Summary
The Natural History Museum in London became the UK's top tourist attraction in 2025, surpassing the British Museum. It attracted over 7.1 million visitors, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers at attractions across the UK increased, though they remain below pre-Covid levels.
Key Facts
- The Natural History Museum topped the UK tourist attraction list in 2025 with 7.1 million visitors.
- This marks a 13% increase in visitors for the museum compared to the previous year.
- The British Museum, previously the top attraction, took second place.
- Total visits to 409 sites in 2025 were 165 million, a 2% increase from the previous year, but still below 2019 figures.
- Special events and exhibitions, like the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, are expected to boost visitor numbers.
- Some attractions outside London, such as Edinburgh Castle, attracted over 2 million visitors.
- The North West of England experienced an 11.3% increase in visitor numbers year-on-year.
- The Royal Academy of the Arts saw a 20% increase in visitors, boosted by its Summer Exhibition.
