Loch Ness and Arthur's Seat named on Brits' European bucket list

Seeing the Northern Lights, visiting the Eiffel Tower and taking a trip to Loch Ness. These are just some of the top things people around the UK have on their bucket lists. A poll of 2,000 Britons has just revealed the places people would love to go at least once in their lifetime.

While Scotland makes it into the top 50 twice, with both the home of Nessie and Edinburgh's Arthur Seat making the hotlist, it seems Italy is everyone's preferred destination with three of the top five bucket list destinations on the list being found there, including Pompeii, Lake Como and the Colosseum.

Destinations such as Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, Germany’s Black Forest and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland were also high on the list, reports Herts Live. Three in 10 adults (29 per cent) currently have a bucket list of sites and places they want to visit, which they predict will typically take 11 years to complete.

The legendary Northern Lights are a regular sight in Scotland (Image: SWNS)

READ MORE: The whisky distillery with its own Michelin-Starred restaurant just an hour's drive from Glasgow

READ MORE: Royal Navy warship HMS Prince of Wales heads to Scotland

Commissioned by ALL – Accor Live Limitless - Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, the research showed that people around the UK would love to see the Northern Lights the most (meaning Scotland technically make it to the top as we are one of the best places around to see them).

Castles are the number one landmark people are most interested in seeing when they travel (another Scottish speciality), followed by wild nature, and bodies of water – again Scotland has it all.

Travellers want to do more than just see a place, they want to be part of the destination and dream of experiences including travelling on the Orient Express, sledging with huskies in Lapland and sailing around Greek islands.

Accor’s spokesperson, Luc Gesvret, stated that Brits predict their bucket list – which on average contains 22 things – would set them back £13,368, he said: “It’s great to see how much of a Brits’ bucket list is inspired by Europe and the desire to discover incredible destinations and experiences just a few hours away.

"Now travel is back people want to travel more than ever and have been dreaming of bucket list experiences which they can now, finally, make happen.

“People agree that having a travel wish list inspires them and gives them something to look forward to and one in five polled Brits already have bucket list trips planned and booked in the next year.

"Whether your travel is food focused, you’re motivated by adventures, or you prefer to see historical sites, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy in Europe. ”.

Similarly, 22 per cent would like to go on holiday where they learn something or feel they’ve ‘bettered’ themselves. A fifth (21 per cent) believe having a bucket list or travel wish list is good for their mental health as it makes them feel inspired and gives them something to look forward to.

Luc Gesvret, from Accor, which is offering a giveaway where members can win a million points – worth €20,000, added: "Seeing as the average bucket list will cost over £13,000, that’s a lot of bucket list travel to enjoy in Europe.”

Brit's European Bucket List:

  1. Northern Lights - Iceland/Norway/Scotland
  2. Pompeii - Italy
  3. Lake Como - Italy
  4. Colosseum - Italy
  5. Giant's Causeway - Northern Ireland
  6. Acropolis of Athens - Greece
  7. Eiffel Tower - France
  8. The Blue Lagoon - Iceland
  9. Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy
  10. Auschwitz - Poland
  11. Vatican City - Italy
  12. Loch Ness - Scotland
  13. Lake Geneva - Switzerland
  14. Trevi Fountain - Italy
  15. The Black Forest - Germany
  16. Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) - Romania
  17. Grand Canal - Italy
  18. Stonehenge - England
  19. The Azores - Portugal
  20. Geysir - Iceland The Matterhorn - Switzerland
  21. The Roman Baths - Bath, England
  22. Anne Frank Museum - Amsterdam
  23. Arthur's seat Edinburgh - Scotland
  24. The Duomo, Florance - Italy
  25. Tivoli Gardens - Denmark
  26. Brandenburg Gate - Germany
  27. Mermaid Statue - Copenhagen
  28. Durdle Door - England
  29. Buckingham Palace, England
  30. Normany Beaches - France
  31. Neuschwanstein Castle - Germany
  32. Caucasus Mountains - Georgia
  33. Shakespeare's Stratford - England
  34. Landwasser Viaduct Bridge - Switzerland
  35. Arc de Triomphe - France
  36. Sagrada Familia - Spain
  37. Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin
  38. Lake Constance - Austria
  39. The Hague - Netherlands
  40. Montmartre - Paris
  41. Lokrum Island - Croatia
  42. The Vienna Hofburg - Austria
  43. Ancient city of Caceres - Spain
  44. Cliffs of Moher - Ireland
  45. Duomo di Milano Milan - Italy
  46. Park Guell - Barcelona
  47. Vipava Valley - Slovenia
  48. Maritime Greenwich - England
  49. Szechenyi Bath - Budapest
  50. Comporta - Portugal

This week's top Scotland Now stories

Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.

