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Amsterdam Has a Message for Male Tourists From the U.K.: ‘Stay Away’

In an ad campaign aimed at British men between 18 and 35, the Dutch capital threatens fines for visitors who are looking for a “messy night.”

A picture taken at night of a canal in the red-light district of Amsterdam, with groups of people clustered on the sidewalk.

By Claire Moses

The next time a British man between 18 and 35 types search terms looking for a cheap trip to Amsterdam for himself and his friends, he may see an unusual advertisement: “Stay away.”

In one such ad, a young man is slumped over a bench before he is taken into an ambulance by medical personnel. Another shows close-ups of a man being handcuffed and fingerprinted by the police. Overlaying text warns those who are “coming to Amsterdam for a messy night” that they could incur fines or hospital stays as well as criminal records or permanent damage to their health.

Those videos, which are prompted by search terms like “pub crawl Amsterdam,” are part of advertising by the city aimed at deterring young British men from coming to the Dutch capital for a rowdy weekend. The warnings come even though Amsterdam is partly known for access to marijuana and legal prostitution in the city’s red-light district.

Tourist destinations seem to view British tourists as at risk of overindulging in alcohol. The British government has even studied the phenomenon. In 2013, research showed that more than half of young people were likely to drink more on vacation than at home. “Some young Brits on holiday are putting themselves at risk of serious harm such as hospitalization, arrest or detention,” the British government said at the time.

The campaign is aimed at “nuisance tourists” who are planning to “go nuts,” according to Amsterdam’s announcement. It started this week and is initially focused on British men between 18 and 35. The city may expand it to other tourists, from the Netherlands and other European Union countries, later this year, according to the announcement.

“The advertisements show the risks and consequences of nuisance and excessive use of alcohol and drugs: fines, getting arrested, a permanent record, hospital admittance and health damage,” the announcement states.

“Visitors will still be welcome, but not if they misbehave and cause a nuisance,” Sofyan Mbarki, Amsterdam’s deputy mayor, said in a statement. “Amsterdam is a metropolis and that includes bustle and liveliness, but to keep our city livable, we’re now choosing limitation instead of irresponsible growth.”

In 2021, close to nine million tourists visited the city for a day trip or overnight, according to numbers on the city’s website . The number peaked in 2019, with about 22 million tourists.

The ads are part of a larger effort to crack down on noisy tourists whom locals have long complained about. Last month, Amsterdam introduced rules that banned the smoking of marijuana on the streets of the red-light district and required businesses to shut at 3 a.m., three hours earlier than the previous time. Cafes and restaurants must also close earlier, at 2 a.m.

The city is also aiming to reduce the amount of window prostitution in the red-light district and has been looking for alternatives. One such proposal is to build an “erotic center” outside the city center. The city is still deciding among three locations, but it has been met with opposition from some residents.

Rowdy tourists aren’t a new phenomenon in Amsterdam, and it’s not the first time the city has made a similar plea — even if this campaign seems more blunt.

In 2018, the city introduced on-the-spot fines and increased the presence of city workers in the streets, as well as creating an ad campaign targeting British and Dutch men. Those ads used annotated images to remind visitors that drinking and singing loudly should be contained to bars and not spill into the streets. They also threatened fines for bad behavior.

Alongside the “stay away” videos, the city said it had begun an educational effort for visitors who are already in town called “How to Amsterdam,” which seeks to inform people on appropriate behavior. (Guidance includes warning signs about excessive noise, the illegality of urinating in public and buying drugs from dealers in the street.)

“We’re not a fan of it,” Ian Johnson, a spokesman for Last Night of Freedom, a company that organizes bachelor and bachelorette parties, said of the latest ad campaign. “We think it’s a bit shortsighted.” He added that British tourists didn’t deserve their bad reputation and called the videos alarmist.

Last Night of Freedom organizes bachelor parties for about 100 groups in Amsterdam every year, Mr. Johnson said, expressing skepticism about how successful the ads would be. Amsterdam’s reputation as a party city is entrenched, Mr. Johnson said.

“Business is booming on our end,” he said. “I don’t think this is going to stop it.”

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

News | World

British tourists successfully driven out of Amsterdam following ‘stay away’ campaign

There has been a significant decrease in the number of Britons travelling to the Netherlands in a sign its “stay away” campaign is working. 

