Annual Attractions Survey shows growth
9th August 2018
Visit England’s Annual Attractions Survey shows historic properties experienced significant growth in visitor numbers in 2017.
1,400 attractions across England were surveyed with the results showing that historic properties such as mills, monuments, boats and burial grounds saw the largest increase in visitor numbers.
Visits to farm attractions also experienced strong growth in 2017. Historic houses and palaces, along with visitor and heritage centres and places of worship all saw increases of 4% in 2017.
VisitEngland Chief Executive, Sally Balcombe, said: “Visitor attractions are an important part of our tourism landscape, driving visitors to discover more of England. It is great to see people are getting out and exploring the huge variety of attractions and places of interest on offer across the country, boosting tourism and distributing the benefits across local economies.”
The British Museum was the most visited 'free' attraction in England in 2017 for the 10th consecutive year with nearly 6 million visitors, and the Tate Modern came a close second with more than five and a half million.
The Tower of London topped the list as the most visited ‘paid for’ attraction for the ninth year running with 2.8 million visitors and Chester Zoo came in second place with 1.9 million.
Overall, visits to England’s attractions rose by 2% in 2017. Visitor attractions overall reported increased spending of 7% on 2016.
To see the list of attractions surveyed click here.