The UK officially has 6500 visitor attractions. These UK attractions are important to both the domestic tourism market and the inbound tourism market. Attractions are a vital part of the UK and international travel and tourism sector, since they are often the single most important reason why tourists visit an area. There are hundreds of different types of attraction but the are divided into categories.
Natural Attractions
It is a attraction that has been created by nature. Domestic and overseas visitors are attracted to the lakes, mountains, coastline, beaches and landscapes. Many of these areas have been given special status to protect their environment and provide facilities for their enjoyment by the public e.g. National Parks, Lake District.
The Lake District is England's largest National Park is home to Scafell Pike - its highest mountain, Wastwater - its deepest lake and thriving communities like Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. Visitors can indulge in local treats like Cumberland sausage and enjoy centuries old traditions such as hound trailing and rushbearing. The area has also inspired many famous writers.
It is a attraction that has been created by nature. Domestic and overseas visitors are attracted to the lakes, mountains, coastline, beaches and landscapes. Many of these areas have been given special status to protect their environment and provide facilities for their enjoyment by the public e.g. National Parks, Lake District.
The Lake District is England's largest National Park is home to Scafell Pike - its highest mountain, Wastwater - its deepest lake and thriving communities like Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. Visitors can indulge in local treats like Cumberland sausage and enjoy centuries old traditions such as hound trailing and rushbearing. The area has also inspired many famous writers.
Heritage Attractions
Many of Britain's most popular attractions are heritage attractions. Many existing attractions have attached the word heritage to their facility in hope of attracting greater numbers of visitors. In the UK there is a wealth of historic houses, often cared for by the National Trust or English Heritage. There are also museums and galleries such as Tate Britain and Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Media Museum in Bradford. An example, is Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world, at the centre of a rich and varied prehistoric landscape. It is one of the must-see archaeological monuments in Britain, particularly for overseas visitors. Stonehenge has a social value as an icon of Britain and a source of pride in the achievements of distant ancestors.
Many of Britain's most popular attractions are heritage attractions. Many existing attractions have attached the word heritage to their facility in hope of attracting greater numbers of visitors. In the UK there is a wealth of historic houses, often cared for by the National Trust or English Heritage. There are also museums and galleries such as Tate Britain and Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Media Museum in Bradford. An example, is Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world, at the centre of a rich and varied prehistoric landscape. It is one of the must-see archaeological monuments in Britain, particularly for overseas visitors. Stonehenge has a social value as an icon of Britain and a source of pride in the achievements of distant ancestors.
Purpose-built Attractions
Purpose-built attractions are designed to provide fun, entertainment, education and enjoyment. Purpose-built attractions may be historic but favourite purpose-built attractions include theme parks. For example, Alton Towers.
Alton Towers Resort is the UK's leading short break resort, offering an unrivalled selection of theme park and attractions for a whole family to enjoy. The origins of the Towers date back to the 8th century, although the theme park and hotels are less historic. Alton Towers offers a range of attractions such as the theme park, hotels, spa and water park.
Purpose-built attractions are designed to provide fun, entertainment, education and enjoyment. Purpose-built attractions may be historic but favourite purpose-built attractions include theme parks. For example, Alton Towers.
Alton Towers Resort is the UK's leading short break resort, offering an unrivalled selection of theme park and attractions for a whole family to enjoy. The origins of the Towers date back to the 8th century, although the theme park and hotels are less historic. Alton Towers offers a range of attractions such as the theme park, hotels, spa and water park.
Events
Events attract tourists to an area as well as serving the needs of local people. Events are particularly important in parts of the country that can't offer large numbers of natural and purpose-built attractions. Events such as the Edinburgh Festival or the Notting Hill carnival attract many visitors. there are events in the business tourism sector too, such as the World Travel Market. Then there are mega events such as the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games had a massive impact on the UK but also loads of other countries. Athletes form 204 nations contributed in the Olympic Games. Some four billion around the world are reported to have seen at least a moment of the games on the TV. It had brought about 8.8 million people who had tickets to see the games, this would have had a huge impact on tourism in the UK has it would also have created more jobs.
Events attract tourists to an area as well as serving the needs of local people. Events are particularly important in parts of the country that can't offer large numbers of natural and purpose-built attractions. Events such as the Edinburgh Festival or the Notting Hill carnival attract many visitors. there are events in the business tourism sector too, such as the World Travel Market. Then there are mega events such as the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games had a massive impact on the UK but also loads of other countries. Athletes form 204 nations contributed in the Olympic Games. Some four billion around the world are reported to have seen at least a moment of the games on the TV. It had brought about 8.8 million people who had tickets to see the games, this would have had a huge impact on tourism in the UK has it would also have created more jobs.