Families are swapping buckets and spades for spell books and broomsticks this summer, with new research revealing up to 12 million Britons are embracing the weird and wonderful. A survey by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) found that more than a quarter (26%) are drawn to days out exploring myths and legends, while 17% want to visit sites associated with witch trials.
The top three unusual attractions include the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic in Cornwall (14%), The Shambles in York (12%)—which inspired Harry Potter's Diagon Alley—and Edinburgh's spooky vaults. The rising cost of living is driving the trend, with 33% seeking affordable yet memorable experiences closer to home.
Colette Casey, LNER's customer experience director, said: 'People are increasingly looking for days out that feel rewarding, whether that's uncovering a hidden piece of history or spending quality time together as a family.' Two-thirds of respondents said they would be more likely to visit attractions if they were easy to reach by train.
To help families discover new destinations, LNER has teamed up with historian Katie Kennedy, known as The History Gossip, to launch an online series, 'The History Gossip’s Hidden Journeys with LNER'. Each episode uncovers hidden histories, curious legends and unusual attractions across the UK.
Kennedy commented: 'One of the best things about Britain is that you never have to travel very far to stumble across an incredible story... from Viking settlements and witch trial sites to underground streets and mysterious caves.' The series is available on her social channels.
