In a surprising twist of digital wanderlust, Stonehenge has emerged as Britain’s most searched wonder of the world, outpacing global heavyweights like Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum.
According to new research by Asian Geographical Expeditions, the ancient stone circle in Wiltshire draws an impressive 128,000 average monthly searches from UK residents—making it the top bucket-list destination for British travellers in 2025.
The study analysed UK search data across 52 global wonders, spanning ancient, modern, and natural marvels. While international icons certainly feature in the rankings, it’s clear that domestic heritage holds a powerful allure. Stonehenge’s dominance suggests a renewed appreciation for local legacy, especially among travellers seeking meaningful experiences closer to home.
Natural phenomena also captured the British imagination. The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, ranked second with 75,000 monthly searches—more than any other natural wonder. Machu Picchu followed in third place, with 57,000 searches, while the Colosseum and Taj Mahal rounded out the top five.
Asia’s presence in the rankings is notable. The Taj Mahal leads as the most searched Asian destination, followed closely by Mount Everest. Both landmarks reflect the enduring appeal of culturally rich, visually iconic sites for UK travellers planning long-haul escapes.
Modern engineering feats like the Panama Canal, Empire State Building, and Channel Tunnel also made the top ten, alongside Petra in Jordan and the Grand Canyon in the US. Interestingly, the only surviving ancient wonder—the Great Pyramid of Giza—ranked just 32nd, suggesting that historical significance alone may not drive digital curiosity.
Globally, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal top the charts with nearly a million monthly searches each, while Stonehenge still holds strong in fifth place with 583,000 global searches.
Harish Kohli, CEO of Asian Geographical Expeditions, notes: “British travellers seem to show an interest in both domestic and international wonders. The strong performance of the Taj Mahal and Mount Everest in the rankings demonstrates the enduring appeal of Asian destinations to UK travellers. What’s particularly interesting is the mix of human-made and natural wonders in the top searches, with natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis proving more popular than iconic man-made structures like Machu Picchu and the Colosseum.”
For business travellers seeking inspiration beyond the boardroom, this data offers a compelling glimpse into where curiosity—and perhaps future itineraries—are headed. Whether it’s the mystique of Stonehenge or the spectacle of the Northern Lights, 2025 looks set to be a year of wonder.