England is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who come to enjoy its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you are interested in exploring ancient castles, admiring world-class art, enjoying scenic landscapes, or experiencing cosmopolitan cities, England has something for everyone. But, what are the most visited places in England?
According to the latest visitor numbers, we’ve outlined the top 10 most visited places in England. This will be a great start to begin planning your own adventure!
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Windsor Great Park
This royal park in Windsor, managed by the Crown Estate, was the most visited attraction in England in 2021 with 5.4 million visitors. The park covers 4,800 acres of gardens, woodlands, and open spaces, and offers scenic views of Windsor Castle and the Thames Valley. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, and picnicking in the park, as well as exploring its historical and ecological features.
Tip: Join a guided tour to learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and plants. There are tours for different interests and ages; sunrise tours, royal tours, nature walks and family activities!
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in London was the second most visited attraction with 1.96 million visitors. Kew Gardens is home to the world’s largest collection of living plants, with over 50,000 species from across the globe.
Visitors can admire the stunning glasshouses, explore the arboretum and the rock garden, or discover the secrets of plant science at the Millennium Seed Bank and the Herbarium.
Read More: Ultimate Things To Do In London: Top Sites & Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss
Chester Zoo
This zoo in Cheshire was the third most visited attraction with 1.6 million visitors. Chester Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the world, with over 35,000 animals from 500 different species.
Visitors can see rare and endangered animals such as elephants, rhinos, tigers, orangutans, and penguins, as well as enjoy immersive habitats of Islands, Monsoon Forest, and Madagascar.
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Natural History Museum
The famous Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London was the fourth most visited attraction with 1.57 million visitors. Here is one of the world’s leading scientific institutions, with over 80 million specimens from life and earth sciences.
Visitors can marvel at the iconic dinosaur skeletons, explore the galleries of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and plants, or learn about human evolution, geology, and biodiversity at the interactive exhibits.
RHS Garden Wisley
This garden in Surrey was the fifth most visited attraction with 1.41 million visitors. Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and showcases a variety of plants and gardening styles.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the rose garden, the mixed borders, the orchard, and the alpine meadow. You can also discover exotic plants at The Glasshouse or get inspired by innovative designs at The Hilltop.
The British Museum
A free public museum showcasing human history and culture with over 8 million objects from all continents and periods, including famous artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.
The British Museum was founded in 1753 by an Act of Parliament that purchased the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician and naturalist who had amassed a large number of objects from around the world.
Tate Modern
A modern art gallery housed in a former power station, displaying works by Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, and other influential artists.
The Tate is part of the Tate group of British art museums, along with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. The contemporary museum is located on the Bankside area of London, overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and a World Heritage Site in Wiltshire, consisting of a ring of huge standing stones arranged in a circular pattern.
The world-famous monument was built over several stages between 3000 and 1500 BCE by Neolithic and Bronze Age people. It’s believed to have been used as a ceremonial site, a burial ground, and an astronomical observatory, but debate still rages as to the exact purpose and function of the standing stones.
Tower of London
A historic castle and a World Heritage Site in central London located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
The Tower of London was founded by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a royal palace and fortress to protect the city. The imposing fortress has been used for various purposes over the centuries; a prison, an armory, a treasury, a mint, a museum, and even a zoo.
Tip: On your visit do not miss viewing the Crown Jewels of England housed in one of the Tower’s main buildings. You can also get a glimpse of the legendary ravens and the Yeoman Warders, known locally as Beefeaters, who guard the castle and give tours to visitors.
Ancient Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are a well-preserved ancient spa complex in the gorgeous Georgian city of Bath in southern England. The Baths were built by the Ancient Romans around a natural hot spring between 60 and 70 AD used for bathing, relaxation and worship.
The site includes a temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, a bath house with various pools and rooms, and a museum that displays artefacts from the Roman period. You will also have magnificent views of the old Abbey right next door!
—> Read More: What To See and Do in the Cotswolds
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