Tate Modern takes the title of top UK attraction

According to the latest figures from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (AVLA), Tate Modern has surpassed the British Museum to become the most visited attraction in the country.

Visitor numbers to the South Bank-based contemporary art gallery rose to almost 5.9 million in 2018, with many attributing the Tate Modern’s success to an increase in public awareness, an extension to its Switch House in 2016, and notable exhibitions in 2018, including Picasso 1932 and Modigliani.

The British Museum’s visitor numbers, while still strong, have dipped over the past few years. In 2015, 6.8 million people passed through its doors, but this number had dropped to 5.8 million in 2018.

Almost 70 million people – more than the population of the UK – visited attractions in London in 2018, so it’s unsurprising that the top 10 attractions in the report were all in the capital city.

On top of this, TripAdvisor recently revealed the results of its Travellers’ Choice Awards, in which London beat Rome, Paris and Phuket as the best-rated destination in the world.

Tate Modern is one of many attractions on the doorstep of bustling Elephant and Castle. It takes about nine minutes by bike, 18 minutes via public transport or 25 minutes on foot to travel to the gallery from Elephant Park, making it the perfect day out for residents wanting places to explore.

With free exhibitions, performances and workshops throughout the year, Tate Modern is an excellent destination for all ages.

The Turbine Hall always offers up something exciting, with past commissions from renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Olafur Eliasson, Ai Wei Wei and SUPERFLEX. Look out for Jenny Holzer’s provocative exhibition taking place until 31 July, and the first major display of Steve McQueen’s artwork in the UK, coming to Tate Modern in January 2020.

For more information visit the Tate Modern website.