SOUTHERN GEM
One of the UK’s most popular free attractions is a bizarre Victorian cemetery – and people say it’s a hidden gem
We reveal three other unusual things to do in Bristol
A CEMETERY in Bristol has been named as the most visited free attraction in the South West.
More than half a million people visited Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust in 2022 and 2023, making it one of the UK's most visited attractions.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust beat the likes of other attractions in Bristol, including the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, to the top spot.
The research, which was produced by , analysed information such as visitor numbers, entrance fees, accessibility by public transport, funding and marketing and communication to work out the country's most visited attractions.
The Victorian cemetery, which is clearly popular with visitors, first opened in 1837.
Burials started taking place at the Bristol cemetery in 1839.
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One of the cemetery's most notable residents is Rajah Ram Mohun Roy, a Hindu reformer who died during a visit to Bristol.
His Grade II listed chattri (a Bengali funeral monument) lies near the main entrance to this day.
Other famous residents, who are also local heroes, include George Müller and Mary Carpenter.
Visitors can learn more about the history of the cemetery at West Lodge, which doubles as the visitor centre.
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Set in 45 acres of grounds, has proven to be popular with visitors thanks to its green spaces.
Visitors can take themselves on self-guided walks of the cemetery by following the Discovery Trail.
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Bird watching is another popular activity on the site, with flycatchers and redstarts often spotted in the autumn.
Other on-site attractions include a cafe with a terrace area and the Spielman Centre, which doubles as a community hub and event space.
Despite its half a million visitors, only a few hundred people have reviewed the attraction on TripAdvisor and Google.
One person wrote: "This should be one of the most popular sights in Bristol, wandering round this afternoon was truly delightful.
"The overgrown parts as well as the more manicured bits are all beautiful and atmospheric in equal measure."
Another added: "This is one of my favourite places in Bristol. It’s absolutely gorgeous just for a potter about, plenty to see and a cafe too!"
This is one of my favourite places in Bristol
Someone else added: "Bristol’s hidden gem. We love nothing more than going for a walk at Arnos Vale and the kids love exploring!"
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust is free to enter, and it is a 10-minute bus journey away from Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
The UK's other most visited free attractions included the likes of the British Museum, World Museum Liverpool, Midlands Arts Centre and Brighton Pier.
In a statement Visit Britain said: "The annual trends report provides an overview of the visitor attraction sector using results from a mix of online and postal surveys.
";This approach means we’re unable to verify results provided by individual attractions beyond a basic ‘sense check’. Read more about our methodology.
"The lists of English attractions included in the report only feature those that choose to participate and agree to make their results public."
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EXPLORE MORE OF BRISTOL
Earlier this year, research from the Happy City Index (HCI) revealed the world's happiest cities, with Bristol listed in seventh place overall.
Straddling the River Avon, the English city is a well-known hub for creativity.
The creators of Wallace and Gromit, Aardman Animations are based in Bristol.
Their treasured characters can be seen throughout the city, with one of their most unusual spots being a Wallace and Gromit-inspired escape room.
first opened in 2022 and was named after their first film, A Grand Day Out.
Escapees must assist Wallace in his bid to save the village science fete by helping him remember the code to his workshop.
Another unusual attraction is , which is said to be the world's biggest trampoline park.
In Bristol, there's also Wake the Tiger, which is said to be the world's very first "amazement" attraction.
Wake the Tiger is an immersive experience that transports visitors to the imaginary world of Meridia.
The walk-through attraction features 27 unique art installations including strobe lighting, hidden portals and doorways, and rooms with moving parts.
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Top 10 paid-for attractions
VISIT Britain also named the most visited attractions with entry fees in its research, with the top 10 as follows:
- Stonehenge (more than 1.3 million visitors in 2023)
- Roman Baths (991,437 visitors in 2023)
- Longleat Safari & Adventure Park (800,056 visitors in 2023)
- Grand Pier (Weston-super-Mare; 545,011 visitors in 2023)
- Westonbirt, The National Arboretum (an estimate of 423,813 visitors in 2023)
- St Michael's Mount (418,364 visitors in 2023)
- Tyntesfield (401,636 visitors in 2023)
- Kingston Lacy Estate (391,969 visitors in 2023)
- Stourhead House and Garden (376,253 visitors in 2023)
- Bath Abbey (354,590 visitors in 2023)
Meanwhile, an often-ridiculed city in the north of England has the cheapest beers in the country and it's been named a top place to visit in 2024.
Here's why the UK’s unlikely new 'best city' is my favourite weekend break – it has the friendliest people in the country.
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