Discover the West Country's most stunning view - and it's not the Cotswolds

A survey of 2,000 Britons has ranked the nation's 25 most stunning views with six South West areas making the elite list. The poll, carried out by Prospectus Global on behalf of Isuzu D-Max, saw Britons rank their favourite viewpoints which were then converted into a percentage.

The West Country is known for its picturesque coastal views and historic landmarks with the Cotswolds often ranking quite favourably amongst tourists. According to Discover Cotswolds, the region is one of England's most-visited lands in the UK attracting an estimated 38 million visitors per year for its English charm and chocolate box houses "where time seems to stand still."

However, according to the survey, the Cotswolds placed last on this list only scoring a small percentage of 15 per cent. So which West Country view is considered the best?

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Topping the list for the South West and placing an astonishing second overall is St Ives with 33 per cent. The Cornish hotspot unfortunately lost first position to Windermere, Lake District which gained 36 per cent.

Historic St Ives was once known as a fishing village but now is a tourist attraction boasting popular beaches such as Porthmeor. It is also famed for its art scene and coastal walks with scenery that "inspired" great writers such as "Rosamunde Pilcher and Virginia Woolf."

In third was St Michael's Mount, also in Cornwall, with 25 per cent. The archaic castle and Island was once a trading port but is now famed for its folklore. From the Archangel Michael to Jack the Giant Killer, St Michael's Mount is attached to the most fascinating stories.

Cheddar Gorge, in Somerset, placed joint third with 25 per cent, the Gorge is home to incredible views such as its jaw-dropping cliffs and extraordinary subterranean caves. According to the British Geological Survey, Cheddar Gorge's cliffs support many valuable habitats that are home to a wide range of rare plant species.

Ranking joint eighth were Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, and The Roman Baths, in Bath, with 20 per cent each. Similar to Cheddar Gorge, Stonehenge and The Roman Baths are known for their rich irreplaceable history.

Despite being dubbed the "prettiest village in England" due to its natural traditional beauty, Castle Combe in the Cotswolds placed 12th (or rather 25th out of 25 areas named) with 15 per cent. However, the area is still regarded as a must-visit. It has featured as a film location such as Stardust in 2008, The Wolf Man in 2009 and famous director Stephen Spielberg's War Horse in 2010.

George Wallis, head of marketing at Isuzu UK, said: "Our findings paint a picturesque portrait of Brits' affection for UK beauty spots. From the majestic shores of Lake Windermere to the colossal charm of the Giant's Causeway. It's clear everyone celebrates the stunning scenery and historic gems that make our nation shine."

According to the survey, the top 25 viewpoints in the UK were as follows:

1. Windermere, Lake District - 36%

2. St Ives Bay, Cornwall - 33%

3. St Michael's Mount, Cornwall - 25%

3. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset - 25%

3. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland - 25%

4. The Jurassic Coast - 24%

5. York Minster - 23%

6. Brecon Beacons, Wales - 22%

7. Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland - 21%

7. Buttermere, Lake District - 21%

7. Durdle Door, Dorset - 21%

7. The view at Stanage Edge in the Peak District, Derbyshire - 21%

7. Scafell Pike, Lake District - 21%

8. Stonehenge, Wiltshire - 20%

8. The Shambles historic street, Yorkshire - 20%

8. The Roman Baths, Bath - 20%

8. Ben Nevis - 20%

9. Robin Hood's Bay, the Dinosaur Coast, Yorkshire - 19%

10. Seven Sisters Cliffs - 18%

10. White Cliffs of Dover - 18%

10. Whitby Abbey ruins, Yorkshire - 18%

11. Portmeirion in Wales - 17%

11. Hadrian's Wall, Northern England - 17%

11. Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh - 17%

12. Castle Combe, Cotswolds - 15%