Skip to main content
Last updated:Today at 01:20
Train companies affected:National Rail

Revealed: the Top 10 British Bucket List Destinations

These are the places that Brits want to see in their lifetime

New research reveals the top 10 British destinations on Brits’ bucket lists, including the Isles of Scilly, Edinburgh, The Lake District National Park and Stonehenge.

New research, commissioned by National Rail, revealed that the Isles of Scilly, Edinburgh and the Lake District National Park are the top three British destinations that Brits want to visit in their lifetime. When it comes to selecting a bucket list worthy location, 42% rely on recommendations from friends and family for their next adventure. Over half (54%) seek somewhere with a beautiful landscape, whilst over a third (36%) look for places with historical or cultural significance or unique sites to explore (33%). 

The top 10 bucket list destinations in Britain

  1. The Isles of Scilly 

  2. Edinburgh 

  3. The Lake District National Park 

  4. The Tower of London 

  5. The Scottish Highlands 

  6. Exmouth, Devon 

  7. York 

  8. Snowdonia, Wales 

  9. Bath 

  10. Stonehenge 

The research found that 42% appreciate not having to drive to their holiday destination, with 31% preferring rail as a more sustainable option, and almost half (48%) loving the views on the journey itself. In fact, many enjoy the freedom and relaxation that a train journey brings, as 41% like to unwind with a book, TV programme or movie. 

Those surveyed revealed cost as one of the barriers for visiting some of the best locations that Britain has to offer (28%), but with half a million Advance train tickets released every week, you can save up to 43% on your rail fare when you book up to 12 weeks ahead. What’s more, couple your Advance ticket with a Railcard from Railcard.co.uk, and you can get a further 1/3 off the price to your bucket list location. 

National Rail is inviting eager explorers to make the most of every minute in their extra 24 hours and visit somewhere on the top ten list by rail this year. 

Catherine Lyver, a spokesperson for National Rail, said: "Our top 10 bucket list locations, as chosen by the British public, showcase the very best of what Great Britain has to offer – highlighting our most iconic landmarks, remarkable scenery, and our rich history and culture. We're encouraging people to take a leap this Leap Year, feel inspired and enjoy some of the nation's most bucket-list-worthy destinations by train, for less”. 

FEBRUARY 05, 2024 BY Stephanie Burns

Notes to Editors

Research conducted by Opinium of 1,953 adults between 12 and 15 December 2023.  Results are weighted to be nationally representative. (Please get in contact with [email protected] for further research breakdowns.)  

For more information or any queries, please contact [email protected].

About National Rail 

National Rail manages products and services on behalf of the rail industry. National Rail provides customers with journey planning, real time, fares and rail-related information. National Rail also helps customers save 1/3 on most rail journeys (and 60% on kids’ fares) with Railcards. For more information on journey planning, fares and booking travel assistance visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. 

About Advance Tickets 

1/2 a million Advance train tickets for less than £10 are released weekly across Britain. Buy in advance and save an average of up to 43% on train tickets to get the best value fare for your journey. Tickets generally go on sale up to 3 months in advance of when you plan to travel. However, some train companies still offer them up to 1 to 2 hours before the service is scheduled to depart. For more information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/advance.  

About Railcard

With a Railcard, rail users can save 1/3 off most rail fares across Britain, saving an average of £142 a year on rail fares. At just £30 a year, most Railcard customers make the cost back in just one or two journeys, whether visiting family, making new memories with friends or just exploring somewhere new. Visiting Railcard.co.uk gives all the options available, whether you’re 16-25, 26-30, or 60+, and whether you travel solo, as a couple, or as a family, there is pretty much a Railcard for everyone. For more information visit www.railcard.co.uk.