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.
9. International Slavery Museum
The International Slavery Museum is located at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, close to the dry docks where 18th century slave trading ships were repaired. The museum focuses on history and legacy of transatlantic slavery, raising awareness about the slave trade’s impact. Entry to the museum is free. Photo: Getty Images | 08 Middle Passage (c) Redman Design, International Slavery Museum.jpg
10. Tate Liverpool
Located on the Royal Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool is one of the country’s leading art galleries. There are paid exhibitions and free collections to explore, but booking is still required for both. Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images | Getty Images
11. Delamere Forest light trail
Delamere Forest is located about an hour south west of Manchester. As well as being a nice place to go for a walk or bike ride, they also have other facilities such as holiday cabinets, segway tours, Go Ape and more. They also host special events, like the light trail (pictured). Entry is free but parking and activities will require a fee. Credit: LTV | LTV
12. Liverpool World Museum
Liverpool World Museum is the city’s oldest museum. It has collections on ancient civilisations, world cultures, natural history and physical sciences. General admission is free, but some exhibitions have separate fees. Credit: Liverpool World Museum | emma dukes