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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

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Explore different

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Glen Coe, Scotland

Spilling the tea on GB

We’re spilling the tea on the hottest experiences – and it’s not just a good old brew that we’re mad about.

Cardiff, Wales

Key sporting moments in 2024

Grab your tickets, or a spot by a screen, and join the atmosphere of brilliant British sport.

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Day trips from London

Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London.

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Parc national de Sowdonia (Eryri), Pays de Galles

How to see Britain differently

From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores.

VisitBritain - The official tourism website of Great Britain

Providing you with inspirational activities and experiences, from those in the know.

Your guidance and information about travelling to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Helping the travel industry showcase the best of Britain.

Cultural hotspots

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

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World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

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A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

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From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

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Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

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Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

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Newcastle, England

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

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Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

Tourism Northern Ireland

Discover annual events

James Bridle

Celebrate in Britain

Find out what’s happening across the nations with our round-up of annual events.

Planning a trip? We're here to help

Your trip to england is just around the corner.

Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.

Discover Great Britain’s northern reaches

Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is as warm as the welcome.

Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures

Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.

Your trip to Northern Ireland has never looked more magical

Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Top Cities to Visit

Best U.K. Destinations

Traveling by Train

Driving in the U.K.

Power Adapters

Tipping Etiquette

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Family-Friendly Attractions

Outdoor Adventure Destinations

National Parks

Must-Try Food in the U.K.

Guide to the United Kingdom: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

There’s a lot more to the United Kingdom than the usual list of top 10 London sights. For a start, there are four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland   —each offering city and country pleasures, wilderness adventures, scenic villages, landmarks, free museums, and miles of challenging coastal paths. The food is a lot better than you may have heard as well. Use this guide to fill your trip with the best choices for you.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit :  Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit when the days are long, and there’s a good chance of mild, dry weather. Prices are lowest in January and February, but it’s also cold and wet. A lot of attractions are closed, but if you enjoy theater, museums and indoor activities, this is a way to visit on the cheap.

Language:  English. A lot of popular attractions offer tours or audio tours in European languages and Chinese.

Currency:  The pound sterling (£)

Getting Around:  Train service in the U.K. is very well developed and is the best way to get between cities and regions. Though bad weather and industrial action may interrupt services from time to time, the number and frequency of both long-distance, regional and local trains will amaze many North American travelers. Most fares are cheaper for off-peak travel and when bought in advance. The website National Rail Enquiries is a comprehensive online guide to times, prices, and service status across the country.

Long-distance buses (called coaches in the U.K.) are the cheapest way to get around. Since they use the country’s motorway system, they are also the most boring. One company, National Express , runs most of the intercity coaches, and four other large regional companies run networks of local services. Local buses provide short, practical everyday journeys, so the routes are not well coordinated between regions. But if you are interested in taking day trips from specific urban or tourism hubs, you may find buses—such as the Greenline buses between London and Windsor Castle —that serve the purpose. Traveline , a partnership between transport companies, local authorities, and passenger groups, has a website that can help you plan a trip using local resources.

Travel Tip:  Round trip tickets (called return fares) are often a more expensive way to buy bus and rail tickets than pairs of one-way tickets (called singles). Check before you buy.

Things to Do

The United Kingdom packs several thousand years of history and culture onto an island slightly smaller than Michigan. As you might imagine, there’s quite a lot to see and much of it is within easy day trips of major cities or transportation hubs. But a surprising amount is covered by vast wilderness areas. It’s easy to try to pack too much into a visit. Instead, try to focus your trip around a few themes:

• Day Trips from major cities. London in the Southeast and Edinburgh in central Scotland are both hubs of culture, centers for free museums, shopping, theatre, music, and dining out. They are also surrounded by areas rich in historical attractions and natural beauty, so they make excellent bases for day trips and short breaks.
• Spend time in a National Park. National parks protect landscapes, coasts, moors, and mountains. But they also contain working farms, quaint villages, castles and hundreds of ancient monuments. Try hiking the Lakeland Fells ( fells is a Scandinavian word for hills) in England's Lake District or marveling at the mountain views and clear mountain lakes in Snowdonia National Park in Wales (which is also full of castles). Walk through the South Downs’ grass-covered chalk hills. There’s skiing in Cairngorm National Park and pleasant walking and cycling trails in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs . Each national park offers something different.
• Shop in traditional markets. Some, like the permanent outdoor market in Norwich , or the covered markets in Oxford, Birmingham, and Leeds, haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. London has its share of wonderful markets too—from Borough Market for adventurous foodies, to Portobello Road, a vast, heaving antique market that’s a must.
• Catch up with Shakespeare in his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon . The Royal Shakespeare Company stages Bard’s works with surprising irreverence and imagination that’s hard to resist. There’s plenty to see and do, including visits to the Shakespeare family homes and Anne Hathaway’s cottage .
• Visit royal and traditional sites. There’s a good reason why Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are so popular with visitors. Try to visit these traditional sights outside of school vacation seasons, though.

What to Eat and Drink

Forget the clichés about awful British food . That’s ancient history. These days you’ll find nearly as many Michelin stars in London as in New York and lots more scattered all over the U.K . Whether you are talking about fine dining or neighborhood bistros, it’s easy to find modern European cuisine with vegetarian and even vegan options in most British cities and tourist destinations.

Outside of the main population centers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the picture is a bit more hit and miss. But there are some traditional British specialties you really should try.

• Sample a full British breakfast at least once. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland add regional touches to the classic eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and tomatoes breakfast. If you are on a tight budget, this breakfast will set you up for the whole day.
• Indulge in afternoon tea with all the trimmings—scones with jam and cream, crumpets, sandwiches, fresh cream cakes, and endless pots of tea.
• Try different regional ales on tap . They won’t be ice cold, but cellar temperature is still pretty cool.
• Fish and chips can be great —crispy and hot—or dire (greasy and lukewarm). Ask a local where to find the best.
• Eat seafood and shellfish in Scotland; it comes from cold North Atlantic and North Sea waters and is terrific. And if you are in Whitstable, have some oysters.
• It’s easy, and often cheaper, to find good quality ethnic food anywhere in Britain. Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines are widely available.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from five-star luxury and glamping to international budget chains and vacation rentals, called self-catering in Britain. Some kinds of accommodations are particularly British and worth considering.