The country has seen a 22 per cent decline in British arrivals this year compared with 2019. Not just Britons have been warded off – global tourist arrivals to the Netherlands are down by 26 per cent. 

This will likely be good news for the Dutch government which launched a “digital discouragement campaign” in March this year, aiming to deter people from using the capital for weekends of sex and drug tourism.

Online posters showed a young man getting arrested and then in a cell with the captions: “So coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay away.”

It came after residents complained about tourists urinating in public, fighting in the streets and vomiting into canals. 

The Dutch government also put a cap on flights to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol - mostly for environmental reasons, to reduce the sound pollution affecting those nearby.

Amsterdam targets drunk Brits with Stay Away tourism campaign

The Schiphol cap looks set to become permanent from 2024 - if the European Commission approves the move, flights will be capped at 452,500 per year, which is 9.5 per cent lower than the number of flights which took place in 2019. 

Netherlands’ national airline KML has said the cap was “incomprehensible” while the industry group Airlines For Europe has branded it “arbitrary and ill thought out”.

When Dutch Transport Minister Mark Harbers announced the cap’s extension into 2024, he said: "Aviation can bring the Netherlands a lot that's good, as long as we pay attention to the negative effects for people that live near the airport.”

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Amsterdam's message for British men who want 'messy night'

Online videos will be triggered when people in Britain start using specific search terms about Amsterdam amid an ongoing campaign to improve the reputation and image of the Dutch city.

Wednesday 29 March 2023 15:14, UK

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The city of Amsterdam has produced a video warning young men who come to the city 'for a messy night' to 'stay away'.

Amsterdam has launched a digital campaign telling British tourists who want a "messy night" to "stay away".

The online initiative is aimed at men aged 18 to 35, warning they face a fine alongside a criminal record and "fewer prospects" if they "misbehave and cause nuisance" in the Dutch city .

The warning videos will be triggered when people in Britain enter specific terms into search engines, including "cheap hotel Amsterdam", "stag party Amsterdam", and "pub crawl Amsterdam".

Footage shows men being arrested in the street, having their fingerprints and mugshots taken, and being locked in a police cell.

The clip warns: "So coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay away."

The city's council has launched the scheme as part of efforts to improve Amsterdam's reputation amid continuing complaints by residents over the noise, drunkenness and misbehaviour.

Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki said: "Visitors will remain welcome but not if they misbehave and cause nuisance.

"As a city, we are saying: we'd rather not have this, so stay away."

The campaign will initially launch with Britain but will then be expanded to the Netherlands and other countries.

Critics have argued the videos are discriminatory, with some business owners in Amsterdam saying they would prefer an initiative which is more positive.

Read more on Sky News: Amsterdam to weed out cannabis in red light district

Last month, city officials revealed new measures are being planned to reduce "nuisance and crime" and make the night atmosphere in the Red Light District "less menacing" due to complaints about mass tourism, alcohol and drug abuse, and street dealers.

They include a ban on smoking cannabis in the street, earlier weekend closing times for bars, clubs and sex work establishments, and some restrictions over alcohol.

Amsterdam is also considering three locations for a new "erotic centre", which is "intended to reduce the crowds and nuisance from visitors in the city centre".

Related Topics

  • The Netherlands

20 things to know before visiting Amsterdam in 2024

Mar 16, 2024 • 7 min read

amsterdam uk tourist

Take advantage of Amsterdam's incredible parks but be respectful to the locals © Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images

From cannabis-clouded coffee shops  to lovely parks and cycling lanes aplenty, Amsterdam is a European city with a delightful, vibrant vibe that’s entirely its own. While it certainly makes for amazing travel escapades, there are some useful things to understand about this city and the local culture. 

So, what do you need to know before visiting Amsterdam for the first time? Here are our top tips for newcomers.

1. Amsterdam is not a 24/7 city

Amsterdam establishments keep very regular hours. Opening hours in shops are generally from about 10am to 6pm, and 8pm for supermarkets. Many shops and grocers do not open on Sundays (with the exception of busy tourist areas like Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat ). Coffeeshops tend to open in the morning and close around midnight, while bars and clubs go much later until 3 or 4am.