Read more:

Seven of the best places in Scotland to stargaze

The stunning seaside village that was used as a background for one of Scotland's greatest films

The vibrant Scottish streets named most colourful in the UK

The paradise-like Highland Village used as the background for Hamish MacBeth and the Wicker Man

Scotland's best fish and chip shops named at top awards


Football news:

<!DOCTYPE html>
Kane on Tuchel: A wonderful man, full of ideas. Thomas in person says what he thinks
Zarema about Kuziaev's 350,000 euros a year in Le Havre: Translate it into rubles - it's not that little. It is commendable that he left
Aleksandr Mostovoy on Wendel: Two months of walking around in the middle of nowhere and then coming back and dragging the team - that's top level
Sheffield United have bought Euro U21 champion Archer from Aston Villa for £18.5million
Alexander Medvedev on SKA: Without Gazprom, there would be no Zenit titles. There is a winning wave in the city. The next victory in the Gagarin Cup will be in the spring
Smolnikov ended his career at the age of 35. He became the Russian champion three times with Zenit

3:02 Lewiston shooting updates – Robert Card named ‘person of interest’ after active shooter ‘killed 22’ in Maine
3:00 Kris Jenner reveals her life’s biggest regret and warns Khloe not to make the same mistake
3:00 Arsenal news: Ian Wright hails "reliable" Gunners star after Champions League win
3:00 Khloe Kardashian says she has her ‘happily ever after’ - and it’s not with Tristan Thompson
2:32 UN Security Council fails again to address Israel-Hamas war, rejecting US and Russian resolutions
2:13 Lewiston active shooter LIVE: 22 people dead and 60 injured with armed suspect on the run
2:00 Man Utd news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe sent clear message amid Kylian Mbappe admission
1:56 Lewiston shooting: Reports of 22 dead as police hunt gunman – live
1:55 Fears of up to 22 dead as police hunt gunman in Lewiston, Maine
1:50 My biggest fall decorating tip so your home is classy, not tacky – no one wants their house to look like Hobby Lobby
1:36 Lewiston active shooter: 16 people dead and 60 injured with armed suspect still at large
1:36 Lewiston active shooter: 22 people dead and 60 injured with armed suspect still at large
1:35 Fears of up to 16 dead as police hunt gunman in Lewiston, Maine
1:29 Mass shooting in Maine: What we know about Lewiston attack
1:27 No, 1 pick Victor Wembanyama is set to debut with the San Antonio Spurs and the world is watching
1:15 Lewiston shooting: Reports of 16 dead as police hunt gunman – live
1:00 Passenger sues airline after flight attendant spilled coffee and ‘burned his tattoo’
1:00 Premier League star risks manager's wrath by naming 'perfect replacement' for Mohamed Salah
0:57 Police say there’s an active shooter in Lewiston, Maine, and they are investigating multiple scenes
0:45 Toddler rushed to hospital after being bitten by a dog as she walked through Chingford park with her parents
0:43 Lewiston shooting updates – Photo of ‘active shooter’ released as Maine cops hunt suspect & warn residents to lock doors
0:41 Lewiston shooting: Police hunt active gunman after incident in Maine - live
0:31 Lewiston shooting: Police hunt active gunman after incident in Maine
0:28 Beloved vs unloved: Contrasting captains collide in Rugby World Cup final
0:28 We converted a dusty work van into our little paradise on wheels – there’s an in-home movie theater & succulent garden
0:21 Kylie Jenner discusses 'hardest decision' as she opens up on coparenting with Travis Scott
0:18 Biden says West Bank settlers ‘pouring gasoline on fire’ as Israel prepares for Gaza ground invasion
0:17 Walking Dead star Erik Jensen diagnosed with stage four cancer as wife starts fundraiser
0:17 ‘Active shooter’ in Lewiston, Maine sees police swarm multiple locations with lockdown issued at schools & businesses
0:16 Reports of active shooter causing ‘multiple casualties’ at bar in Maine
0:07 I dropped out of college and decided to live in my car – it prepared me more for life than any education
0:05 ‘Huge blow’ as cinema chain with 103 locations to close branch in weeks after bankruptcy filing
0:03 Man Utd consider shock David de Gea return after Andre Onana performed U-turn
23:56 Dusty Baker tells newspaper he is retiring as manager of the Houston Astros
23:54 October 26 - On this day: 40 years ago we reported the US-led invasion of Grenada
23:53 NATO air chief accused of boozy snog with colleague told court martial: ‘I don’t even do that to my wife’
23:47 Indianapolis Colts owner takes to social media to blast officials following Cleveland Browns defeat
23:47 Rare watch that was bought for £60 then worn ‘virtually everyday’ sells for eye-watering sum
23:45 Shocking moment yob chucks massive concrete slab at head of woman wearing a hijab in ‘random’ attack
23:44 Francis Ngannou concerns fans with brief pad work in Tyson Fury workout
23:41 Ex-NFL star Sergio Brown charged with his mother’s murder
23:38 Brian Austin Green slams Dancing With the Stars for excluding Sharna Burgess from Len Goodman tribute
23:29 Justin Trudeau's ex-wife named as 'the other woman' in Canadian's divorce petition
23:25 ISIS bride Shamima Begum will exploit any error to overturn decision to take away British citizenship, court hears
