As the country recovers from the pandemic, more and more people are getting out and about, visiting some of the country’s most loved tourist attractions, according to new data – and the North West is no exception.
As part of English Tourism Week 2023, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions has released the latest visitor figures from their members, which includes museums, galleries, country parks, heritage sites and more from all over the country. ALVA reports that visitor numbers across these sites have increased by an average of 118% in 2022.
ALVA have also highlighted that, amid the cost of living crisis, free attractions in particular have seen a significant increase in visitors.
In the North West, Liverpool’s World Museum proved most popular, welcoming 670,000 visitors in 2022, while Dunham Massey was the most visited in the Greater Manchester area with 525,000 recorded visitors last year. The most visited attraction in the country, however, was Windsor Great Park, in Berkshire, which welcomed 5.6million visitors last year.
If you’re looking for something fun to do on your next day off or during the school holidays, here’s a round up of some of the most visited attractions within an hour’s drive of Manchester.
5. Knowsley Safari
Knowsley Safari Park, located in Prescot, has over 700 animals, including a lion pride. Guests can drive through the park, and there is also a walking route. General admission is £2.00-£22.50 for adults and £12.00-£19.50 for both children and seniors. Credit: Knowsley Safari | Knowsley Safari
6. Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey was the most visited tourist attraction in the Greater Manchester area, according to ALVA. The National Trust site has a 17th century manor, gardens, parklands and free roaming deer. Entry to the park and gardens is £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for children, entry to the house and servants courtyard is an additional £6 for adults and £3 for children. Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images | Getty Images
7. Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Beeston Castle is a medieval castle, located above the Cheshire Plains. As well as boasting great views of the Pennines to the Welsh mountains on a clear day, it also has a 40-acre woodland park and a replica Bronze Age roundhouse. Entry fees vary depending on when you choose to go, but adult tickets are around £10-11, and children’s are around £6. Credit: Google Maps | Google Maps
8. Quarry Bank Mill
The National Trust site is one of the most important industrial history heritage sites in the country. Entry to the mill, Apprentice House, where the children workers of the mill were housed, Quarry Bank House, upper and lower gardens costs £20 for adults and £10 for children. Pictured here is a visit from King Charles back in 2018. Credit: Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool/Getty Images | Getty Images