2. Pre-purchase tickets where possible

At museums and galleries , it’s best to plan for long queues – especially during the high season from June to August . Ticketed time slots (most can be downloaded to your phone) are available at popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum and should be booked at least six weeks in advance.

3. Book accommodation and restaurants in advance

Similarly, lodging should be secured at least four months before your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or on the weekend. Seats at your must-visit restaurants are best squared away at least two weeks in advance.

4. Budget for a (higher) tourist tax 

In 2024, Amsterdam's tourist tax – which is added to the cost of accommodation per night – has risen from 7% to 12.5%, making it now the most expensive in Europe. The tax is charged at a percentage of your accommodation cost, and is payable on arrival. For example, a four-person room booking for three nights by Vondelpark is costing a group of friends €818.88 between them, with an additional €91.88 to be paid on arrival. Plan ahead and factor the tax into your budget, as it's easy to forget about it once you've booked transport and accommodation ahead of it. 

Cargo bike bicyclists - woman with children - in Amsterdam.

5. Lock your bike… twice

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam . Most rental bikes come with two locks – it’s best to use them both! Bike thieves in Amsterdam can be very capable. Use one lock for the front wheel (attached to the bike frame) and the other for the back, preferably attached to a post, bike rack or some other structure mounted to the ground.

Also, pay attention to signage regarding bike parking. Bicycle racks near tram and train stations and in certain public squares are usually best, or you may risk it being removed by the police.

6. Pack layers of clothing

Practical clothing will get you far in Amsterdam. It’s a city where people dress hip but casual (jeans and nice sneakers or boots, for example) and mix-and-match layers since the year-round weather is unpredictable. A light trench coat or windbreaker jacket is essential for all seasons besides winter, when a proper coat and warm gear are needed.

7. Buy an OV-chipkaart for travel around the city

The OV-chipkaart is highly recommended for public transport since it’s more convenient than single tickets and is easily reloadable at machines or online. It's available for purchase from ticketing machines and supermarkets. Note: you need to touch on and touch off, including when you're getting off trams. Otherwise, you'll pay a hefty fee. 

8. Carry a mix of cash and cards

In Amsterdam, there is a growing movement of cafes and restaurants going cashless – while some of the more traditional, older haunts like bruin cafés (brown cafes) may not take cards at all. It's best to carry a mix of cash and cards.

Amsterdam Gay Pride Parade in the canals

9. Be respectful on the streets

Dutch locals are tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for bachelor parties and bad behavior, therefore authorities have taken steps to curtail the effects of rowdy visitors. To avoid disapproving looks and humiliating conversations, acting sensibly on downtown streets is a must.

Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.

10. Haggling at flea markets is okay

When shopping at Amsterdam’s famous rommelmarkt (flea markets) like IJ Hallen , the first price given by the seller is usually not a firm price but a starting point. This rule applies to secondhand items not artisan-made goods. Use your judgment and always be respectful.

11. Mind the Dutch mentality

The Dutch are known for being extremely direct. If a local shares a blunt, unvarnished opinion with you, it comes from a place of honesty rather than rudeness. In Dutch culture, it’s gracious to speak your mind and keep it short – don’t be surprised to find "no" is a complete sentence!

Despite the brutally honest Dutch mentality, there are certain talking points that are considered too close to comfort and should be avoided – for example, asking very personal questions about income.

12. Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not expected in Amsterdam where hospitality workers receive a fair wage for their professions, and are not dependent on the tip jar contributions as might be the case elsewhere. Of course a tip (around 10% is normal) for excellent service is not going to be considered odd. Feel free to tip in bars, cafes, restaurants and accommodation if the service warrants it. If you take a free walking tour, presenting your guide with a decent tip at the end is normal.

13. Make friends by wearing orange

At sporting events in recent years, the Dutch are known for the oranjekoorts (orange fever) or oranjegekte (orange craze).

If you want the Dutch to know you’re cheering for them, wear the royal family’s traditional color. The more outlandish and over-the-top – we’re talking wigs, feather boas and face paint – the better.

Tulip flowers for sale at a Dutch flower market.

14. Can I transport tulip bulbs home?

Tulip bulbs purchased at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt can be shipped back to countries such as the United States, but an official certificate is needed for customs. Look for the sticker that says, “To the Plant Protection Service of the United States and Canada.” The additional certificate must be dated within six weeks of travel (otherwise, it’s best to have the seller ship them).

