The nation has spoken, and the results are in! The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has been officially crowned the UK's number one attraction in TripAdvisor's prestigious 2023 Travellers' Choice Awards, securing the coveted top spot ahead of some formidable competition.
What Makes Kew Gardens So Special?
Spanning over 300 acres in southwest London, Kew Gardens isn't just another pretty park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the most important botanical collections on Earth, featuring:
- The Palm House: A breathtaking Victorian glasshouse containing tropical rainforest plants
- The Temperate House: The world's largest surviving Victorian glass structure
- The Treetop Walkway: Offering stunning aerial views 18 metres above the ground
- Over 50,000 living plants and the world's largest collection of preserved plant specimens
London's Cultural Dominance
London attractions demonstrated their global appeal by claiming an impressive seven out of the top ten spots in the national rankings. The capital's cultural institutions continue to draw visitors from across the UK and around the world, with the British Museum and Churchill War Rooms following closely behind Kew Gardens in second and third place respectively.
The Full Top Five UK Attractions:
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (London)
- The British Museum (London)
- Churchill War Rooms (London)
- The Roman Baths (Bath)
- The National Gallery (London)
Beyond London: Regional Gems Shine
While London dominated the upper rankings, several regional attractions made strong showings, proving that Britain's cultural wealth extends far beyond the capital. The Roman Baths in Bath secured an impressive fourth place, while York Minster and Edinburgh Castle demonstrated the drawing power of historic northern destinations.
"These awards are particularly meaningful because they're based on genuine reviews from travellers who've experienced these attractions first-hand," noted a TripAdvisor spokesperson. "Kew Gardens clearly left an unforgettable impression on visitors from around the world."
The recognition comes as Britain's tourism industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, with international visitors returning to explore the country's world-class cultural and historical sites. With spring approaching, now might be the perfect time to discover why Kew Gardens captured the nation's heart and earned its place as Britain's best-loved attraction.
