives over 650,000 visitors a year and Caernarfon Castle (seven percent), built by Edward I in 1283.
The 30 strong list, compiled by leading hotel group, Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, brings together both modern and historic designs – with Kings Cross Station, which was in redevelopment between 2006 and 2013, and the newly renovated Great Court at the British Museum, sitting alongside 16th century Highclere Castle in Hampshire, made famous in Downton Abbey.
It’s no surprise that two thirds (67 percent) agree that the UK has some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, with 71 percent admitting that they forget how beautiful the country is. Six in ten (60 percent) believe that there is a huge amount to see in the UK, including the stunning scenery (46 percent) and fantastic heritage and history (33 percent).
Suzanne Cannon, Head of Marketing at Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, who commissioned the study:
“It’s clear to see that the UK is home to so many stunning buildings, both new and old, and it’s great that so many Brits recognise it as a beautiful staycation spot. For those who are planning to enjoy a staycation, then look no further. Our 49 hotels across the UK are perfectly situated in city centres, just a stone’s throw away from some of Brits’ favourite buildings and iconic landmarks, making them the perfect place for those who are looking for a truly memorable experience. Guests can also save a fantastic 15% off when they extend their break to three days or more until July 2025.”
The survey also revealed that over half (65 percent) of us are planning a staycation in the UK this year, with the average Brit taking four UK-based holidays. 74 percent are having more holidays in Great Britain now compared to three years ago.
Over a third (35 percent) admit they love exploring our fair shores, as it is easier to get around (34 percent), cheaper (32 percent) and less stressful (30 percent). Overall, 56 percent think it is easier to stay in the UK than fly abroad.
BRITAIN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS:
- Buckingham Palace – 24%
- St Paul’s Cathedral – 21%
- Tower of London – 20%
- York Minster – 18%
- Westminster Abbey – 16%
- Warwick Castle – 13%
- Houses of Parliament – 11%
- The Shard in London – 10%
- Shambles in York – 10%
- Eden Project in Cornwall – 10%
- The Royal Pavilion in Brighton – 9%
- Salisbury Cathedral – 9%
- Bath’s Royal Crescent – 9%
- Bath Abbey – 8%
- Durham Cathedral – 8%
- Cardiff Castle – 8%
- Lincoln Cathedral – 8%
- Blackpool Tower – 7%
- Whitby Abbey – 7%
- Caernarfon Castle – 7%
- Kings Cross Station – 6%
- Liver Building in Liverpool – 6%
- Conwy Castle – 6%
- The Great Court at the British Museum – 5%
- Highclere Castle in Hampshire – 4%
- Battersea Power Station – 4%
- Barbican Centre in London – 4%
- Bodleian Abbey in Oxford – 3%
- Winter Gardens in Sheffield – 3%
- Central Chambers in Glasgow – 3%