Consider a bed and breakfast, which range from fully-serviced guest houses to small inns. In rural areas, you may find rooms to rent in private homes. Or try a caravan; this is what Europeans call camper vans, and some caravan parks rent them like cottages. Bigger trailers in caravan parks are known as "statics." Country house hotels , which range from large comfortable houses to very grand country estates converted to luxury accommodations, are another option. Also, more and more pubs are offering boutique-style hotel rooms as an alternative style of accommodation.

Getting There

Visitors usually fly into the U.K. from North America through London’s main airports—Heathrow and Gatwick, or by charter flights to London Stansted and London City. There are public transportation options from Heathrow and Gatwick to central London.  

But the U.K. has quite a few more airports receiving international passengers with either direct or connecting flights from North American airports. Depending upon your ultimate destination, you could save money on ground transportation by flying into Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol Airport. Find out more about alternative U.K. destination airports.

Travelers from continental Europe can cross the English Channel by ferry, drive through the Channel Tunnel, or travel by Eurostar passenger train. There are also good connections—by air or boat, from Dublin or Belfast.

Money-Saving Tips

• Don't rent cars in cities. Wait until you've left London or other big cities. You'll save on parking fees and congestion charges (it costs 11.50 pounds a day to take a car into central London). Public transportation—buses, trolleys, and subways—are available in most major cities as are city bicycles, parked everywhere and easy to use with a credit card.
• Consider self-catering. That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. There's plenty of choices, ranging from short let apartments in cities, cottages, and village houses to rent. If you can't find what you want online, the local tourist authorities will have plenty of information.
• Take advantage of what's free. Almost all of Britain's essential museums are free to visit.   Historical attractions have reduced admissions for senior citizens and students.

The Commonwealth. " United Kingdom ."

Museums Association. " Frequently Asked Questions ."

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Complete Guide

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to London: The Complete Guide

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

Your Trip to England: The Complete Guide

A Guide to Airports in England

12 "Must-See" Places in England, Scotland and Wales

The Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel from London to Windsor Castle by Bus, Train, or Car

Use an Alternative UK International Airport to Save a Bundle

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Feb 21, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A former resident of the UK and now a frequent visitor, Author Bryan Dearsley spent eight weeks touring England in the summer of 2022 while on assignment for Planetware .

One of the most popular travel destinations in the world , England offers almost endless possibilities for vacationers seeking things to do and top attractions to visit.

Part of the beautiful British Isles, this small but influential country bursts with fascinating history, exciting cities, and rich cultural traditions. Historic sites are at every turn, from prehistoric megaliths and ancient Roman sites to centuries-old castles and town centers dating back to the Middle Ages .

England is also extremely easy to get around, with its most popular tourist destinations well connected by trains and buses. Alternatively, you can drive between points of interest on a well-planned system of motorways. Whether you choose to tour the country by car or public transport, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

To help you get the most out of your travel itinerary, be sure to use our list of the best places to visit in England.

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire

2. tower of london, city of london, 3. the roman baths and georgian city of bath, somerset, 4. the british museum, bloomsbury, london, 5. york minster and historic yorkshire, 6. windsor castle, berkshire, 7. chester zoo, cheshire, 8. lake district national park, cumbria, 9. canterbury cathedral, kent, 10. liverpool & the beatles, merseyside, 11. eden project, cornwall, 12. the cotswolds, 13. the national gallery, city of westminster, london, 14. warwick castle, warwickshire, 15. tate modern, southwark, london, 16. royal museums greenwich, london.

Stonehenge , 10 miles north of the historic city of Salisbury on Salisbury Plain, is Europe's best-known prehistoric monument. It's so popular that visitors need to purchase a timed ticket in advance to guarantee entry.

Exhibitions at the excellent Stonehenge Visitor Centre set the stage for a visit. Here, you'll find displays explaining through audio-visual experiences and more than 250 ancient objects how the megaliths were erected between 3000 and 1500 BCE. They also offer fascinating insights and information about life during this time.

After walking around the various viewing points adjacent to these enormous stones, visit the authentic replicas of Neolithic Houses to see the tools and implements of everyday Neolithic life. A highlight is watching staff, and volunteers provide demonstrations of traditional skills from 4,500 years ago.

Although you can no longer go inside the circle to wander among the stones during normal opening hours, you can reserve special early morning or late evening access into the circle through English Heritage, which manages the site.

• Read More: From London to Stonehenge: Best Ways to Get There

Prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and menagerie: the Tower of London has done it all and it's one of the top attractions in London . Widely considered the most important building in England, there's enough to see and do at this World Heritage Site to keep visitors busy for hours.

The centerpiece of this Thames-side fortress is the White Tower . Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it's home to amazing exhibits, such as Line of Kings. The world's oldest visitor attraction , the collection was established in 1652 with a remarkable display of royal armor.

Other highlights include the impressive Crown Jewels exhibition, classic Yeoman Warder Tours, the Royal Mint, and exhibits and displays regarding prisoners and executions. All told, the Tower of London covers some 18 acres, so there's a great deal of exploring to do.

If you're traveling with children, be sure to check for special events for kids. These include a fun "Knights School" and other immersive programs that provide a fun insight into the castle's history.

• Read More: Visiting the Tower of London: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

If you only have time to visit one of the nicest small cities in England , you couldn't do much better than Bath. This remarkably beautiful city in Somerset boasts more fantastic tourist attractions than you could hope to visit in a day.

While most famous for the magnificent 2,000-year-old Roman Baths built around the city's rejuvenating hot springs, it's equally well known for its honey-colored Georgian Townhouses , such as those located on Royal Crescent. One of them, #1 Royal Crescent, is open to the public and offers a fascinating look at life in Bath during the Georgian period. Some 500 of the city's buildings are considered of historical or architectural importance, a fact that has resulted in the entire city being granted World Heritage status.

Among the most interesting to visit today are the Holborne Museum with its large collections of artworks, silver, and period furniture; the famous Assembly Rooms, star of countless period dramas on TV and home to the interesting Fashion Museum ; and the Jane Austen Centre and its neighbor Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, which tell the stories of two of Bath's most famous residents.

Bath also makes an ideal location from which to explore some of England's most stunning countryside, including the Avon Valley, the Mendip Hills, the Cotswolds, and countless other fantastic Somerset landmarks.

