2005 saw an estimated 492 million visits to over 7,000 attractions in the UK. This represented a two-percentage point growth on the figure recorded in 2004. Visits to museums and art galleries accounted for 26% of all days out, followed by historic properties with 19%. The greatest growth, with 30% over the period 2000-2004, was experienced by visits to farms, gardens and visitor/heritage centres.

Recent trends indicate that visits to free attractions are growing at a faster rate than those to paid-admission attractions. Mintel’s research predicts a steady growth in the days out market over the next few years, with the weather continuing to play a significant part in the number of trips taken each year. However, many attractions recognise this and are adapting to appeal in all weathers, and also to extend the season.

About the market:

2005 saw an estimated 492 million visits to over 7,000 attractions in the UK. This represented a two-percentage point growth on the figure recorded in 2004. Visits to museums and art galleries accounted for 26% of all days out, followed by historic properties with 19%. The greatest growth, with 30% over the period 2000-2004, was experienced by visits to farms, gardens and visitor/heritage centres.

Recent trends indicate that visits to free attractions are growing at a faster rate than those to paid-admission attractions. Mintel’s research predicts a steady growth in the days out market over the next few years, with the weather continuing to play a significant part in the number of trips taken each year. However, many attractions recognise this and are adapting to appeal in all weathers, and also to extend the season.

About Mintel’s report:

Compiling together the most sought-after trend data and authoritative, independent market analysis, Mintel’s research offers you a vital way of fully understanding the UK market for days out. It also offers you unique findings from exclusive consumer research; invaluable information that will enable you to tailor your business to real consumer demand. Mintel’s research report has been designed to help you:

Identify the UK’s most popular places for day out visits

Determine in detail market size and annual growth rates of a fragmented industry

Pinpoint market potential before your competitors

Identify key target audiences and their attitudes towards visitor attractions

Reveal the decisive sources of information for consumers

Disclose the most popular factors influencing the choice of venue for a day out

Measure market forecasts and build realistic business models

Evaluate the impact of seaside resorts regenerating themselves.

Intriguing findings include:

With 47% of respondents asking friends or relatives for suggestions, word-of-mouth is by far the most significant source of information when planning days out.

Visits to places of worship have experienced a dramatic decline of 16% between 2000 and 2004.