Brits are a nation of 'armchair explorers': Three-quarters admit they would rather Google a beauty spot than visit it...
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By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
Brits are becoming a nation of armchair explorers, with more than three-quarters admitting they would rather Google a beauty spot than visit it.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 77 per cent now spend more time viewing adventures on television or social media than exploring in real life.
Meanwhile, 75 per cent say they are more likely to Google a nearby county and look at its highlights on a screen than actually visit it.
Nearly eight in ten (79 per cent) have also driven straight through a beauty spot in the UK without stopping to see what was there.
The average adult has visited just 27 UK counties during their lifetime - fewer than three in ten of Britain's 92 historic counties.
When respondents were shown a numbered map of England's ceremonial counties, 93 per cent failed to correctly label Shropshire and Herefordshire.
Another 88 per cent failed to identify Northamptonshire, 87 per cent missed Nottinghamshire and Rutland, 86 per cent Lancashire and 85 per cent Northumberland.
More than a third (35 per cent) did not know Britain has historic as well as ceremonial counties, while 37 per cent were unable to name their own neighbouring counties.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 77 per cent now spend more time viewing adventures on television or social media than exploring in real life (stock image)
Despite this, 61 per cent said they would consider a short camping trip to a neighbouring county and 76 per cent believe the UK is the most beautiful country in the world.
Cornwall was named the most beautiful place respondents had visited, on 37 per cent, ahead of Devon on 32 per cent and the City of London on 24 per cent.
Regional food was another reason to travel closer to home. Yorkshire pudding was voted Britain's most iconic regional food by 54 per cent, narrowly beating the Cornish pasty on 52 per cent.
Bakewell tart and Cheddar cheese were joint next on 36 per cent.
More than half (51 per cent) said trying local food was one of the best experiences of visiting somewhere new, with adults willing to travel an average of 100 miles to taste a famous regional dish where it originated.
The research was commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club for its Race Across the County campaign, which encourages Britons to discover new scenery, food and local culture without travelling far from home.
Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: 'We tend to think of adventure as something that requires a long journey, a plane ticket or weeks of planning, but Britain can change dramatically within a short distance.
'There are different landscapes, foods, accents, traditions and communities sitting on our doorstep, and camping gives people the chance to really connect with an area of the UK they might otherwise only drive through.'
Top 10 counties or local area Brits have visited and say are the 'most beautiful'
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