With collections of antiquities that are among the world's finest, a visit to the British Museum is undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in London . This superb museum holds more than 13 million artifacts from Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire, China, and Europe. The most famous ancient artifacts are the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, as well as the famous Rosetta Stone .

But there are many other outstanding pieces on show here that help make this one of the best places to visit in London. The Ancient Egyptian collection is the largest outside of Cairo, and the hoard of Roman silver dating from the fourth century known as the Mildenhall Treasure, unearthed in Suffolk in 1942, is nothing short of spectacular.

If you've got time, be sure to look into joining a guided tour or participate in a workshop or lecture. Fun private after-hour tours are also available. Dining and shopping opportunities are also located on-site.

Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, England

Official site: www.britishmuseum.org

Magnificent York Minster is second in importance in the Church of England only to the cathedral at Canterbury. It stands in the center of the historic city of York, surrounded by half-timbered homes and shops, medieval guildhalls, and churches.

In turn, York's romantic streets are surrounded by three miles of magnificent town walls that you can walk atop for spectacular views over the city and its surroundings. While here, visit the National Railway Museum , one of England's most visited tourist attractions.

York is also a good base from which to explore northeast England, in particular the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Elsewhere in this corner of the country, you'll find some of England's most beautiful historic towns and cities, including Durham , famous for its castle and cathedral, and Beverley , which also boasts an attractive minster.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in York, England

England is a country that's deeply rooted in tradition, history, pageantry, and pomp. Little surprise, then, that some of the biggest draws for tourists here revolve around the Royal Family, who have played an important role in shaping the country, along with many other parts of the world, for centuries.

If you've only got time to squeeze in one royal attraction, make it Windsor Castle. An easy 40-minute train ride from Central London, Windsor Castle is famous as one of the Royal Family's official residences, and throws its doors open to visitors regularly when the King is away.

And it's rich in history, able to trace its roots all the way back to the 11th century, when a triumphant William the Conqueror had a fortress erected on this very spot. Highlights of a visit to Windsor Castle include the castle's chapel, the State Apartments, as well as the magnificent Queen's Gallery.

And bring your walking shoes. The grounds are huge, stretching for some six miles around the castle and providing some of the best selfie opportunities anywhere with this historic building as a backdrop.

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England

Located in Upton in Cheshire, just over a mile north of Chester city center, Chester Zoo is England's most visited attraction outside of London and is one of the best places to visit in England for families.

The more than 11,000 animals living in this 125-acre site represent about 400 different species. But the zoo's appeal reaches beyond just animal lovers, with prizewinning landscaped gardens also available for visitors to enjoy.

You can tour these extensive grounds on the zoo's monorail system to reach highlights that include Chimpanzee Island, a penguin pool, and Europe's largest tropical house. There's plenty of other fun things to do at Chester Zoo, too, so expect to easily spend a day enjoying this top-rated tourist attraction.

While in Chester, take time to walk its old city walls , the best preserved of their kind in Britain. You should also spend time exploring Chester's other distinctive feature: its galleried walkways . Known as the "Chester' Rows," these impressive medieval architectural gems run the full length of stone and half-timbered buildings dating from the 14th century, and make for a unique and picturesque setting.

Chester Cathedral is also worth exploring if you can squeeze it into your travel itinerary. So, too, are Lower Bridge Street and Watergate Street, both of them home to numerous picturesque old buildings.

Address: Cedar House, Caughall Road, Chester, Cheshire, England

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chester

Covering some 900 square miles, Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for travelers to England. With 12 of the country's largest lakes and more than 2,000 miles of rights of way waiting to be explored, there's little wonder the region continues to inspire, with its magnificent views and scenery straight out of a painting.

Other things to do include visiting the park's many fells, including Scafell Pike which at 3,210 feet is the highest mountain in England. Be sure to also spend time exploring some of the lovely little towns and villages dotted throughout the region, such as Grasmere.

Better still, hop aboard a tour boat excursion across Lake Windermere and Ullswater, and you'll be rewarded with some of the best scenery anywhere in the country.

Address: Murley Moss, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria, England

Located in the heart of the historic city that bears its name, Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is home to the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the cradle of English Christianity.

It all started when St. Augustine converted the pagan Anglo Saxons here in 597 when he became the first bishop. Excellent guided tours of the cathedral are available, and for a truly memorable experience, consider booking an overnight stay in the grounds at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge .

But there's much more to this beautiful medieval city than just its cathedral. Canterbury is also a popular cultural and entertainment destination with great shopping, galleries, and cafés, as well as attractions such as those focused on Chaucer's medieval England and the city's Roman past.

Some of the other best places to visit in Canterbury include the Old City, the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey, and medieval Beaney House.

Address: 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, England

• Read More: Murder & Majesty: Top Highlights of Canterbury Cathedral

As English as an afternoon tea, references to The Beatles are everywhere in Liverpool. Located in the northwest of the country, Liverpool is around three hours from London by rail and offers music fans plenty of opportunities to soak up some city sites , along with Fab-Four-related attractions.

Topping your list should be The Beatles Story. Located in the revitalized Albert Dock area of the city, this fun museum features enough facts and exhibits to keep the biggest fans busy for hours. Other related points of interest in Liverpool include visiting the famous Cavern Club, along with the real places about which they sang, including Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.

Other must-dos include themed walks and guided tours, visiting the former homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and getting in some souvenir shopping at The Beatles Shop, located just steps away from the Cavern Club.

The incredible Eden Project is a collection of unique artificial biomes containing an amazing collection of plants from around the world.

Located in a reclaimed quarry in Cornwall, this spectacular botanical gardens complex consists of huge domes that look rather like massive igloo-shaped greenhouses. Each of these impressive (and futuristic-looking) buildings houses thousands of different plant species in tropical and Mediterranean environments.

As well as these stunning displays of plant life, the Eden Project hosts numerous arts and music events year-round. If you're able to extend your visit, consider booking a stay at the on-site hostel, or enjoy a meal in one of its restaurants. Adventure activities such as ziplining and giant swings are also available.

Address: Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, England

The Cotswolds cover some 787 square miles and encompass parts of some of England's prettiest counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. And all of it begs to be explored.

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to its rare limestone grassland habitats and old-growth beech woodlands, the beauty of the Cotswolds has much to do with its quaint villages and towns , such as Castle Combe, Chipping Norton, and Tetbury.

