Royal Armouries leads the charge in visitor numbers

Looking up inside the Tower of Steel at Clarence Dock

Two Leeds attractions are leading the way in visits says a new survey of visitor numbers during 2010.

Both the Royal Armouries and Harewood House increased their visitor numbers.

The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) reports the Royal Armouries welcomed nearly 275,000 visitors and Harewood House almost 248,000 in that year.

Both Leeds locations were above the survey's average increase in visitor numbers.

Harewood House recorded an increase five times higher and the Armouries three times than the national average of just 0.4%.

National collection

The Royal Armouries is home to the United Kingdom's national collection of arms and armour and entry is free. The museum opened in 1996 and the distinctive building in Clarence Dock cost £42.5m.

Andrea Long, Head of Communications at the Royal Armouries said, "We are delighted to report that our museum at Leeds has experienced its highest ever number of visitors, despite us having to make some difficult decisions as we look to save £3.4 million over the next four years.

"We are part of a valuable tourism industry that is set to grow even more in 2011 with the Royal wedding bringing in more overseas visitors.

"Despite a 15 per cent reduction in 'grant aid' by the government, we are committed to endeavour to deliver the same high standard of visitor experience and academic access that has made it one of the leading National Museums in the country."

Sugar trade

Harewood House stands in 'Capability' Brown's landscape

Harewood House was commissioned by Barbadian-born landowner Edwin Lascelles in the mid-18th century with money his father had made in the West Indian sugar trade. It has been home to the Lascelles family ever since.

There are over 100 acres of Gardens at Harewood with plants from all over the world in a landscape created by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

Mike Schafer, Chief Executive of Harewood House, said, "Harewood benefits as it's a destination that suits a range of visitors, good for those living locally and an entire day's entertainment for those who have travelled from further afield.

"We strive to keep our exhibitions, events, grounds and gardens on an ever-changing and exciting schedule throughout the entire year and we have seen our visitors' response with rising visitor numbers.

"By retaining our entry prices for the third year in a row, we recognise the economic environment we are living through. Its a challenge we work hard to meet and a challenge we relish."

According to ALVA the top 13 visitor attractions are all in London with the most-visited being the British Museum with almost six million tourists.

Providing growth

The British Museum's Neil MacGregor presented the BBC Radio 4 series A History of the World in 100 Objects and the display of the related objects boosted visitors to the museum.

The government has identified tourism as one of the five industries that are key to providing growth and employment for the UK.

The 40 members of ALVA comprise the majority of Britain's biggest and best known attractions, and are responsible for managing some 1,580 tourist sites.