Visitors 'love British people'

Prince William: A favourite among UK visitors

The friendly British people, tea and biscuits and Prince William came out top among the reasons why visitors like coming to the UK, according to a survey.

Some 23% found Brits to be a "joy" and a "wonder", in the survey by a souvenir specialist.

Some 500 visitors from 30 countries were asked to name their favourite things about Britain.

The British have not been noted for service in the past - perhaps times are changing

Spokesman, Glorious Britain

And most visitors said the kindness and politeness of the British people would beckon them back.

Researchers from Glorious Britain, which runs eight souvenir shops, compiled the list of 100 things that make Britain "glorious".

Flowers and gardens

In second place after the British public came the glorious countryside - with 10.7%.

The Royal Family was third and Prince William was singled out for mention and came joint eighth.

Nominations were received from American, South Korean and Japanese visitors, among others.

Big Ben was another highlight for visitors with tea and biscuits, flowers, gardens and parks coming joint fifth.

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A spokesman for Glorious Britain said: "That so many people from overseas see the level of service and the friendly and kind nature of the British as one of our most endearing features must surely be a surprise to us all."

He added: "The British have not, after all, been noted for service in the past - perhaps times are changing."

Visitors could vote at Glorious Britain shops in Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, in the Eurotunnel Terminal at Folkestone and in the Glorious Britain store near Windsor Castle over the past two months.