Like so much of England, the Cotswolds is perfect to discover on foot. One of the best routes is along the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile footpath with spectacular views of the Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham. This route runs the length of the Cotswolds, and can be picked up pretty much anywhere you visit.

Displaying one of the most comprehensive collections of paintings in the world, the National Gallery is London's second-most visited museum. The collections, which present an almost complete cross-section of European painting from 1260 until 1920 , are especially strong in the Dutch Masters and the Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the Italian galleries, look for works by Fra Angelico, Giotto, Bellini, Botticelli, Correggio, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. It's also where you'll find Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna and Child with St. Anne and John the Baptist , Raphael's The Crucifixion , and The Entombment by Michelangelo.

In the German and Dutch galleries are works by Dürer, van Dyck, Frans Hals, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. Among artists from the 18th century through 1920, standout works are by Hogarth, Reynolds, Sargent, Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner. French works include those by Ingres, Delacroix, Daumier, Monet (including The Water-Lily Pond ), Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne.

With no-cost admission, a visit to the National Gallery is one of the top things to do in London for free. Guided tours and lunchtime lectures are also available for free and are highly recommended.

Address: Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster, London, England

If you're looking for a truly memorable English excursion for the whole family, and one that offers a fascinating insight into life in medieval times, you couldn't do much better than visit Warwick Castle.

Located in the beautiful city of Warwick on the River Avon, this impressive fortress has dominated the landscape and history of the region for more than 900 years. Today, it serves as a backdrop to medieval-themed events and reenactments, from jousting festivals to fairs and concerts.

Warwick is also great base from which to explore the Cotswolds, as well as nearby towns such as Stratford-upon-Avon , famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Bigger city destinations, including Liverpool , hometown of The Beatles, as well as Birmingham and Coventry , are an easy drive away.

Address: Stratford Road / West Street, Warwick, Warwickshire, England

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Warwick, England

When the Tate Modern opened its new 10-storey extension in June 2016, adding 60 percent more gallery space, visitor numbers jumped by almost one-fourth, making it one of England's most visited attractions.

Now regarded as among the world's best and certainly one of the largest, museums of modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern shows a wide range of artistic expression, including paintings, works on paper, sculpture, films, performances, installations, and other forms of artistic expression.

Among the well-known artists represented here are Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Matisse, and Modigliani. Be sure to go to the viewing level for 360-degree views of the London skyline and the River Thames far below.

Other galleries under the Tate umbrella that you should consider visiting in England include Tate Britain (also in London), Tate Liverpool , and Tate St. Ives in Cornwall.

Address: Bankside, Southwark, London

Official site: www.tate.org.uk

Downstream from Tower Bridge, Greenwich is the London base of the Royal Navy and holds England's largest expanses of preserved historic architecture and parks. And although lovers of things maritime will certainly gravitate to Greenwich, there's a lot more there than just ships and boats here.

The highlight for most visitors is the Cutty Sark , the last surviving of the 19th-century clippers from the lucrative tea trade between Britain and China. Built in 1869, the Cutty Sark was one of the finest and fastest ships of its day, and you can board it to explore the clipper, from its figure head to the sailors' quarters below decks. For a special treat, book an afternoon tea overlooking the ship.

At the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre , exhibits showcase more than 500 years of maritime history. In Queen's House , the National Maritime Museum is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring the Royal Navy from Tudor times to the Napoleonic Wars.

Greenwich Park , dating from the 15th century and the oldest of London's eight Royal Parks, is filled with beautiful gardens and walking paths, and here you'll find the Old Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line , marked by a steel rod in the floor of the Meridian Building. This is the zero meridian of longitude, dividing the world into eastern and western halves; you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

If you're hungry, add a great English breakfast from Heap's Sausage Cafe to your list of things to do in Greenwich.

Address: King William Walk, Greenwich, London, England

Official site: www.rmg.co.uk

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London's Greenwich & Docklands Districts

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Plan a City Fix: After touring the best places to visit in London, you may want to see more of England's great cities. The largest of these, including Manchester , Liverpool , Birmingham , and Bristol , are all easy to reach by train. From the latter, you can easily nip over into wonderful Wales to visit its lively capital of Cardiff .

Beyond Borders: If you're visiting the popular attractions in Chester , cross into North Wales and perhaps on to Snowdonia National Park . North of England is Bonnie Scotland, with its glorious highlands and art-rich cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh . With the "Chunnel" speeding up crossing the English Channel by the EuroStar, you can be in the French capital of Paris in only 2.5 hours.

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9 Game of Thrones®-style experiences

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News, insights and resources for tourism and business events professionals

Welcome to visit britain industry site.

Welcome to the website for VisitBritain/VisitEngland - the national tourism agency. Here you’ll find support for industry professionals through the latest news and information, data and resources, and business development opportunities.

We’re passionate about raising Britain’s profile, increasing the volume and value of tourism exports, and developing England’s visitor economy by working with organisations of all sizes and specialities.

From expert guidance to market intelligence, read on to find out how we can work with you.

Explore our curated information for...

Everything you need to inspire your clients. Discover new products, experiences and itinerary ideas – plus useful resources and the latest market insights.

Access resources for business events to support your business development and event strategy. Discover England, Scotland and Wales' business event offering for your next conference, incentive, exhibition or event.

Build sustainable and valuable growth. Learn about England’s new destination management structure, find expert advice, and boost your proposition with our training and toolkits.

Reach new customers and increase your profitability. Drive sales with our tools, events and training, find out about quality assessment and get expert guidance from the England Business Advice Hub.

Discover our media centres, image and video library and latest press releases, plus contacts for our corporate and consumer press teams.

Studying tourism at school, college or university? We’ve gathered essential resources and data for students of tourism, plus information about our internships.

Latest news and press releases

Choosing a filter below will update the results to show content matching your chosen option.

VisitEngland announces Awards for Excellence finalists for 2024

VisitEngland has today, 8 April, announced the finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence.

VisitBritain

Pete Chambers from Coventry Music Museum is VisitEngland’s 2024 Tourism Superstar

VisitEngland has today, 25 March, announced Pete Chambers from the Coventry Music Museum is the winner of its Tourism Superstar 2024 competition.

VisitBritain/Matthew Miles Video

Coventry Music Museum

11 million Brits plan a UK holiday trip for the Easter weekend, bringing a £3.2 billion economic boost

Getty Images/E+/SolStock

Week-long celebration of England’s tourism industry fast approaching

VisitEngland

Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool to host VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024 on 5 June

VisitEngland has today, Tuesday 5 March, announced that this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be held at Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool on 5 June.

VisitBritain/Daniela Luquini

Download the English Tourism Week 2024 toolkit

Get involved in English Tourism Week with the new toolkit

Public voting now open to find VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024 competition has launched today, Monday 19 February, with the public urged to get involved and cast their vote.

VisitBritain explores ‘impact beyond the plenary’ at its first Association Conference in Edinburgh

VisitBritain, in partnership with MeetEngland, Meet in Wales, VisitScotland Business Events, and ABPCO (Association of British Professional Congress Organisers) explored the importance of ‘impact beyond the plenary’ at its first Association Conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

VisitBritain/Jonathan Spaull

Gift Card launched on the VisitBritain Shop

The VisitBritain Gift Card is now available to purchase on the VisitBritain Shop.

VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates speech at 'Showcase Britain'

Speech by our CEO Patricia Yates at our flagship 'Showcase Britain' event, held at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, welcoming 120 travel buyers and media from 18 countries to promote Britain's outstanding tourism offer.

VisitBritain/Kevin Moran Photography

VisitEngland announces Tourism Superstar 2024 finalists

VisitEngland has today 18 January revealed the 10 superstars to make the shortlist of its annual search to find the unsung hero of England’s tourism industry.

VisitBritain set to host more than 120 international travel trade on educational visits across Britain

National tourism agency VisitBritain is gearing up to welcome more than 120 international travel buyers for a series of educational visits across Britain, as part of its flagship ‘Showcase Britain 2024’ trade event.

VisitBritain/Hand Luggage Only

VisitBritain publishes inbound tourism forecast for 2024

Leisure Trade Events 2024/25

These events offer a valuable opportunity to connect with targeted international buyers relevant to the UK industry. The event formats are tailored to each specific market, offering you the opportunity to meet and discuss business opportunities in this market for your business or region.

Save the date for English Tourism Week 2024

English Tourism Week will return on 15-24 March 2024 to celebrate the sector and highlight its significant contribution to the UK economy.

VisitBritain and British Film Commission sign Memorandum of Understanding to boost screen tourism across the UK

At FOCUS London today (6 December 2023), the British Film Commission and VisitBritain signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of boosting screen tourism throughout the UK’s nations and regions.

VisitBritain to host Business Events Association Conference 2024 in Edinburgh

VisitBritain has today announced its first ever Association Conference will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 5 to 7 February 2024.

10'000 Hours / Digital Vision / Getty Images

VisitEngland launches new accessibility toolkit for tourism businesses

VisitEngland has today 30 November launched its new Accessible and Inclusive Toolkit for Tourism Businesses in England.

VisitBritain/Peter Kindersley

Britain wins Silver for Best International Destination for business events

Britain wins Silver for Best International Destination for Meetings and Conventions at the 2023 Prevue Meetings Visionary Awards, plus a round-up of recent awards for VisitBritain

Getty Images/Flashpop

Best of destination Britain on show as VisitBritain hosts trade mission to India

British travel trade and industry suppliers are set to show why Britain is the must-go-now destination to buyers from across India as VisitBritain hosts it first trade mission to the country in more than three years.

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Four new destinations gain Local Visitor Economy Partnerships

Four new destinations announced as Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs)

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

VisitBritain gearing up to host its first trade mission to China since 2019, led by Chairman Nick de Bois CBE

Destination Britain China and North East Asia, taking place from 22 to 24 November in Shanghai, is bringing together 44 industry suppliers from across Britain with 69 top buyers from China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea to do business.

VisitBritain kicks off next phase of campaign in France, Germany and GCC countries to boost tourism to Britain

National tourism agency VisitBritain is kicking off the next stage of its marketing campaigns in France, Germany and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to boost tourism access Britain's nations and regions with a focus on off-peak and shoulder season travel.

VisitBritain/Kieran Duncan

Glencoe; Highland; Scotland

Sustainability in Yorkshire

Our England Director Andrew Stokes visited Yorkshire to learn about sustainability initiatives in the region.

We are delighted to welcome William Burton and Beth Knight to the BTA Board

William Burton and Beth Knight have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to the BTA Board, announced on 17 October 2023.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland

Our CEO Patricia Yates highlights our work to support industry and to rebuild visitor value during UKinbound conference in Belfast

Our CEO Patricia Yates highlights VisitBritain's work at UKinbound conference

UK and Ireland to host UEFA Euro 2028 - Patricia's statement

CEO Patricia Yates' statement on the UEFA Euros Football Championship 2028 announcement.

Winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades announced

Winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades 2022-23 announced

World Tourism Day 2023 – Statement from our CEO Patricia Yates

Rachel Adams / The Times / News Licensing

VisitBritain expands its 'Future of Events' educational series with launch of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Pathway, in partnership with New Intent

VisitBritain has partnered with pro-social organisation New Intent to create and launch its diversity, equity and inclusion DEI Pathway, supporting the understanding and deeper implementation of DEI across workplaces and in event design.

Destination Britain North America is a wrap!

It’s a wrap for our international trade mission Destination Britain North America (DBNA), a great few days of business!

VisitBritain puts importance of business events sector in spotlight, hosting its first ‘Ambassador Reception’

VisitBritain has been putting the importance of the business events sector in the spotlight, hosting its first ‘Ambassador Reception’ to recognise city sector and academic ambassadors who continue to secure new international business events in Britain.

Latest official domestic tourism statistics published for Jan-March 2023 - Great Britain Tourism Survey

The Great Britain Tourism Survey (GBTS) results for Q1 2023 are now available.

VisitBritain/JJF arquitectos

Empowerment through Experience: My Journey as a Boardroom Apprentice with VisitBritain - Rodrigo Voss

Our VisitBritain Boardroom Apprentice 2023, Rodrigo Voss, shares his experience with the programme so far.

Applications open for UK Boardroom Apprentice 2024

We are delighted to return as a Host Board for UK Boardroom Apprentice 2024.

