Brits admit they don't know tourism wonders on their own doorstep

Seeing the Northern Lights or diving on the Great Barrier Reef top Brits’ bucket list of holiday adventures - but most admit they don’t know the wonders on their own doorstep.

Research has revealed six in ten (61%) believe the UK is an exciting holiday destination but even more (63%) admit to knowing very little about it.

With travel plans in 2021 still uncertain, an exclusive survey by Original Cottages, the national holiday cottage company with the local touch, also revealed how 22% of Brits want unique holiday experiences but a third are discouraged from trying something new due to lack of inspiration and cost.

Dining out tops the list of top holiday requirements, followed by tourist attractions while an increasing number, 27%, are tempted by options for walking and hiking.

However, lack of knowledge of the wonders on our doorsteps has led to experts revealing a top ten list of ‘Discoveries on our Doorstep’, from Husky riding in Yorkshire, scuba diving off the Great Chalk Reef in Norfolk and seeing the Northern Lights in Northumberland.

But there is clearly plenty of discovering to do - 32% of Brits had not heard of any of the attractions on the list.

"There are so many wonderful and once in a lifetime experiences right here in the UK, and it’s time to start giving them the recognition they deserve," said Original Cottages’ Sonia Holman.

"The ‘Discoveries on our Doorstep’ list provides fantastic inspiration for all our guests looking for unique holiday experiences."

1. Scuba diving, Norfolk – You can get your PADI certificate, and the views don’t disappoint. There are over 300 shipwrecks off the Norfolk coast that divers can explore, along with the chalk gullies just off Cromer and Sheringham.

2. Husky sledding, Yorkshire – For adrenaline seekers wanting to feel the wind in their hair, the team of Siberian Huskies will take you on an exhilarating ride.

3. Spotting the Northern Lights, Northumberland - Head to the Northumberland Coast and, with the right weather conditions, you might be lucky enough to see the amazing Aurora Borealis.

4. Cave trampolining, Wales - Huge springy nets suspended underground propel visitors around the old mine to create a unique subterranean bounce park.

5. Pizza Tipi, Wales - An authentic pizza restaurant under tipis and on the edge of the picturesque River Teifi.

6. Hat Festival, Dorset - Wear your most outrageous hat and fundraise for local heart charities.

7. Alpaca Trekking, Kent - Enjoy a carefree and leisurely couple of hours with the alpacas, for an activity that’s different from the everyday.

8. Teapot Island, Kent - An unusual café made to enjoy the different faces of tea. Teapots are developed to celebrate events, fashions and changing times in Britain.

9. Fat Tuesday, Sussex - The UK’s biggest Mardi Gras festival!

10. Minack Theatre, Cornwall - Cornwall’s famous open-air theatre presents dramas, musicals and opera, with the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop.