The UK’s most visited free and paid attractions are in London

This won’t come as a huge surprise to most, but it has been revealed that two of London’s iconic landmarks have asserted their dominance as the most visited attractions in the country. According to a recent study by VisitEngland, the British Museum and the Tower of London topped the list of “most visited attractions” in the UK – in the free and paid categories respectively.

These historic institutions offer unparalleled glimpses into the past, captivating the minds and imaginations of millions of visitors each year. So if you haven’t visited this popular duo yet, keep them in mind for your next city adventure.

Travel through time at the Tower of London

O crown jewel of London tourism, the London Tower stands proudly on the River Thames as London’s most visited paid attraction. This legendary fortress has been a symbol of British history for almost a thousand years. As a former royal residence, prison and site of many dramatic events, the Tower of London is steeped in a rich tapestry of tales, myths and unshakable truths.

Famous for its Beefeaters (as well as being home to the Crown Jewels), their distinctive uniforms have become synonymous not just with the Tower, but the entire City of London. literally allows you to travel back in time to the days of William the Conqueror, or to some of the horrific executions that took place on its grounds.

If you like the sound of this then there is another incredible historical experience Just a stone’s throw from the Tower of London for double the fun, and it’s none other than The Gunpowder Plot Experience. For more information and tickets, click here or the link below.

Dive deep into history at the British Museum

O British Museum The Museum of Modern Art was the most visited free attraction last year, drawing 5.8 million visitors, a 42% increase from 2022. It boasts a vast collection of artifacts spanning millennia, all of which chronicle the human story from the beginning. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, the museum’s fascinating exhibits are a testament to the depth of our achievements, ideals, and curiosity as a species and collective.

If you wish delve into the stories of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece and Romeor if you’re just looking to spend a day without breaking the bank, each visitor is treated to a global journey through time.

The museum’s commitment to accessibility and education makes it a favorite among tourists and locals alike (not without its backlash, of course). Offering free admission to its permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions and a busy calendar that’s packed with special events, it’s a true icon of the capital that’s officially the most popular attraction not just in London but in England and the whole of the UK (and this is for both free and paid attractions).

Other top attractions in London and England:

In addition to these two standout attractions, there was plenty of well-deserved fun to be had on the list, and it would be rude not to share a few more. For paid attractions, London’s Kew Gardens came in second, followed by Chester Zoo and Westminster Abbey.

When it comes to free things to do, the British Museum is followed by the Natural History Museum and Tate Modern when it comes to visitors. To read the full study (which includes attractions across London, including by region), click here to visit the Visit Britain website.