15. Can I bring cheese back home from the Netherlands?

Most varieties of Dutch cheeses will make it through customs, although typically unpasteurized and raw cheeses may not. Cheese should also be vacuum-bagged (for the sake of your fellow travelers as well as for healthy and safety). 

A couple bikes down a road in Amsterdam

16. Mind the cyclists – and the cycling lanes

Cyclists in Amsterdam mean serious business. Never walk in a cycling lane, or you'll risk the wrath of an angry local on wheels. Always take a good look both ways before crossing – bicycles are silent, but an accident can be very serious for cyclists and pedestrians. 

17. Don’t rent a car – rent a bike instead

Driving in Amsterdam is notoriously difficult, especially in the city center. Narrow cobblestone alleys and canals make maneuvering tough, plus parking is scarce and pricey (and it's usually not available, even at hotels).

Helmets are not legally mandated but strongly recommended. Most bike shops rent them for as little as €2.50 a day.

Streets and Canals of Amsterdam full of people dressed in orange celebrating King's day on April 27, 2015 in Amsterdam,

18. Be careful around canals

Almost none have barriers, and yes, tourist drownings have happened.

19. Watch out for pickpockets

Amsterdam’s compact downtown (chock-full of foot traffic and often folks who are under the influence) is the perfect recipe for thieves – especially in busy squares and typical visitor areas. Stay aware, and don't keep all your documents and valuables on you. 

20. What to do if you need medical care in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has an abundance of English-speaking doctors and medical care services targeted towards travelers, such as Hoteldoc and Amsterdam Tourist Doctors . For urgent medical care, dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 directly for an ambulance.

This article was first published December 2021 and updated March 2024

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Amsterdam travel guide

What to do, where to stay and why you’ll love it.

The Keizersgracht canal in winter

H istoric, culture-rich and often with a whiff of funny smoke on the air, the Netherlands’ capital is a beloved treasury of golden-age merchants’ houses, wiggly canals and skinny bridges. It’s also a pin-up for the anti-tourism brigade — more than anywhere in Europe, civic officials are forcing through laws and measures to make sure overtourism doesn’t overwhelm the city and curb its sustainable ambitions. Which is to say, you need to visit at the right time and in a socially responsible way: stay in an area away from De Wallen and the Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein crush, eat and drink in restaurants off the tourist trail and avoid descending on the city for a boozy trip or rowdy stag party.

Despite the caveats, a visit to Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s most romantic pleasures: nowhere else can you spend such quality time with Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, or linger during borrelen (drinking time) in nostalgia-laden brown cafés, with Heineken on tap and bitterballen (beef ragout croquettes) at your fingertips. And to join the Dutch on a two-wheeled tour, spinning from squares to parks along a snippet of the city’s 250 miles of cycleways, is as invigorating now as it ever was (just lock up your bike properly and — obviously — stick to the right).

The passing of time has been hard on Amsterdam in recent years, but with 90 islands to explore and always a hip new neighbourhood to discover, this is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself for the better.

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Long gone are the days of the city’s 17th-century golden age, a controversial term today as it glosses over the ugly truths of Dutch colonialism and slavery. The Amsterdam Museum, housed in a former orphanage, was the first to ditch the whitewashing phrase and this is as good a place as any to start. Afterwards, you’re in striking distance of Anne Frank House, a canal house-turned-memorial to the teenager whose posthumous Second World War diary continues to shock — and inspire — the world.

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• Best things to do in Amsterdam

Now for a trip through 800 years of world-class Dutch art: take in Rembrandt’s The Night Watch at the world-famous Rijksmuseum; Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum; and, finally, Mondrian and the De Stijl movement at Stedelijk Museum. Leave Rembrandt House Museum and the contemporary Moco Museum for another day to stretch your legs along all those coloured-in canals. The Unesco-worthy Gouden Bocht, or golden curve, between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat, has several fine canal houses and viewpoints to savour. In the other direction, the Magere Brug hovers above the Amstel River and has to be one of Amsterdam’s loveliest bridges. When fairylit at night, it’s completely captivating.

