Britain’s most enchanting and unusual attractions revealed

Published July 28, 2026 12:46pm Updated July 28, 2026 12:46pm The Shambles in York is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley (Picture: Getty Images) Brits are swapping buckets and spades for spell books and broomsticks and heading for the country’s most magical and mysterious attractions this summer. New research has revealed up to 12million of us are embracing the weird and the wonderful, with many fascinated by the darker side of the country’s history. More than a quarter (26%) say they’re drawn to days out exploring myths and legends, while 17% want to see places associated with witch trials, according to the survey by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) The top three unusual attractions are The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic in Cornwall (14%), followed by The Shambles in York (12%), known for inspiring Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and Edinburgh’s spooky vaults. Colette Casey, customer experience director at LNER, said: ‘People are increasingly looking for days out that feel rewarding, whether that’s uncovering a hidden piece of history, discovering somewhere they’ve never visited before or spending quality time together as a family. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘Our research suggests there’s a real appetite to explore more of what Britain has to offer.’ Katie Kennedy aka The History Gossip has teamed up with LNER to produce a new online series featuring unusual destinations across Britain (Picture: Myles Fearnley/Cover Media) The trend also seems to be driven by the rising cost of living with 33% saying they now seek out affordable and memorable experiences closer to home. LNER has teamed up with historian Katie Kennedy aka The History Gossip to launch a new online series in time for the summer holidays. Each episode of The History Gossip’s Hidden Journeys explores stories from destinations across the UK, uncovering hidden histories, curious legends and unusual attractions that many travellers pass by without realising. Katie said: ‘One of the best things about Britain is that you never have to travel very far to stumble across an incredible story. ‘Some of our most fascinating places are hidden in plain sight – from Viking settlements and witch trial sites to underground streets, mysterious caves and attractions that have inspired centuries of myths and legends.’ You can find the new series on Katie Kennedy’s social channels. Britain's top 10 unusual attractions 1. Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Cornwall 2. The Shambles, York 3. Edinburgh Vaults, Edinburgh 4. Dracula Experience, Whitby 5. The Smallest House in Great Britain, Conwy 6. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire 7. Lake District Pencil Museum, Cumbria 8. The Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire 9. Jorvik Viking Centre, York 10. The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh Our Top Shopping Picks Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Thousands of women get this ‘throbbing’ infection in summer — here’s why Arrow MORE: Dad and daughter die after she ‘walked in to sea with handbag’ in Cornwall Arrow MORE: M&S brings back ’10/10′ dine-in deal that feeds four for just £3 each The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.