23:21 Amazing Asda deal could get you free movie tickets when you buy pizza deal
23:19 Voices: Make no mistake – the new speaker is Trump’s man in Washington
23:17 Ruby Franke’s daughter reveals ‘panic attacks’ after mother’s child abuse arrest
23:15 Just one in ten Brits believe their knowledge of astronomy is 'good', study finds
23:13 Nissan unveils five of its new cars in iconic video game Fortnite including its futuristic-looking Juke
23:12 Wayne Rooney taunted by Birmingham fans as first home match ends in dour defeat
23:12 Ex-NatWest chief infringed on Farage’s data protection rights, watchdog rules
23:11 Family of Al Jazeera correspondent killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza
23:10 Pep Guardiola issues response to Erling Haaland 'concerns' after Champions League brace
23:05 Al Jazeera journalist finds out his wife, son and daughter killed in Israeli airstrike while on air
23:05 I can’t believe my cold-shoulder Shein dress was only $8 – it’s giving ‘baddie on a budget’
23:04 Georgia Harrison flashes her bum in thong and tight corset as she dresses up for star-studded Halloween party
23:03 LGBTQ+ nightspot targeted in Colorado Club Q massacre to re-open
23:01 Emily Eavis drops major hints about Glastonbury 2024 headliners
23:01 ‘Party pad’ that left neighbours fuming over loud stag and hen dos will be split in HALF
23:01 BBC local radio shows suffer drop in listeners over past two years
23:01 RAJARs: BBC Radio 5 Live sees growth but World Service slumps below 1m in UK
22:59 Dad-of-four electrocuted to death pulling his kids from water fountain
22:54 World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt shows off incredible figure and toned abs as fans hail her as ‘a true goddess’
22:46 James Bulger’s family slams decision to grant killer Jon Venables a private parole hearing
22:45 Diego Simeone gives Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers the short shrift as Argentine verges on full-time custard pie
22:43 Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown, charged with killing mother, has been denied release
22:43 Will Smith finally addresses Jada Pinkett Smith’s many claims about their marriage
22:37 Lioness ace Keating happy to be ‘role model’ and aims to be first goalkeeper of colour to play for England Women
22:35 School boy Yousef Makki was unlawfully killed, finds fresh inquest
22:33 A Place in the Sun’s Laura Hamilton puts on busty display in barely there bikini on £700 a night luxury Cyprus holiday
22:30 Beloved car revived as EV hybrid – and it’s a lot different to the usual model
22:30 Trusts accused of using foreign doctors as ‘cheap labour’
22:28 Director Sofia Coppola turned down final Twilight movie because concept was ‘too weird’
22:28 One of those nights – Eddie Howe bemoans fine margins after Newcastle defeat
22:28 Brendan Rodgers beams at Celtic courage as Parkhead stars show their Champions League chops to spark group stage hope
22:19 Wrexham player addresses Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's real impact at club
22:18 US planning for evacuation of Americans from Middle East if conflict escalates
22:18 Doctor Who air dates for David Tennant specials finally announced
22:18 Deer smashes through noodle restaurant window in bizarre video
22:16 Woman claims 'haunted' doll knocks and moves items at home as 'spooked' pet dog howls
22:15 Andy Murray’s poor form continues despite latest marathon effort
22:13 Watch Southampton keeper claim goal in final seconds to draw against Preston… but did he score?
22:10 Horoscope today, October 26, 2023: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
22:10 Hero dad wrestles suspect to ground after three police officers are battered with bike
22:07 Dementia risk slashed by eating fat found in breakfast favourite, new study says
22:05 Vogue Williams admits near-death experience as a child still 'freaks her out' today
22:05 BBC boss Tim Davie grilled by Tory MPs amid row over coverage of Israel-Hamas war
22:03 Countryfile star Adam Henson 'cried a lot' at wedding after wife's secret cancer fight
22:03 Newcastle discover elite level of Champions League as former transfer target shows his worth
22:03 Prince Harry's relationship with Meghan's mum 'gets stronger' as royal divide continues
22:03 Eddie Howe provides update on Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy injuries after Borussia Dortmund defeat
22:01 Henry and Richards in shock after finding out Carragher’s ranking at 2005 Ballon d’Or awards
22:01 Man's body lay undiscovered in bed for 22 years until council investigated rats in property
21:57 Dog desperate for new home 'begins to lose spark' after a year at RSPCA shelter
21:56 ‘Brexit benefits are powering our renaissance’ – Tens of thousand new jobs to be created
21:54 Republicans slammed for booing reporter asking about overturning 2020 election
21:53 Martin O'Neill insists Celtic drained by 'very soft' penalty as he applies 1974 rules to Greg Taylor challenge
21:50 Brendan Rodgers blanks Celtic Champions League progression poser as he focuses on 2 factors of pulsating Parkhead night
21:49 'UK's most haunted town' plagued by '15 different ghosts' and chilling 'nightly screams'
21:47 Five great boiler maintenance tips that will keep your heating and hot water running during winter