Up next? Strap in for bonkers flea markets, particularly IJ-Hallen and Albert Cuyp Market; people watching in Vondelpark; and the Europe of tomorrow in Amsterdam Noord. Here you’ll find the EYE Film Institute, cultural ground zero Tolhuistuin, and clean-tech and creativity compound Café de Ceuvel.

Where to stay

Surely, 20 million annual visitors can’t be wrong. Since Amsterdam became one of the world’s most-visited cities, the number of hotel beds has rocketed. Historically, De Wallen and medieval Binnenstad next to Amsterdam Centraal station are where most travellers arrive and depart, and that’s where you’ll find a mixture of guesthouses and hotels, from upmarket art deco pads to canal houses turned boutique bolt holes. Many of the friskier, design-conscious hotels are located farther to the west in De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets). Among them, The Dylan on Keizersgracht canal is almost a Dutch heirloom and worth it for Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles alone, while those in a similarly slick vein are The Hoxton and Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht. Nearby, the Pulitzer Amsterdam has its own polished-teak houseboat to tour the surrounding waterways.

As a rule of thumb, you’ll want some sort of canalside setting and that’s where Amsterdam comes into its own. With some 3,000 houseboats on its murky blue waters, there are plenty of cool canal boat rentals and luxury moorings to choose from. A great place to start is Airbnb-style booking engine HouseBoat Rental Amsterdam.

In terms of which neighbourhoods to pick, Oost is on the up and De Pijp, otherwise known as The Pipe, is always popular thanks to the area’s photogenic-but-busy streets.

Better still is working-class Noord, a ferry tootle from where most travellers arrive at Amsterdam Central train station. It remains the hippest quarter and blessed with the most intriguing aspects of fun, fast and flirty Amsterdam. Beyond the area’s go-to institutions like the Eye Filmmuseum and Nxt Museum (for psychedelic new media), there’s the trendsetting stalls of the Van Der Pekmarkt and the A’DAM Tower, the former Shell HQ where you can zoom up to a sky bar, then whoosh 100 meurpetres above the warehouses below on Europe’s highest swing.

Before you go, seek out sustainable De Ceuvel, a creative and social enterprise built out of the bones of a former shipyard — it’s now a treasure map of post-industrial cafés and anchored boats home to start ups, galleries and a floating B&B.

• Best boutique hotels in Amsterdam • Best budget hotels in Amsterdam • Best boat hotels in Amsterdam

Food and drink

If pancakes are your idea of heaven, you’ve come to the right place. Made with all sorts of wholesome wheat, spelt and oat flours, and served in all kinds of places from gourmet bakeries to brunch clubs and houseboats, the humble pancake is arguably Amsterdam’s most authentic dish. In business for half a century, The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht is not to be sniffed at and you won’t have to look far to find others worth an extra notch on your belt. Try one of PANCAKES’ six citywide locations — or, for a vegan crepe with hand-picked saffron served with a flute of champagne, there’s Moak Pancakes. If that doesn’t do it for you, drop a pin on your smartphone map for De Hallen, a food hall located in a converted tram depot in Oud-West. Otherwise, opt for upmarket The Food Department in the heart of De Wallen.

Given beer is one of the Netherlands’ most famous exports, it won’t come as a surprise that some of its most popular attractions are breweries. The Heineken Experience in De Pijp is the tourist trap you’d expect it to be, but there are a number of other smaller, more sustainable brewhouses to duck into for a swift half. Windmill-topped Brouwerij ’t IJ has a lovely historic atmosphere, while Nordic-themed Walhalla taproom and industrial-set Oedipus Brewing are also good fun. Note, pairing a lager with bitterballen is compulsory.

Also, don’t overlook a tour of the city centre’s cosy brown cafés, effectively tobacco-stained pubs that haven’t changed since the Mayflower first sailed from Holland. Fresh beer is often the only concession to modernity in these atmospheric, beaten-up pubs. Wobble between Café de Sluyswacht, Café Chris, Café De Dokter and Café ’t Smalle for the perfect 16th-century pub crawl.

