12 Dec 2013
NEW YORK, December 10, 2013 – A new study from VisitBritain has revealed that Americans’ desire to experience Britain’s countryside and heritage is stronger than ever. The national tourism agency for Britain undertook a poll of 10,000 potential visitors from 19 countries offering them a pre-defined list of 18 ‘only in Britain’ dream activities. With upwards of 10% of respondents coming from the US, the survey helps give some great insight into what visitors want to experience on any trip across the Atlantic.
It may come as no surprise that Buckingham Palace took the top spot worldwide and in the United States. The Queen’s residence has been thrust into the public eye thanks to Diamond Jubilee and Royal wedding celebrations, and remains a quintessential heritage landmark. More revealing however is that the survey also found American visitors to have British food on the brain, along with other historic castles and gardens.
Top 5 ‘Only in Britain’ Activities for Americans
1. A visit to Buckingham Palace
Nowhere but in Britain can travelers tour Her Majesty The Queen’s home, and a visit to Buckingham Palace is a must-do on any summer trip to the capital. The palace is open daily from August 2 to September 28 next year, and tickets can be booked now. If those dates don’t coincide adhere to travel plans, there are plenty of royal palaces left to be discovered throughout Britain! Windsor Castle is open daily year round, and under an hour’s journey by train from London; The Queen’s Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is at one end of the famous Royal Mile in Edinburgh, with stunning gardens to stroll in. www.royalcollection.org.uk
2. Visiting Edinburgh Castle
Scotland’s capital is a stunner of a city, thanks to it beautiful architecture and stately gardens – but it wouldn’t be Edinburgh without its Castle. The imposing attraction has many a story to tell, a must-visit at any time of year. Those lucky enough to be visiting the city during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, are in for a treat: the Castle is the backdrop for almost a thousand pipers, drummers, singers and dancers, celebrating all things Scottish. 2014 is the year of Homecoming in Scotland, so the Tattoo will be extra special (August 1 – 23, 2014). www.edintattoo.co.uk
3. Fish and chips at the seaside
The archetypal British dish is still a winner – and there’s nothing like having it made with freshly caught fish on a trip to the seaside. Try it at famous chef Rick Stein’s restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall (on the south westernmost tip of England), for eat-in or takeaway, or sit on a lobster creel up in Scotland at The Fish & Chip Van on Fisherman's Pier in Tobermory Harbour, on the Isle of Mull. www.rickstein.com, www.tobermoryfishandchipvan.co.uk
4. Visit Chatsworth House and Gardens
Britain has stately and historic homes in almost every nook and cranny, and a short trip into the countryside is a step back in time to the era of period dramas. Chatsworth, in the Peak District, is a wonderful grand house (home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire) with a 105 acre garden that kids will love. The home stood in for Pemberley (Darcy’s house) in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Chatsworth is about 2.5 hours from London by train. www.chatsworth.org
5. Dine by the fire in a cosy Welsh Pub
Wales is the place to go for food – after all, its home to one of the world’s best food festivals in Abergavenny every September (foodies, book in now). There are hundreds of pubs ready to offer a warm Welsh welcome, with a cosy fire to sit beside in winter or a pretty garden in the summer. Try the Felin Fach Griffin, which was named Dining Pub of the Year for the fourth time this year, thanks to delicious food made with local produce. It’s a former roadside coaching inn, and you can still stay the night – right on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, you’re in for a good night’s sleep in the middle of the countryside. www.eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk
Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain said: “Britain is a tourism destination that offers experiences for every taste. Where else in the world can you watch a top-flight Premier League game in the same afternoon as a tour around a quaint Cotswold village? From visiting Edinburgh Castle or dinner in a cosy Welsh pub to a tour of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts followed by a night on the tiles in Newcastle - we have something for the world to enjoy.”
“Our mixture of new culture and old heritage combines seamlessly to offer a unique experience which is envied across the world and currently enjoyed in record numbers.”
VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain and for developing the UK's visitor economy. Americans made 2.8 million visits to Britain in 2012 and spent $3.7 billion USD (£2.4 billion). The US remains in the top spot in terms of market value for inbound tourism and is one of the top three most important markets in terms of visitor numbers. The VisitBritain/Bloomingdales partnership is part of Britain's GREAT campaign, the UK Government's largest ever integrated international marketing campaign, driving inward investment and tourism to the UK. Created to maximize the economic benefits of London's Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is showcasing the very best of the Britain - from business to sport to culture - across the globe. Visitors traveling to Britain can find out more information from visitbritain.us plus purchase money and time saving local transport, sightseeing, attraction, theatre and tour tickets from visitbritainshop.us. Follow us on Twitter @VisitBritain and Facebook: LoveUK & LoveUK Film & TV. For hi-res images, HD B-roll and other press materials register at www.visitbritain.com/mediaroom
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VisitBritain Media Contacts
David Leslie
PR & Communications Director, USA
212.850.0377
Katrina Early
Press & PR Manager, Western and Central Region USA
Katrina.Early@visitbritain.org
310.996.3036
Kelly Harrison
PR & Communications Executive, USA
Kelly.harrison@visitbritain.org
212.850.0327
Dana Polonsky
PR & Communications Executive, USA
Dana.Polonsky@visitbritain.org
212.850.0341
For more press information about travel to Britain:www.visitbritain.com/Mediaroom
For access to VisitBritain’s free photo library for media: www.visitbritainimages.com
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