Britain’s Top 20 Bucket List Experiences

A survey conducted by Sykes Holiday Cottages has revealed 20 of the British public’s most desired bucket list attractions.

In December 2018, we asked 2,000 people a series of questions about their holidaying habits. One of the questions referred to the popular British experiences that they would most like to tick off their bucket lists, and the results are in.

Read on to discover the UK’s top 20 bucket list experiences…

1. Visit the Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway topped the list, despite only a quarter of the public having visited Northern Ireland. Experience the mystery of this ancient formation first-hand while staying at a Northern Ireland holiday cottage.

2. Go whale watching in the Scottish Highlands

Whale watching in Scotland is amongst the most renowned across Europe, with other animals and coastal scenery all around. Our Scotland Travel Guide offers further information on how to spend your Scotland cottage holiday.

3. Visit Bath’s Roman Baths

The Roman Baths contribute heavily to the compelling and far-reaching history of this stunning city. Take your time to discover them while staying at one of our wonderful cottages in Bath.

4. Walk along Hadrian’s Wall

Britain’s 4th-favourite bucket list experience hosts a wealth of history on a number of sites. Hadrian’s Wall stretches for 73 miles across the North of England, enjoy its heritage from one of our many cottages near Hadrian’s Wall.

5. See in the summer solstice at Stonehenge

Keen historians can get their fix at this renowned, Neolithic monument amidst the rural delights of Wiltshire. Our selection of self-catering accommodation near Stonehenge allows you to easily explore this fascinating site on the longest day of the year.

6. Spend a day at Wimbledon

Eating strawberries and cream at the world’s oldest tennis tournament is one of Britain’s most quintessential and oldest traditions. It doesn’t come as a surprise to see this being the 6th on the list.

7. Enjoy a clotted cream tea in Cornwall

There aren’t many more typically British days than spending a day enjoying the delights of Cornwall with a spot of clotted cream tea. This is one of many topics in the debate of which is better, Devon or Cornwall?

8. Stay in a thatched cottage in the Cotswolds

Many of our cottages in the Cotswolds boast quaint thatched roofs or stunning honey-coloured Cotswold stonework. Experience true Cotswolds life, while our Cotswolds Travel Guide provides inspiration on how to spend your break.

9. Visit the Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts and culture event across the globe, hosting thousands of diverse performances each August. Book an Edinburgh cottage to get prime access to this unique and fascinating experience.

10. Visit Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is home to Queen Elizabeth II, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the planet. Maybe not so much so in Britain however, as 6% of the people that participated in our survey believed that London was in the North West of the country!

11. Watch a show on London’s West End

Staying in the capital, watching a London West End show is 11th on the British bucket list. Watch famous musicals, theatre and many other high-end performances.

12. See the White Cliffs of Dover

This National Trust site on England’s South coast sees immaculate white chalk cliffs towering 350 feet above sea level. Browse our selection of cottages near Dover Castle to fully experience this beautiful area.

13. Eat fresh fish and chips in Whitby

This ancient port in North Yorkshire is widely regarded as one of the best places for fish and chips. Discover Whitby’s best fish and chips while staying at one of our many Whitby cottages.

14. Walk through Cheddar Gorge

Keen hikers and appreciators of natural beauty can get their fix at Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge, amidst the Mendip Hills AONB. This marvellous attraction can be easily reached from our choice of cottages in Cheddar.

15. Climb Mount Snowdon

Snowdon stands dramatically as the highest mountain in beautiful Wales, reaching 3,560 feet above sea level. Our number of fabulous cottages in the Snowdonia National Park allow you to experience this spectacular sight and much more.

16. Take a boat trip on Lake Windermere

Windermere is England’s largest natural lake, surrounded by sublime scenery and bursting with activity. A Windermere Lake Cruise is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in the Lake District. A variety of holiday cottages in Bowness-on-Windermere act as convenient bases for exploring this bustling inland resort.

17. Stargazing in Northumberland

The International Dark Sky Association awarded Northumberland with a gold tier designation, making it the UK’s prime spot for stargazing. Many places around this stunning county allow you to fully experience this, with our Northumberland holiday homes placed perfectly.

18. See the crown jewels at the Tower of London

Britain’s royal family continues to fascinate people and draw them to London. The Tower of London is the home of the Crown Jewels, comprising 140 objects dating as far back as the 12th century.

19. Look for Nessie at Loch Ness

Sightings of Loch Ness’ mythical resident have been claimed since 1933, with no concrete evidence of Nessie’s existence. Will you be the one to discover the creature? Use our Loch Ness cottages as the base for your expedition.

20. Search for fossils on the Jurassic Coast

This phenomenal 95-mile stretch of Dorset coastline is just as historic as it is beautiful. Even if you don’t come across any fossils, simply admire the jaw-dropping scenery that surrounds you. Our handy Dorset Travel Guide provides ideas on how to spend your Dorset cottage holiday.

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Image Credits: llee_wu – (CC BY-ND 2.0); Pete Stanton – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Callum Lambert – (CC BY 2.0); dconvertini – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Mark Towning – (CC BY 2.0); Kathryn – (CC BY-ND 2.0); David Brossard – (CC BY-SA 2.0)