UK’s weirdest fears revealed – as heights comes out on top

Brits have revealed some of their most weird and wacky fears, including bubble wrap, unvarnished wood – and even the sound of an ice cream van’s jingle.

A survey of 2,000 adults found a quarter admit to having an uncommon fear, freaked out by things such as cotton wool, coat hangers and cactuses.

Another unusual fear is tryopohobia – where people have an aversion to objects which have a repetitive pattern, such as in honeycombs or sponges.

Some can’t stand the thought of sauces, such as tomato ketchup or mayonnaise, or using public toilets, according to research carried out by Virgin Red.

Despite some Brits having highly unusual fears – the most common fear in the UK is that of heights (35 per cent).

To help combat the UK’s biggest fear, Virgin Red [https://virginred.app.link/e/V6IKqaaPLNb] has launched a competition to encourage people to face their fears and do things which make them scared.

TV presenter Helen Skelton took on the task which saw her canoe along Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is the longest and highest aqueduct in the UK.

A spokesperson for the rewards group, which commissioned the research, said: “Fear can get in the way of astonishing experiences, sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason behind it, but it’s important that people tackle what’s making them scared every now and then.

“We are encouraging Brits to leave their fear of heights behind, to create memories which will last forever.

“By entering the ‘Paddle Partners’ competition, we’re giving someone the chance to own their fear by canoeing along Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. If you can get across that, you’ve well and truly conquered your fears.”

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of respondents admitted they knew their fears were completely irrational – and 61 per cent said it was important to get outside their comfort zone.

And 87 per cent say they try to tackle what scares them – while 41 per cent have even overcome fears which they harboured previously.

Among the main emotions felt by those who had fought against a dread include relief (53 per cent), feeling like a better version of themselves (35 per cent) and a sense of adventure (25 per cent).

Of all those polled, 40 per cent felt being with someone else was the best way to get over them, closely followed by being inspired watching someone else (32 per cent).

Exactly 30 per cent of adults have helped family and friends overcome scary obstacles in the past, with encouraging them (55 per cent) and talking to them (44 per cent) the best methods, the OnePoll research found.

A spokesperson for Virgin Red added: “There’s no right or wrong way to tackle what’s holding you back, but some strong encouragement can go a long way.”

“Once you get past barriers stopping you from facing up to your fears, you can unlock unbeatable experiences.”

TOP FEARS OF BRITS

1. Heights
2. Public speaking
3. Snakes
4. Spiders
5. Getting old
6. Enclosed spaces
7. Losing your mobile phone
8. Social interaction with strangers
9. Needles
10. Flying on planes or helicopters
11. Falling over in public
12. Not being able to find a clean toilet
13. Accidently sending a text to the wrong person
14. The dark
15. Being alone
16. Germs
17. Thunderstorms
18. Clowns
19. Dogs
20. Sending a ‘reply all’ email