Visit Amsterdam without hopping on an Amsterdam canal cruise and you’ll be the odd one out. A boat trip remains one of the city’s most popular attractions, with more than three million people each year squeezing aboard various boats to enjoy views of gorgeous bridges decorated with chained-up bicycles. Better still is to join an electric-powered fishing cruise with Plastic Whale, the world’s first plastic-fishing company. Prinsengracht is where you’ll be fishing for bottles, coffee cups and rusty beer cans — aka plastic soup. As well as cleaning up after other visitors, you’ll see the city in a completely different light.

Neighbouring Haarlem, with its beautiful Molen de Adriaan windmill on the Spaarne river, is in every travel guide, but it’s still worth a day trip. As well as its impeccable museum and historic Flemish buildings, you’ll find the city is a gateway to rainbow-coloured tulip fields and a zillion other lovely blossoms: crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. For more dazzling colour than you can shake a stroopwafel at, visit on April 27, or King’s Day, when more than a million people throng the streets to celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. The theme every year is head-to-toe bright orange, a hat tip to the royal family’s House of Orange-Nassau roots.

Know before you go

The driest time to visit is from June to August, but to avoid Amsterdam’s notorious over-tourism, stick to May or September. As you’re coming for beautiful inner-city streets and attractions, you’ll want to rent a bike. Ludicrously, some 10,000 are fished out of the canals every year — make sure to get one with a padlock.

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What you need to know before you travel between the netherlands and the uk.

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The discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has prompted governments to tighten up their travel restrictions, including the Netherlands and the UK.

In August the coronavirus rules were relaxed to allow more travel between the two countries. However, strict rules on testing and quarantining are still in force on both sides of the border and there are heavy penalties for breaking them.

Many DutchNews.nl readers have been in touch to say they found the rules confusing and contradictory. We’ve done our best here to sum up the key points and answer your questions and will try to keep you updated on any changes.

For full details of the two countries’ rules check the relevant web pages for the Dutch government and the British government .

Travelling to the UK

Use the Dutch government’s interactive guide here .

Can I travel to the UK from the Netherlands?

The UK has scrapped its traffic light system in favour of a single ‘red list’ of the highest risk countries. The Netherlands is not on it, so travel is still permitted. However, from December 7 you will need to take a pre-travel test no more than 48 hours before you leave.

Travellers vaccinated in the EU no longer need to go into quarantine. However, from November 30 everyone arriving in the UK must take a PCR test within two days of arrival and self-isolate until they know the result. If you are staying for less than two days you still need to order a PCR test.

Children under 18 can follow the rules for fully vaccinated travellers, even if they have not been vaccinated. Children under 5 do not have to take PCR or antigen tests.

Children under 11 travelling to Scotland do not need to take a PCR test on day 2.

What documents do I need to travel?

A passenger locator form , which includes your proof of vaccination and a booking code for the PCR test that you booked before travelling. You can take the test either at home or in a clinic.

You can complete the passenger locator form online in the 48 hours before travelling. You will get a QR code that you can either print off or store on your phone.

What tests do I need to take?

From Tuesday, December 7, all visitors to the UK aged 12 and over must take a PCR or antigen test no more than 48 hours before travelling, even if they have been vaccinated. Dutch pre-travel tests are no longer free: an antigen test will cost about €40, a PCR test €80.

Is my vaccine passport accepted in the UK?

The EU Covid Certificate is recognised by health authorities in all UK nations. Digital or paper versions are acceptable. You must have had all your vaccinations at least 14 days before travelling.

Do I have to quarantine in the UK?

If you have proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated, you do not have to quarantine. You will still need to book and take a PCR test on day 2 . If you don’t have proof of vaccination, you will need to quarantine for 10 days after you arrive. Children under 18 are not required to quarantine.

If you’ve only had one vaccine in the Netherlands because you tested positive for coronavirus in the last six months, you do not count as fully vaccinated under UK rules. A government spokesman told DutchNews: ‘The UK does not recognise natural immunity for international travel at this time.’

The quarantine supervision team will call you on the number you give on the passenger locator form and may visit you to check you are quarantining. The maximum fine for breaking quarantine is £10,000.

Do I have to test after I arrive?

Even if you’re vaccinated, you’ll need to take a PCR test on day 2 and send it away for results. You need to book this test before you leave and state the booking reference on your passenger locator form.

