From Hadrian’s Wall to the White Cliffs of Dover, the names resonate down centuries of history.
Despite that, some of us can be rather vague about identifying our most prominent landmarks – or, indeed, locating them on a map.
A poll of 2,000 Britons found 59 per cent of adults struggled to name well-known sites across the country.
Oddly, 94 per cent could correctly recognise the Statue of Liberty in New York but just 65 per cent could name St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Thirty-six per cent struggled with Hadrian’s Wall, and 20 per cent could not name the Angel of the North.
The White Cliffs of Dover were also left unidentified by 18 per cent.
When asked about locating the landmarks, 38 per cent were unsure about Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, 66 per cent did not know where Hadrian’s Wall is and 33 per cent could not place the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
And more than four in ten respondents with children didn’t think their child could correctly name UK landmarks.
Parents also said their children would be more likely to recognise the Statue of Liberty (74 per cent) or the Eiffel Tower (75 per cent) than Stonehenge (63 per cent) or The Angel of the North (42 per cent) in Tyne and Wear.
St Paul’s Cathedral in central London which just 65 per cent of Brits could identify
Although the White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic English landmark, they were left unidentified by 18 per cent
Parents said their children would be more likely to recognise landmarks such as the Angel of the North (pictured) in the North East of England
A staggering 66 per cent did not know where Hadrian’s Wall (pictured) is located in Britain
While 81 per cent said children need to learn more about UK landmarks and local heritage, 34 per cent said they simply would not know where to begin exploring what is on their doorstep.
TV personality and keen explorer, Julia Bradbury, said: ‘I have been lucky enough to visit almost every corner and coastline of our amazing country.
‘From rugged peaks to gently rolling hills, fairy tale villages and vibrant cities.
‘We have so much diversity packed into our island, I can’t imagine ever being bored exploring it, and I encourage others to discover the incredible places right on their doorstep too.’
The study, commissioned by travel website Travelzoo, found that almost a third (29 per cent) believe they have visited more foreign countries than they have UK counties.
But this may be set to change, with a fifth now planning to spend more time holidaying in the UK.
Cat Jordan, of Travelzoo, said: ‘These findings show there’s a real appetite to connect with what’s on our doorstep, but many people don’t always know where to start.
‘In a country with so much to discover, it’s easy to overlook just how much is at our fingertips.’
