Rolling down a Perthshire hill in a human hamster ball, cracking the Da Vinci Code and speeding over Loch Lomond on a sea plane are among the best ways to spend time in Scotland, a survey of those who take their holidays north of the border has revealed.

In the online study, commissioned by VisitScotland, people were asked to submit their top 10 favourite activities, to showcase how Britons would prefer to spend a "perfect day" north of the border.

The survey revealed that the top activity, enjoyed by people from across the UK, was dolphin watching in the Moray Firth in North East Scotland. The Loch Lomond sea plane trip ranked second.

Those questioned in the survey, commissioned by VisitScotland, were given a list of 108,000 activities to chose from.

The research found that Mancunians are most likely to seek out the world-famous Loch Ness Monster, while Liverpudlians are keener to investigate Scotland's famous landmarks for the Da Vinci Code and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was shot at Doune Castle.

Tourists from Liverpool will also go the furthest to savour a dram, putting a boat trip to Britain's remotest mainland pub, The Old Forge Inn at Loch Nevis, in their top 10.

Most likely to be found creeping around the underground crypts and dungeons in Edinburgh are holiday-makers from the Midlands and North East of England.

And, while it is the experience of being pampered and spoilt that is most likely to entice Londoners north of the border, with a spa at Stobo Castle ranking high on their wish list, paddling with a porpoise is listed among the activities that people from Yorkshire prefer.

Billy Boyd, who starred in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, launched the results of the survey today.

A keen surfer who travels to beaches around the country, he was happy to promote the diversity of activities on offer around the country.

He said: "The results of the survey demonstrate that there really is something for everyone on a holiday in Scotland.

"Whether you simply like to explore our beautiful scenery and go dolphin watching in the Moray Firth or would rather go to one of our natural adventure parks and throw yourself down a hill in a giant sphere, Scotland offers a wide range of fascinating adventures for all ages."

Boyd, whose film Stone of Destiny premiered last month at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, added: "I love going surfing with friends in East Lothian, Machrihanish on the west coast, and Coldingham Bay in the Borders.

"For a more romantic break I really like to go to the Ardanaiseig Hotel on Loch Awe, as that is where I proposed to my girlfriend. St Andrews in Fife is also a favourite."

Adventure sports feature high in the wish lists for tourists with white water rafting on the Tay and snowboarding cited as two of the most popular. Scotland is this year's European Capital of Adventure, The organisation added that television programmes such as Springwatch was enhancing Scotland's reputation as a wildlife destination.