Buckingham Palace is named after its original owner - the Duke of Buckingham(Image: Getty Images)

Britain's top 20 most beautiful landmarks revealed

A new poll reveals Britain's top 20 landmarks with the Queen's palace hitting the number one spot

04 Oct 2024, 19:21 by Natasha Wynarczyk · The Mirror

Buckingham Palace has been voted Britain's most beautiful building in a new poll. The Royal residence saw off the likes of St Paul's Cathedral, York Minster and Warwick Castle to take the top spot.

Its origins can be traced back to 1703, when it was home to the Duke of Buckingham and referred to as Buckingham House. In 1837, the iconic palace became the official London residence of the UK’s sovereign and is now the administrative headquarters of the Monarch,
attracting over a million visitors a year.

The capital dominated the list compiled by Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland. Architect Sir Christopher Wren's St Paul's was second, followed by former prison the Tower of London and iconic places of worship York Minster and Westminster Abbey. Other notable places in the top 20 include Cornwall's Eden Project, Blackpool Tower and Bath's Royal Crescent.

St Paul's Cathedral was ranked at number two( Image: Getty Images)

The poll also found that two thirds of people believe the UK has some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, with 71% admitting they sometimes forget how beautiful the country is. It also revealed 60% believe that there is a huge amount to see in the UK, with the stunning scenery and fantastic heritage and history as major selling points.

Almost two thirds of Britons are planning a holiday in the UK this year, while 74% said they are having more breaks on home soil than they were three years ago. Suzanne Cannon, head of marketing at Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, which operates 49 across the countries, said: “It’s clear to see that the UK is home to so many stunning buildings, both new and old, and it’s great that so many Brits recognise it as a beautiful staycation spot."

Warwick Castle definitely has the wow factor, and was number six on Britain's most beautiful buildings( Image: Getty Images)

It is currently running a deal where guests can save 15% when they extend their break to three days or more until July 2025.

Top 20 Most Beautiful British Landmarks

1. Buckingham Palace

2. St Paul’s Cathedral

3. Tower of London

4. York Minster

The magnificent cathedral of York Minster is admired for its gothic architecture( Image: Getty Images)

5. Westminster Abbey

6. Warwick Castle

7. Houses of Parliament

8. The Shard in London

9. Shambles in York

10. Eden Project in Cornwall

Number 10 on the list is Cornwall's Eden Project, which has a more contemporary design( Image: Getty Images)

11. The Royal Pavilion in Brighton

12. Salisbury Cathedral

13. Bath’s Royal Crescent

14. Bath Abbey

15. Durham Cathedral

16. Cardiff Castle

17. Lincoln Cathedral

18. Blackpool Tower

19. Whitby Abbey

20. Caernarfon Castle