Sunday 24 July 2011

Too busy to enjoy the sunset?

Grand Marnier® reveals top ten sunset hotspots to help time Britons enjoy 'balmy' summer nights in the UK

The beauty of Britain is being overlooked as the nation's workers struggles to secure a work-life balance, according to new research.

Half of Britons admit to taking the country’s surroundings for granted with 59% saying they don’t know Britain as well as they' like to. The majority (62%) blame this on a lack of time in their busy lives, with one in five even admitting to not ever having admired their own country (52%).

The study of 2,000 adults in the UK by Grand Marnier, found that more than half (56%) feel stuck in the same routine, whereas a fifth blame living too far from a place of natural beauty (19%) for their failure to admire their own habitat.

Even when on holiday in the UK, over a quarter (27%) of Britons find it hard to switch off and appreciate their environment. It is when people are abroad that they truly unwind, with 40% stating that enjoying a drink at sunset is the peak of holiday relaxation.

It seems Britons struggle to replicate this when on home turf, with a third admitting to watching a sunset just once a year or less. Two-thirds blame this on not knowing where to watch the sunset in the UK (68%) and almost half (47%) wish they were more organised in planning their free time so that they can enjoy evenings with friends.

Alex Ayres, spokesperson for Grand Marnier comments: “Our research shows we see sunsets as a moment to relish when we’re on holiday abroad but we don’t have time to savour them in the UK. To help encourage us to enjoy the beautiful sunsets that Britain has to offer we’ve teamed up with travel writer Paul Gogarty who reveals Britain’s best kept sunset secrets.”

Paul Gogarty, travel expert and writer comments: “I have always enjoyed exploring all Britain has to offer because there is something for everyone to get excited about. We have some of the finest sunsets in this country, but we don’t always know where to go to see them so the Grand Marnier Sunset Guide should enable you to take advantage of the beauty of Britain.”

The Grand Marnier Sunset Guide

The Grand Marnier Sunset Guide allows people to discover, sit back, relax and enjoy the 10 alternative wonders of Britain and whilst you are at it, why not enjoy a Grand Marnier and Tonic.

1. Primose Hill, London
Whether you live in Primrose Hill or just visit once in a while, there’s more to this charming neighbourhood than you are likely to know. It may not be west facing but the fiery halo at the top of the hill is one of the most beautiful sunsets in London. Visit www.primrosehill.com

2. Limehouse, London
On the bend of the river just before Canary Wharf – mudbanks, coppered water and the subtle architecture of the river makes this a beautiful hotspot. Visit www.aboutbritain.com

3. Alexandra Palace, London
The iconic North London venue that offers the best panoramic views of London. It never ceases to thrill watching the last rays of the sun racing across the capital westwards. Visit www.alexandrapalace.com

4. Big Wheel Exchange, Manchester
The best sunset in Manchester is from the top of the 60-metre high Big Wheel in Exchange Square. If you go with friends and book a capsule to yourselves, you’ll have a wonderful time catching the glorious sunset. Alternatively, if you hire a narrow boat on Bridgewater Canal you won’t be disappointed either. Visit www.virtualtourist.com

5. Salisbury Crag, Edinburgh
South Queensferry is a great location for catching the sunset behind the Forth Bridges but up on Salisbury Crags is also a firm favourite with the fiery glow burning behind the castle like some doomsday scenario in a science fantasy movie. Visit www.scottish-places.info

6. Crosby Sands, Liverpool
Ray Davies’ Waterloo Sunset song was originally called Liverpool Sunset in homage to his favourite city. A much loved sunset spot in Liverpool is out of town at Crosby Sands, standing in the dunes, watching Antony Gormley’s army of men seemingly walking out across the sea going home to Ireland. The 100 cast iron, life-size figures spread out along three kilometres of the foreshore, stretch almost one kilometre out to sea. Visit www.nuttalls.com

5. Port Talbot, South Wales
The view from Rhossili on the Gower peninsula is dreamy and romantic but the sunsets above the Port Talbot steelworks as seen from the M4 are simply stunning. If you want more time to take it all in, just pull in at Margam Park. Visit www.onebiggarden.com

8. Bath Skyline Walk, Bath
The honey coated Georgian terraces and spires of England’s prettiest city are best seen at sunset from the Bath Skyline Walk – the six mile National Trust hike also happens to be Britain’s most popular walk. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

9. Durham Cathedral, Durham
The entrance to Durham Cathedral is the literal highpoint of the city with the country’s finest cathedral as the backdrop and the river down below – and a magical place to watch a sunset. Visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

10. Margate, Kent
Because Margate is surrounded by water on three sides, it means that despite an east coast resort, you get a west facing sunset from the pier. This is probably why Turner painted more canvasses here than anywhere else. Visit www.visitthanet.co.uk

To make sure you don’t miss that precious sunset moment visit The Grand Marnier Sunset Guide to calculate when to capture that day’s sunset wherever you are.

For more ways to make the most of sunset hour in the UK, plus the chance to win fantastic prizes, join them at www.facebook.com/UKGrandMarnier.

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