Alton Towers as the 'most eagerly anticipated' attraction to visit in the UK this summer, figures show
A new study has revealed the most eagerly anticipated attractions in the UK to visit this summer, with Alton Towers taking top spot.
With the school summer holidays here now is as good a time as any to plan a day out with families and friends to one of the UK's top tourist attractions, and research conducted by tickets comparison site SeatPick has identified the iconic amusement park in Staffordshire as the most anticipated attraction, with an average of 992,452 monthly Google searches.
The site examined Google data to identify the popularity of search terms for different tourist attractions in the UK.
The average number of Google searches in the months of June, July, and August from 2022 to 2024, as well as June 2025, for terms such as “V&A Museum location,” “Madam Tussauds tickets,” and “Edinburgh Castle review,” were analysed to determine the rankings.
Alton Towers garnered 24,571 reviews on Tripadvisor with an average rating of 3.8, making it the lowest-rated attraction in the top 10 despite its popularity. Tickets for the amusement park are available on its website from £29.
Following in second was Buckingham Palace, which generated an average of 625,916 monthly searches and 30,069 reviews on Tripadvisor, producing an overall rating of 4.3.
The King’s official residence opens to visitors in summer, with individual tickets ranging from £16 to £35, whereas access companions and children under 5 can attend for free.
In third was Covent Garden, a ticket-free event which had an average monthly search volume of 547,932 and a 5.5 rating on Tripadvisor from 25,486 reviews.
Ranking fourth was the Natural History Museum, while Borough Market completed the top five.
Hyde Park came sixth with the Tower of London seventh and Camden Market eighth in a list dominated by attractions in the country's capital.
Chester Zoo finished ninth in the rankings, and Stone Henge completed the top 10.
Commenting on the findings, Gilad Zilberman, CEO of SeatPick said: “While many will be heading abroad this summer, the UK offers a wealth of attractions to enjoy closer to home, many of which are free or available at a low cost.
"From family-friendly destinations to sites that cater to a wide range of interests, there’s something for everyone. Popular options include zoos and animal attractions, shopping markets, and historic landmarks.
“If you’re planning to visit one of these top attractions, be sure to research what the cost of entry is, and whether you need to book in advance.
"Even attractions that are often free, such as museums and art galleries, can require you to book beforehand, particularly if you want to fast-track your entry, avoid queues, or ensure availability for a certain timeslot. Finally, be sure to check ticket comparison websites to secure the best price possible.”