If you haven’t been vaccinated you’ll need to book and take tests on day 2 and 8 – even if you’re leaving before day 8. There’s an optional ‘test to release’ which will allow you to end your quarantine after five days if it’s negative, but you’ll still need to take the day 8 test.

The UK government’s website has a list of approved test providers for travel to England. Also check independent rating sites such as Covid Testing Network .

If you’re travelling to Wales you must book an NHS test through the CTM booking portal . Travellers to Scotland can use the booking portal or the list of approved test providers in England .

Travelling to the Netherlands

Can I travel to the Netherlands from the UK?

The UK is currently classed as very high-risk, but people who are fully vaccinated are exempt from the ban on travelling to the EU.

There are also exemptions from the ban for people in long-term relationships, essential workers, people travelling for pressing family reasons, and students, researchers or skilled migrants on short visits. You will need documentation to prove this.

If you have had two vaccines, or one vaccine dose and a recent infection, or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, you will be allowed to enter the Netherlands as long as you had your second vaccine at least 14 days before travelling. For those who had the Janssen vaccine the waiting period is 28 days.

What documents do I need?

If you are fully vaccinated and travelling by plane you will have to fill in a Health Declaration Form stating you do not have Covid-19 symptoms before you leave.

Non-residents and anyone who is not fully vaccinated will need to complete a quarantine declaration , even if you are exempt.

Either a PCR test no more than 48 hours before departure, or a rapid antigen test (also known as a lateral flow test) taken no more than 24 hours beforehand. An antigen test must be supervised.

Unvaccinated children are allowed to travel with their parents, but they still have to take a coronavirus test before departure.

Is my vaccine passport accepted in the Netherlands?

The NHS Covid Pass issued in England and Wales, the Scottish Covid Status app and the CovidCert app in Northern Ireland, or their paper equivalents, are valid as proof of vaccination at the border.

You will need to show a QR code proving you have been vaccinated or tested negative in the last 24 hours when you go to restaurants, bars, sports stadiums, theatres, cinemas and other indoor venues. NHS apps are now compatible with the Dutch ‘test for entry’ system. Unvaccinated travellers who need to obtain a QR code can book a free test for entry at testenvoortoegang.org .

If you’ve been vaccinated in the UK and live in the Netherlands, the GGD health service in Utrecht can validate NHS certificates. Visit https://www.ggdru.nl/corona or call 0300 800 2899.

Do I need to quarantine in the Netherlands?

Fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to quarantine in the Netherlands . Others will have to quarantine for 10 days or claim exemption. You can leave quarantine after five days with a negative test result (see below).

There are numerous exemptions from quarantine for cross-border workers and commuters, informal carers and people travelling for funerals. There is also an exemption for ‘necessary family visits’ to first and second-degree family members, i.e. parents, children, brothers and sisters, including step-families and relatives by marriage. The government’s website states: ‘Examples of necessary family visits include reunification with family members after a long period of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic or a visit to a sick family member.’

If you’re not fully vaccinated you must fill in a quarantine declaration before travelling, either online or on paper . If you are claiming exemption you still need to complete the form and tick the relevant box. The form states that you need to take documents supporting your case, but the government website advises that ‘only a quarantine declaration is necessary’.

Your quarantine address and phone number are passed to the supervision team, who will call you to check you are complying . If you break quarantine you could be fined €339.

Testing on arrival is not mandatory, but if you’re required to quarantine you can end it early if you test negative on day five. This must be a PCR test. You can book a free test by calling the GGD hotline on 0800 1202 or +31 850 659 063 if you’re calling from abroad. If you have a Dutch DigiD you can book the test online at coronatest.nl. You are allowed to leave quarantine to take a coronavirus test.

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Amsterdam travel: Everything British tourists shouldn’t do on a visit to the Dutch capital

‘binge-drinking stag and hen parties from england make their way to our city,’ highlights dutch capital’s tourism report, article bookmarked.

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Lonesome tonight? Elvis impersonator in the passport queue at Amsterdam Schiphol airport

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Sex, soft drugs and alcohol: for many young British travellers those are the key attractions of Amsterdam .

“After you have gone through customs at the airport you will be welcomed by our guide and be taken to your hotel in a top-quality bus,” boasts the stag trip firm Chillisauce.

