Forget Buckingham Palace or Stonehenge – the TikTok generation’s favourite attractions include Glasgow’s Necropolis, Ramsgate’s wartime tunnels and cracking Bletchley Park’s wartime codes, according to a survey
Younger tourists are turning their backs on Britain’s traditional hotspots and heading to less well-known attractions, many of which have featured on TIkTok, a survey has shown.
Nine out of ten young Brits reckon some of the country’s coolest visitor sites are off the beaten track, while eight of ten of those surveyed among older generations feel stuck in a ‘cultural rut’, always visiting the same places. But a resounding 93% of all ages surveyed, wish that they could spend more time exploring the UK.
Top of the list of Britain’s ‘hidden gems’ is the Tik-Tok friendly Natural History Museum in Tring, Hertfordshire, which is an eccentric treasure trove of Victorian taxidermy and country-house charm. The Glasgow Necropolis referred to as the “City of the Dead” and made up of gothic monuments and unbeatable skyline views also made the list as did, The Forbidden Corner (28%), a bizarre maze of tunnels, trick doors and strange sculptures in Yorkshire.
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The Second World War’s code breaking nerve centre, Bletchley Park is also up there among the favourites, along with The Deep – the award-winning aquarium in Hull which aims to inspire the next generation of marine lovers. And instead of joining the queues at London’s Tate gallery, 17% of those polled said they’d rather visit Glasgow’s cultural crown jewel Kelvingrove, according to the poll of 2,000 people, from Lumo & Hull Trains.
According to the data 16% of under 30s, have visited the Welsh village of Portmeirion which has been boosted by the rediscovery of 60s surreal TV show The Prisoner. the research showed that Brits are prepared to travel an average of 240 miles to visit an attraction they want to see, with three quarters (76%) agreeing that taking the train is the best way to get around the country.
VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said “We want visitors to explore more of Britain, and this research shows the huge appetite to discover the wonderful attractions and experiences on offer. Travelling by rail opens up iconic locations as well as less explored destinations in between, with some stunning scenery along the way.
“The ease and convenience of rail travel to access our outstanding attractions and local businesses, in a relaxing and environmentally friendly way, also broadens travel itineraries, encouraging visitors to travel further and stay longer.
This fascinating research shows how much there is to see in Britain that we might take for granted,” says Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo and Hull Trains
Being able to sit back and enjoy the ride (70%), being able to look out the window and see the countryside (60%), quicker than driving (51%), being able to eat and drink on the way (41%) and being able to travel together (39%) are considered the best things about train travel.
The 20 hidden gems according to Gen Z are:
- Natural History Museum, Tring
- Glasgow Necropolis
- The Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire
- Bletchley Park
- The Deep
- Chapel Down, Kent
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
- Portmeirion, Wales
- The Dark Hedges
- Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum
- Buddhapadipa Temple, Wimbledon
- St Fagans National Museum of History
- Tongue Pot, Lake District
- Buttermere Infinity Pool, Lake District
- Ramsgate Tunnels, Ramsgate
- Gaping Gill Cave, North Yorkshire
- Minack Theatre
- Dolgoch Falls, Wales
- Kinder Downfall Waterfall, Peak District
