Most Visited Tourist Attraction in the UK – Top 20 Most Visited Places
It’s no secret that the UK is a paradise for tourists. From incredible natural landscapes to picturesque towns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when visiting the country. And while we all know the top 20 most visited tourist destinations in the UK, what are some of the lesser-known places that visitors rave about? Read on to find out!
Most Visited Tourist Attraction in the UK – Top 20 Most Visited Places
1. Tate Modern
Tate Modern is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK, with over 5.86 million visitors in 2018. This makes it the first most popular tourist destination in England after London’s iconic Buckingham Palace. The Tate Modern was originally opened as part of a larger art gallery complex in 1988, but it wasn’t until 2003 that it underwent a massive renovation that radically changed its appearance. The new Tate Modern was designed by Zaha Hadid and opened to the public in December 2012.
Though it can be expensive to visit (especially during high season), there are a variety of ways to save money on your trip. For example, you can buy tickets online or use the various discounts and offers that are available throughout the year. You can also explore some of the other attractions nearby like the Museum Of London (or even traverse London itself on one of its famous buses!).
2. British Museum
The British Museum is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK, with more than 5.82 million visitors annually. Founded in 1753, it’s home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient artifacts, such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures. The museum also features one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of modern and contemporary art, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for December 25 and January 1. .
Admission is free for all visitors, who can explore its myriad galleries and attractions without spending a penny on tickets or attractions fees
3. National Gallery
The National Gallery is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK. The museum houses world-class collections of art and artifacts of global significance, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Titian, and Gauguin. It has the largest collection of paintings by J.M.W. Turner and Monet in the world. In 2015, it attracted 5.74 million visitors, about 25% of whom were foreign visitors. The Royal Palace of Kensington and Chelsea comes in second place with over 5.74 million visitors.
The palace comprises three buildings: Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, and St James’s Palace. It also includes museums such as the V&A museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum among others. Lastly, Madame Tussauds London is the third most visited tourist attraction in the country with over 4 million visitors annually.
4. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK. It is home to a wide variety of exhibits that cover a range of topics such as dinosaurs, mammals, and insects. Entry to the museum is free for all visitors. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays. The museum’s visitor numbers fluctuate over the course of the year, with an average of over 5.22 million visitors per year.
The Natural History Museum’s permanent collection includes natural history specimens collected by renowned naturalists such as Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and George Robert Waterhouse. The museum also hosts a number of special exhibitions that showcase scientific research and technological advances around the world.
5. Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK, with over 4.45 million visitors in 2022. Its attractions include a wide range of exhibitions and events, as well as restaurants and bars. The centre is located in London’s financial district, just a short walk from the London Eye. Southbank features a variety of activities for all age groups, from family fun days to concerts. The centre is open every day of the week except Christmas Day. This large visitor attraction is a great place to visit for anyone looking for an exciting cultural experience.
6. V&A South Kensington
The V&A is a museum of design, history, and culture in London, England. The V&A is the largest museum of design and history in the world, with a focus on fashion, architecture, music, cinema, and art history. The museum is open to visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission to the V&A is free for everyone. The museum has an array of exhibits that cover a wide range of topics and themes. These include fashion and costume, film, television, audio technology, fine art, natural history and science, design, and history.
Visitors can explore these various subjects in depth at the museum’s various departments. The V&A hosts exhibit from national and international museums as well as leading designers and artists. Its collections include over six million items of historical value. The V&A emphasizes education through its museums-in-education program. This program aims to connect students with museums through programs such as school tours, camps and workshops for students of all ages.