A new study has revealed the top ten most budget-friendly ‘bucket list’ destinations for British travellers, with Stonehenge taking the crown as the cheapest landmark to visit. Conducted by travel experts at Desert Safari Dubai Tours & Tickets the study used Google search data to rank the most affordable must-see locations, factoring in ticket and flight costs.
Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, was found to be the most popular and cost-effective destination on Brits’ bucket lists. With an average of 13,510 monthly Google searches, it’s clear that the ancient stone circle continues to fascinate visitors. The site is easily accessible by car or public transport, eliminating the need for a flight, while entry costs just £25 for adults. The ticket price includes access to the museum and a shuttle bus to the famous stone circle.
Following closely behind Stonehenge is the London Eye, offering panoramic views of the capital. At £29 per ticket, the iconic attraction receives an average of 17,044 searches each month, making it a popular option for tourists looking to tick it off their list.
Big Ben, one of London’s most recognised landmarks, comes in third place. The clock tower, a symbol of British heritage, costs £30 to visit and sees 18,464 average monthly searches. A trip to London, which features multiple iconic sites in close proximity, offers good value for budget-conscious travellers.
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, ranks fourth. With 65,916 monthly searches, visitors are keen to explore this historic site for £32 per ticket. The Tower of London, another major attraction, comes in fifth at £34.80, with 22,275 searches. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
The ten cheapest ‘bucket list’ destinations
| Rank | Landmark | Average Monthly Google Searches | Ticket Cost per 1 Adult | Average Cost of a Return Flight for 1 Adult from the UK | Total Cost |
| 1 | Stonehenge | 13,510 | £25.00 | £0.00 | £25.00 |
| 2 | London Eye | 17,044 | £29.00 | £0.00 | £29.00 |
| 3 | Big Ben | 18,464 | £30.00 | £0.00 | £30.00 |
| 4 | Buckingham Palace | 65,916 | £32.00 | £0.00 | £32.00 |
| 5 | Tower of London | 22,275 | £34.80 | £0.00 | £34.80 |
| 6 | Northern Lights | 67,215 | £0.00 | £44.00 | £44.00 |
| 7 | The Louvre | 16,676 | £18.37 | £30.00 | £48.37 |
| 8 | Bastei Bridge | 2 | £0.00 | £52.00 | £52.00 |
| 9 | Eiffel Tower | 90,109 | £22.46 | £30.00 | £52.46 |
| 10 | Berlin Wall | 2,031 | £0.00 | £54.00 | £54.00 |
For those looking to venture outside the UK, the study identified several international landmarks that won’t break the bank. In sixth place is Norway’s Northern Lights, a natural wonder that can be experienced for the cost of a £44 return flight. With no ticket required to witness this stunning spectacle, it’s an affordable option for adventurous travellers.
Seventh on the list is the Louvre in Paris, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa. A visit to the iconic museum, including flights, costs just £48.37. Another Parisian attraction, the Eiffel Tower, ranks ninth on the list. At £52.46, including flights and entry, it remains a top draw for tourists, with 90,109 monthly searches.
One of the lesser-known destinations on the list is Germany’s Bastei Bridge, which ranks eighth. With only two monthly searches from Brits, the bridge remains a hidden gem. A return flight costs £52, offering a chance to explore one of Germany’s most scenic landmarks.
Finally, the Berlin Wall rounds out the top ten. While the wall has mostly been demolished, parts of it still stand as a historical reminder. With no entry fee and a flight costing just £54, it’s an affordable and culturally significant site to visit.
The study found that visiting all ten destinations would cost just £401.63 in total, making it possible for Brits to tick off several bucket list items without breaking the bank. By visiting multiple attractions in the same country, travellers can further reduce costs while exploring some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.