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This won’t be much of a surprise for most, but it’s been revealed 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 have both topped the list for the ‘most visited attraction’ in the UK – both in the free and paid categories respectively.
These storied institutions offer unparalleled glimpses into the past, captivating the minds and imaginations of millions of visitors each year. So, if you’ve yet to visit this popular duo, keep them in mind for your next venture into the city.
Travel back in time at the Tower of London
The crown jewel of London tourism, the Tower of London stands proudly on the River Thames as London’s most-visited paid attraction. This legendary fortress has been a symbol of British history for nearly a thousand years. As a former royal residence, prison, and the site of many a dramatic event, the Tower of London is steeped in a rich tapestry of tales, myths, and unwavering truths.
Famed for its Beefeaters (as well as being the home to the Crown Jewels), their distinctive uniforms have become synonymous with not just the Tower, but the entire City of London. It quite literally allows you to travel back in time to the days of William the Conqueror, or to some of the gruesome executions that took place on its grounds.
If you like the sound of that, then there’s another awesome historic experience just a stone’s throw away 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.
Deep-dive into history at The British Museum
The British Museum was the most visited free attraction last year, attracting 5.8m visitors, which is a 42% increase since 2022. It boasts a vast collection of artefacts spanning millenia, all of which chronicle human history from the very beginning. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, the museum’s enthralling exhibits are a testament to the depth of our achievements, ideals, and curiosity as a species and collective.
Whether you wish to delve into the stories of ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, or are just looking to have a day out without breaking the bank, each visitors are treated to a global journey through time.
The museum’s commitment to accessibility and education makes it a favourite among tourists and locals alike (granted, not without backlash). Offering free admission to its permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions, and a jam-packed calendar that’s brimming with special events, it’s a true icon of the capital that’s officially the most popular attraction not just in London, but of England and the entirety of the UK (and that’s for free and paid attractions).
Other stand-out attractions in London and England:
Beyond these two stand-out attractions, so much well-earned fun made the list and it would be rude not to share a couple more. For paid attractions, London’s Kew Gardens came second, followed by Chester Zoo and Westminster Abbey.
When it comes to the free things to do, the British Museum is followed by the Natural History Museum and the Tate Modern when it comes to visitors. To read the entire study (which includes attractions all across England, including by region), click here to visit the Visit Britain website.