Bristol’s iconic bridge has been named in the top 10 British engineering achievements – and you might be surprised by number one
Lauren Edwards and Oliver Lewis
10:24, 19 Dec 2025
Bristol’s landmark bridge made it into the top 10 list(Image: Getty Images)
The London Underground, the Channel Tunnel and the invention of the World Wide Web have been crowned as top British achievements in engineering and manufacturing. A poll of 2,000 adults exploring the nation’s history of groundbreaking inventions found that 94% are proud of our engineering heritage, with Concorde and the MRI scanner also featuring in the top 10.
London’s Tower Bridge, the Spitfire aircraft constructed in Southampton, and prosthetics and bionic limb engineering from UK universities were also ranked highly. The National Grid and Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge rounded off the top 10, whilst 64% said they are more inclined to buy something if it was developed in the UK.
A new ranking reveals the top 20 engineering and manufacturing feats(Image: Getty Images)
The study was commissioned by Nissan to mark its manufacturing and engineering legacy in Sunderland, where the third generation of the LEAF has begun production this week.
Lee Kennedy, 50, a facilities engineer who has been at the plant for 33 years, now works alongside his daughter Eve, 20, a supply chain degree apprentice.
Having witnessed three decades of innovation, Lee reflected on what sets British engineering apart. He said: “It’s the chance to work with so many clever people over the years. I’ve seen so many brilliant young people come into the business with fresh ideas and a real drive to improve things.”
Lee added: “That’s what makes British engineering so special – there’s always new talent coming through who want to push forward and keep innovating. When you see that willingness and energy first-hand, you know the road ahead for British innovation is going to be really good.”
The research also revealed that 69% are confident that British manufacturing and engineering will continue to shape the future, whilst a staggering 93% believe it’s crucial to our national identity.
More than half (53%) said that the sector is more innovative than ever, and 44% of parents would encourage their children to pursue a career in engineering.
The research was commissioned to celebrate the third generation of the LEAF(Image: Nissan)
Among these, 51% reckon the earning potential is strong, and an equal percentage stated that the demand for engineering skills is high. Meanwhile, 49% expressed a desire to see their children in roles that foster innovation and creativity.
Eve spoke about the opportunities available to young people looking for alternative routes into the industry, she said: “I frequently go into schools and promote apprenticeships to young people in the area, and it’s something I’ve become passionate about.
“A lot of students still feel like university is the only route to success, but it isn’t – you don’t have to go to university to build a good career. Here in Sunderland, and across the wider region, the plant gives people real opportunities and a chance to learn and work at the same time.”
Eve (L) is currently working alongside her Dad as a supply chain degree apprentice(Image: Nissan)
The OnePoll survey found that half of Britons regard themselves as knowledgeable about the nation’s manufacturing and engineering heritage. And 44% have suggested that someone visit an iconic location connected to British engineering.
Amongst the most popular landmarks are the London Underground, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Other engineering feats include Battersea Power Station and the Forth Bridge, situated west of Edinburgh.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the latest LEAF model, which boasts a single-charge range of up to 386 miles and qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, Lee said: “Engineering and manufacturing is such a big part of the local area. And it’s not just the people directly employed by the plant – it supports so many of the businesses and suppliers around Sunderland as well.
“Looking back at the LEAF being one of the first mass-produced electric car gives me a massive sense of pride – the fact that we did it here in Sunderland and saw it come to life.
“It’s incredible how far it has come since those early days. The range and the technology have developed so much over time and knowing that so many local people have played a part means a lot.”
TOP 20 MOST IMPRESSIVE FEATS OF BRITISH ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING:
- The London Underground
- Channel Tunnel
- The invention of the World Wide Web by Sir Tim Berners-Lee
- Concorde
- MRI scanner
- Tower Bridge
- Spitfire aircraft
- Prosthetics and bionic limb engineering from UK universities The National Grid
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Harrier Jump Jets
- Forth Bridge
- The London Eye
- Thames Barrier
- The Royal Albert Hall
- Jodrell Bank radio telescope
- Hydro-electric engineering in the Scottish Highlands
- Severn Bridge
- The Shard
- Shropshire’s Iron Bridge