17 July 2008

Explore what’s on your doorstep

Families across Britain are gearing up to beat the credit crunch this summer – by looking at more innovative and less costly ways of keeping their children entertained.

And they are being encouraged by Ordnance Survey to consider the many adventures available to them right on their own doorsteps. 

Research carried out by the mapping agency shows that many are still unaware of Britain’s wealth of attractions – or even the locations of some of the nation’s most famous tourist spots.

Less than half of those surveyed could place Windsor Castle in Berkshire – and even fewer were able to pinpoint one of Britain’s most famous historical monuments, Stonehenge.

"Britain is jam-packed with fun and cheap days out," says Ordnance Survey’s Victoria Barrett. "You just need to know where to find these gems. You only need an Ordnance Survey map and a picnic to unlock the door to a whole world of adventure."

The research reveals that more than three quarters of those surveyed take between four and five weeks holiday each year, with 85% of those spending at least part of that time in the UK.

With 80% keen to recommend the Peak District, Lake District and Cotswolds to overseas visitors, only two thirds of those people have actually seen these beautiful parts of Britain with their own eyes.

"In spite of all this, more people chose walking in the countryside as their favouriteactivity when in the UK than anything else. It is such an inexpensive and accessible outing for people – no matter where they happen to be."

Each year, Ordnance Survey gives tens of thousands of OS Explorer Maps to schoolchildren as part of its “Free maps for 11-year-olds” initiative. Youngsters get to keep the map as their own – for use at school and at home with their families.

"The scheme helps to ensure that many young children are given the skills to get out and about, making the most of the great outdoors. We’re doing all we can to encourage people to tighten their belts, lace up their walking boots and explore what is right on their doorstep!"

In the survey Michael Palin, Ben Fogle and Russell Brand were voted the top three favourite guides for showing people all that Britain has to offer.

To find out more about Ordnance Survey maps, visit the website www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk and let your adventure unfold…

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Head of Corporate Communications - Rob Andrews

Email: rob.andrews@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2265

Senior Communications & PR Officer - Paul Beauchamp

Email: paul.beauchamp@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 023 8079 2568

Press Office fax: (+44) 023 8030 5295