VisitEngland announces winners of 2023 ROSE Award

VisitEngland has today Tuesday 5 September announced the 100 winners of this year’s ROSE Award.

VisitBritain/TAG

We are delighted to welcome Lady Victoria Borwick as the new Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board (VEAB)

Lady Borwick has been appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as permanent Chair of the VEAB.

Best of Britain on show to buyers across North America as VisitBritain Chairman Nick de Bois CBE leads flagship trade event to San Francisco

About 70 industry suppliers are set to show why Britain is the must-go-now destination to more than 50 top buyers from North America at VisitBritain’s Destination Britain North America trade event, led by VisitBritain Chairman Nick de Bois CBE.

A record 9.7 million Brits planning a holiday at home this August Bank Holiday, bringing a £2.7 billion economic boost

VisitEngland’s August Bank Holiday Trip Tracker survey shows that 9.7 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this Bank Holiday weekend, bringing an estimated £2.7 billion boost to the economy.

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

VisitBritain wins India Travel Award 2023

VisitBritain wins India Travel Award 2023.

Seven new LVEPs announced

VisitEngland has today announced seven new destinations that have gained Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status.

Getty Images/ S0ulsurfing/ Jason Swain

Showcasing tourism in parliament

In July 2023, we highlighted our international marketing campaigns to MPs and peers at an event sponsored by Tourism Minister, Sir John Whittingdale.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland announces it is opening a new hub office in Birmingham, from April 2024

“Basing our hub office in Birmingham also brings us closer to our regional stakeholders across England”, said VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates.

West Midlands Growth Company

VisitBritain upgrades 2023 inbound tourism forecast on back of stronger recovery, driven by USA

We’ve upgraded our 2023 inbound tourism forecast, read more about it here.

VisitBritain/Adam Jason

VisitEngland survey shows visits overall to attractions in 2022 still down more than a third on 2019

VisitBritain/Getty Images/Roy James Shakespeare

VisitBritain kicks off football tourism campaign for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

VisitBritain harnesses the opportunity to promote Britain as the home of football, during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand 2023.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland attend The Meetings Show

The VisitBritain Business Events team attended The Meetings Show in June 2023, joining domestic and international event buyers at the UK’s largest business-to-business trade gathering.

VisitBritain partners with The National Lottery in campaign to boost domestic tourism

VisitBritain and The National Lottery have teamed up to launch a new promotion to encourage Brits to visit an attraction this summer, offering £25 toward trips to hundreds of top attractions across the UK.

VisitBritain/Thames Rockets

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes receives OBE for services to tourism

VisitEngland extends its congratulations to VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes, following today’s announcement that he has been honoured with an OBE for services to tourism in The King’s Birthday Honours List.

VisitEngland reveals Awards for Excellence 2023 winners

VisitEngland has announced the winners of its annual Awards for Excellence 2023, celebrating the tourism industry’s brightest stars.

Explore ways to work with us

Arabian travel market 2024.

We are glad to meet you at Arabian Travel Market, a leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. This even brings together a global community of travel professionals from leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel and provides insights on the latest industry trends and innovations.

Brazil Roadshow 2024

Brazil Roadshow 2024 offers an invaluable opportunity for trade-ready businesses to meet face-to-face hand-picked buyers and agents from this market. With the guidance of our in-market experts you will get a facilitated environment to create and enhance business relationships and learn all about the market demand.

Australia Roadshow 2024

Australia Roadshow 2024 offers UK international trade-ready businesses the unique opportunity to meet hand-picked buyers from this market, provide agents training and join numerous networking sessions. This event enables delegates to strengthen their existing relationships, learn about the market directly from our in-market team and trade, and gain valuable direct contacts to unlock new opportunities.

European Sales Mission 2024

Promote your destination during a 3-day sales mission to Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich, including 3 networking events with German based business event agencies and corporates responsible for booking international events in Europe.

In July 2024, the MeetEngland team will host a trade mission to Germany to engage with meeting, incentive, conference, and event organisers from the corporate market.

International Markets Updates Webinars

Get the latest inbound data and insights from our research teams. Learn about trends and product demand from our in-market specialists.

Shutterstock / Foxy burrow

IBTM World 2024

Promote your destination and partners at IBTM World, a leading trade show for the meetings, incentive, conferences and events sector.

Our proposed 2024/25 trade events programme

We are currently gathering expressions of interest for our proposed leisure trade events programme.

USA Co-operative Partnership Marketing Campaign 2024

An opportunity to be part of our 2024 multi-million pound international campaign.

VisitEngland Webinar - Cut energy, save money and

Prepare for winter, save on energy, and embrace a low carbon future with VisitEngland's webinar for the tourism and hospitality sector. Learn from energy experts about cost-effective solutions to lower your bills and reduce emissions.

Getty Images/Image Source

Register for commercial partnership opportunities with us

Partner with us to reach international consumers and trade.

VisitBritain/John Finney

Information for destination partners

Getty Images/Solstock

Step up your sustainability

Save money, reduce your environmental impact, support your local community and win more customers with our sustainability guide and inspirational case studies.

VisitBritain/The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth, Grounded Enterprises

Make your business inclusive

Make your business accessible to all and widen your market and tap into a £15 billion plus market.

VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence recognise the best of England's tourism industry.

VisitBritain/DanielaLuquini

Get quality assessed

Elevate your business, attract new customers and enjoy exclusive benefits with our star ratings, accreditations or awards.

Resources for the travel trade

Use our tools and resources to find destination knowledge, new products, images and more.

National Geographic

Looking to actively reach the Australian travel trade? The Australia Roadshow is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

Destination Britain India 2023

Looking to actively reach the Indian travel trade? Destination Britain India is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

Showcase Britain 2024

Showcase Britain 2024 is VisitBritain’s international B2B hosted buyer programme. The programme brings a fantastic chance for UK suppliers to connect with a target of 120 hosted international leisure travel buyers.

VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Destination Britain China 2023

Looking to actively reach the Chinese and Hong Kong travel trade? Destination Britain China is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

World Travel Market 2023

Looking to engage with VisitBritain to discover latest activities and opportunities? Come and meet with us and UKinbound exhibitors.

London, Excel

In November 2024, the MeetEngland team will be on stand at this leading events trade show in Barcelona, taking part in scheduled appointments and networking opportunities with global event planners and associations.

