jamesgrainge - NO. Definitely not acceptable!
(joke)
I am more of the sort that will actively take detours to check out stunning old buildings, ruins, or even just nice formal gardens.... Or even not so formal gardens...! (Or windmills on the south east of Rotterdam - they're pretty stunning!)
But in the circuit I'd strongly recommend paying more attention to what you're doing rather than the pretty sights (i've been in a few close calls because others were not following instructions, or not looking properly) - this whole "sterile cockpit" thing does make sense from the join to landing in GA (in my mind)