IMEX America 2024

The MeetEngland team will be joined by English stand partners on the official MeetEngland stand, taking part in scheduled appointments and networking opportunities with global event planners and associations at this leading business events trade show in Las Vegas.

Meet us at ATM 2024 - Arabian Travel Market

Attracting over 30,000 visitors in 2023, Arabian Travel Market is the perfect place to showcase your products and services to buyers from the Middle East, India and Africa, generate new business and build new relationships.

IMEX Frankfurt 2024

In May 2024, the MeetEngland team will be attending leading business events trade show, IMEX Frankfurt on the official MeetEngland stand, taking part in scheduled appointments and networking opportunities with global event planners and associations. 

International markets updates - webinar programme

Visitengland webinar - cut energy, save money and reduce carbon emissions.

Save money on energy this winter and ready your business for a low carbon future

VisitBritain/Getty Images

VisitBritain Shop

Expand the distribution and sales of your tourism product, or earn commission via the affiliate scheme and travel trade discounts on over 500 British experiences available to book online.

Red Bike Tours

VisitEngland Academy - business support webinars

Discover industry insights, useful advice in our live webinars, recordings and FAQs.

Getty Images/10'000 Hours

Be part of our international campaigns and activity

Grow the profile of your business – for free – by sharing your consumer and trade news.

Louise Morris/ All Points East

TXGB is a digital platform that brings together tourism businesses to drive sales and boost productivity by connecting the market in a new and unique way.

Resources for business events partners

Find advice, training and support for Britain business event stakeholders and partners.

Shutterstock / Nattapoom V

Image Edinburgh

English Tourism Week

Join our high-profile campaign to celebrate England’s vibrant visitor economy.

VisitBritain/Eureka!

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar award

VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar award celebrates the dedication and passion of our industry’s employees and volunteers.

VisitEngland/Matthew Miles Video

Resources for event planners

Find out what Britain can offer your international business event across each nation.

Blenheim Palace

Taking England to the World – trade education programme

Designed for tourism businesses in England, our free training equips you with the skills and knowledge to reach new international customers.

VisitBritain/Mark Gilligan

Looking to actively reach the Brazilian travel trade? The Brazil Roadshow 2024 is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in this market.

Business Events Association Conference 2024

Bringing together association meeting planners, professional conference organisers and decision-makers from nations and city convention bureaus.

EICC, Edinburgh

Nordics Workshop 2024

Looking to engage with Nordic trade? This workshop will be a high-impact opportunity to showcase your product, get exposure and develop your business relationships with buyers from Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Spain Roadshow 2023 - in cooperation with Tourism Ireland

Spain Roadshow 2023 – in cooperation with Tourism Ireland.

Business Events Growth Programme

Grants to support bid for new events, grow existing events, secure Government advocacy in key priority sectors.

Bookingline Ltd

Promote your destination and partners at IMEX America, one of the leading trade shows or the meetings, incentive programs, conferences and the events sector.

Promote your destination and partners at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the leading trade shows or the meetings, incentive programs, conferences and the events sector.

News and media

Read the latest press releases, updates and announcements – covering both destination and corporate news.

Tim Grist Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images

England Business Advice Hub

Essential information, advice and resources for tourism businesses in England – plus useful contacts, training and guidance on your legal obligations.

Taking England to the World - inbound tourism toolkit

Free resources to help your business reach new international customers.

VisitBritain/Getty Images/SolStock

Destination Britain North America 2023

Looking to actively reach the North American travel trade? Destination Britain North America 2023 is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure in the USA and Canada.

Research and insights

Getty Images

Find the latest consumer and industry data and insights on domestic and inbound tourism in the UK, Britain and England. Learn about key previous trends, and explore those that are set to influence the industry in years to come.

The latest news, straight to your inbox

Register for newsletters compiled by our specialist teams – for UK businesses, the international travel trade and media professionals. Packed with news, resources, events and market intelligence.

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›
• Leisure Travel

Travel and tourism in the United Kingdom - statistics & facts

How many tourists visit the uk, travel planning and behavior of british tourists, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023

Destinations

Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2022, by visits

Leading outbound travel destinations from the UK 2019-2022

Related topics

Recommended.

• Hotel industry in the UK
• Travel agencies in the United Kingdom (UK)
• Travel and tourism in Europe
• Vacation travel behavior in the United Kingdom (UK)
• Package holidays in the United Kingdom (UK)

Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Median full-time salary in tourism and hospitality industries in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic CPI inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the UK 2023

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in billion GBP)

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by type of tourist

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in million jobs)

Median full-time salary in tourism and hospitality industries in the UK 2023

Median annual gross salary for full-time workers in tourism and hospitality industries in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023, by industry (in GBP)

CPI inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the UK 2023

Consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the United Kingdom (UK) from May to December 2023

Inbound tourism

• Basic Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip
• Basic Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2023
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2022, by spending
• Premium Statistic Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2022, by visits

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 (in millions)

Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose of trip (in millions)

Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits

Leading inbound travel markets for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by number of visits (in 1,000s)

Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Leading inbound travel markets in the United Kingdom (UK) over the previous 30 and 90 days as of June 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022

Number of nights spent by overseas residents in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2022 (in millions)

International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2023

Spending of international visitors to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 (in billion GBP)

Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2022, by spending

Leading inbound travel markets for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by spending (in million GBP)

Cities and towns in the United Kingdom (UK) ranked by international visits in 2019 and 2022 (in 1,000 visits)

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourist visits from the UK 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism visits from the UK 2019-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Leading outbound travel destinations from the UK 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading outbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google
• Premium Statistic Number of outbound overnight stays by UK residents 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditure in the UK 2007-2022

Number of outbound tourist visits from the UK 2007-2022

Total number of visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2007 to 2022 (in millions)

Outbound tourism visits from the UK 2019-2022, by purpose

Number of visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose (in millions)

Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in 1,000 visits)

Leading outbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Leading outbound travel markets in the United Kingdom (UK) over the previous 30 and 90 days as of June 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Number of outbound overnight stays by UK residents 2011-2022

Number of overnight stays abroad by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourism expenditure in the UK 2007-2022

Total expenditure on visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2007 to 2022 (in million GBP)

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2022, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Total domestic travel expenditure in Great Britain 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditure on domestic day trips in Great Britain 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Average spend on domestic summer holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2023

Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain from 2018 to 2022, by purpose (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2022, by destination type

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain in 2022, by destination type (in millions)

Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022

Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022 (in billions)

Total domestic travel expenditure in Great Britain 2019-2022

Total domestic tourism spending in Great Britain from 2019 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022

Annual domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Expenditure on domestic day trips in Great Britain 2011-2022

Annual expenditure on domestic tourism day visits in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Average spend on domestic summer holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2023

Average spend on 'staycation' summer holidays according to Britons in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2023 (in GBP)

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Number of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of accommodation enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) 2018-2021, by type
• Premium Statistic Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Premium Statistic Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015-2021, by sector
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Basic Statistic Most popular hotel brands in the UK Q3 2023
• Premium Statistic Consumer expenditure on accommodation in the UK 2005-2022

Number of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Number of enterprises in the accommodation industry in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021

Number of accommodation enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) 2018-2021, by type

Number of enterprises in the accommodation industry in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2018 to 2021, by sector

Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021 (in million GBP)

Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015-2021, by sector

Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2015 to 2021, by type (in million GBP)

Number of hotel businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Number of hotel and similar accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021

Most popular hotel brands in the UK Q3 2023

Most popular hotel brands in the United Kingdom (UK) in 3rd quarter of 2023

Consumer expenditure on accommodation in the UK 2005-2022

Consumer spending on accommodation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2005 to 2022 (in million GBP)

Travel behavior

• Premium Statistic Attitudes towards traveling in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of Britons taking days of holiday 2019-2023, by number of days
• Premium Statistic Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by gender
• Premium Statistic Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by age
• Premium Statistic Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday in the UK October 2022, by age
• Premium Statistic Travel product bookings in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UK 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UK as of December 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK as of December 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK as of December 2023

Share of Britons taking days of holiday 2019-2023, by number of days

Share of individuals taking days of holiday in the United Kingdom from July 2019 to May 2023, by number of days

Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by gender

Share of individuals who did not take any days of holiday in the United Kingdom from July 2019 to November 2023, by gender

Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by age

Share of individuals who did not take any days of holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) from July 2019 to November 2023, by age

Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2023

Leading regions for travelers' next summer staycation in the United Kingdom as of May 2023

Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday in the UK October 2022, by age

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Travel & Tourism market revenue in the United Kingdom 2018-2028, by segment

Revenue of the Travel & Tourism market in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel & Tourism market revenue growth in the UK 2019-2028, by segment

Revenue growth of the travel and tourism market in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2028, by segment

Revenue forecast in selected countries in the Travel & Tourism market in 2024

Revenue forecast in selected countries in the Travel & Tourism market in 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of users of package holidays in the UK 2018-2028

Number of users of package holidays in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028 (in millions)

Number of users of hotels in the UK 2018-2028

Number of users of hotels in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028 (in millions)

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Number of users of vacation rentals in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028 (in millions)

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Why Meghan Markle and children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will not travel to the UK with Harry next month

There is one reason keeping the duke of sussex's wife and two children away from the uk.

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly visiting the UK next month, to attend the Invictus Games’ 10th Anniversary Service which will be held on 8 May at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Although Harry’s appearance is yet to be confirmed, with reports also indicating he may choose to appear via video call, three people that are very unlikely to attend are the Duchess of Sussex and their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet .

In A Right Royal Podcast’s latest episode, titled A Right Royal Jam , co-hosts Andrea Caamano and Emmy Griffiths, as well as HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash, talk to The Daily Telegraph’ s royal editor, Hannah Furness, about Prince Harry’s possible visit, with Hannah revealing why Meghan and their children will not travel to the UK just yet. Listen below.

LISTEN: The reason why Meghan and her children don't want to visit the UK just yet

Also in the episode, Hannah talks at length about Meghan’s latest venture, her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard , and her company’s first product, which she has sent to fifty of her nearest and dearest, a personalised homemade jar of jam.

“This isn't necessarily what we were led to expect when they first left the royal family. There was a lot of talk about philanthropy. They did all these events not long after they left the UK: Black Lives Matter, gender equality, voting in America, all kinds of topics that are quite serious and quite philanthropic. And that has spun out and sort of quietly disappeared, and in its place, we have this new product range, which will be coming out in the next month or so."

“It’s exciting,” she adds. “The royal beat has become quite difficult this year and quite challenging. It's been quite sad actually, in a lot of ways. So, this is quite a nice boost.”

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During the new episode, co-hosts Andrea and Emmy talk to Emily about Prince Louis’ ‘unedited’ sixth birthday portrait, taken by mum Kate, as well as to colleagues Sophie Hamilton, who travelled to Bucharest with Sarah, Duchess of York , to an orphanage, and Alexandra Hurtado, who interviewed Prince Harry’s best friend Nacho Figueras ahead of their polo match in Florida earlier this month in aid of Sentebale.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

News | World

Brits set to be hit by tourist tax in Tenerife from next year after protests on Spanish island

British tourists will have to contend with a new kind of tax being introduced in Tenerife on the back of mass protests about the number of visitors .

Visitors to the Spanish island will need to pay a currently undisclosed figure as part of plans to curb overtourism, reports the Sun . 

Tens of thousands were involved in rallies last weekend that were seen on Tenerife and on other Canary islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. 

Protests also involved a hunger strike, wrote the Mail . 

A spokesman for protest platform Canarias Se Agota told the media: “Today, April 20, marks the 10th day of the hunger strike.

“Today we cannot forget these people who are putting their lives at risk for our Earth.

“Their determination inspires, their bravery moves us, their sacrifice reminds us that this struggle is everyone's and for everyone.”

The new tax will come in on New Year’s Day 2025. 

It is understood that it will not be applied to tourists upon accessing the island but instead the charge will be made for visits to natural spots and beauty sites. 

This includes visits to the volcano Mount Teide and hamlets such as Masca while islanders will also be charged.

Rosa Dávila, the first female president of Tenerife, said: “We must analyse the exceptionalities that can be applied in a territory as fragile and limited as ours. What is clear is that Tenerife cannot be a theme park.

"Those who visit us have to value and respect our natural and cultural wealth, our resources, and they have to be clear about the rules for their preservation.

"In addition, there have to be limits to prevent tourism from overflowing."

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