“Little does the stag know about what’s going to happen on the journey home! Entertainment awaits! Along the way, the bus will be pulled over by a ‘police officer’ who gives the stag his deserved punishment.”

The “Stag Arrest” on the way in from Schiphol airport is just an overture to a hedonistic trip to Amsterdam. Later, say the organisers, “sex shops and peep shows” await in the Red Light district – a city-centre zone like no other in Europe.

But the city itself isn’t keen on such visitors. The official Vision on Tourism in Amsterdam 2035 report says: “Groups of tourists that only visit the city for alcohol, sex and drugs are a nuisance.

“Our hospitality can no longer be at the detriment of our inhabitants’ quality of life.”

Under a coalition deal signed in May 2022, and known as the Amsterdam Agreement, the city has pledged to “combat bachelor parties that cause disturbances and organised pub crawls”.

Now the civic authorities have launched a campaign to persuade stag parties to avoid the Dutch capital. But what exactly are the rules and practices that appeal to young British travellers?

What’s the problem?

“Groups of tourists seem to think that Amsterdam is a place that will allow just about anything. We want to get rid of this kind of tourism,” say the city authorities.

As many airline passengers to Amsterdam will testify, the city is a key destination for young British travellers – particularly men. You might spot a stag party at the departure gate or, on arrival, an Elvis Presley impersonator queuing up for passport control with a bunch of pals.

Young men converge on Amsterdam from across Europe, but the UK – and particularly England – comprises the biggest source of overindulgence.

“Binge-drinking stag and hen parties from England make their way to our city,” says the Vision on Tourism . That is why a new campaign has begun by targeting British males .

The city authorities say: “Amsterdam is known internationally as a free and open city that shares its cultural wealth with visitors from all over the world.

“But in recent years this freedom has come under pressure and has been exploited for commercial purposes. Some businesses misuse the city’s image, selling Amsterdam as a place of ‘unlimited possibilities’. This creates an impression among visitors that Amsterdam is a city where anything is allowed.”

What are Amsterdam’s rules on drugs?

Since the mid-1970s, the Dutch authorities have tolerated the sale and consumption of small amounts of soft drugs, arguing that licensed premises keep users distant from the criminal underworld.

“The coffee shops have contributed to a decrease in street sales, thus helping to separate the tolerated soft drugs market from the illegal hard drugs market,” says the Amsterdam tourist office.

Around 150 cafés euphemistically call themselves “coffee shops”; a green-and-white sticker in the window shows they are licensed to sell soft drugs.

The city tourist office explains: “Although the possession and buying of soft drugs are recognised as a violation of the law, you will not be prosecuted if it concerns a maximum amount of five grams of cannabis, and coffee shops can sell cannabis.

“To enter a coffee shop, you must be 18 years of age – your ID will be checked. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffee shops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises.

“In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in most clubs or bars, even in smoking areas.”

The authorities now plan to “introduce a ban on smoking cannabis on the street in parts of the city centre”. By 2040, the aim is for the Netherlands to be smoke-free.

Are there any laws on drinking in Amsterdam?

Not many. “The Alcohol Act does not contain any rules regarding catering opening hours,” says the Dutch Institute of Alcohol Policy (Stap).

The legal drinking age was raised from 16 to 18 in 2014. Any grocery shop can sell beer and wine so long as its alcoholic strength is under 15 per cent. The tax on a glass of beer is just 9.5 euro cents (8p).

The Stag Company says: “The best tactic for an Amsterdam stag night is definitely to begin with a guided bar crawl. Led by friendly guides, you’ll be shown around several of the city’s finest drinking establishments, and, if you wish, you can finish up in a nightclub.”

But Amsterdam’s city authorities warn: “We will be taking further action with respect to hen and stag parties and other binge-drinking tourists that create a nuisance in the city centre.

“The beer bike has also been successfully banned from the centre.

“There will be no more room for destructive tourism.”

The fine for drunkenness is €100 (£88); for “public urination” it’s a further €150 (£130) .

What about the Amsterdam’s Red Light District?

Brothels were legalised in 2000, though Amsterdam tolerated what the city authorities call “window prostitution” for sex workers in the Red Light District for many years before that.

The district is just east of Dam Square and the Royal Palace, between Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk in one of the most historic parts of the city. In Amsterdam’s early days as a port, the area catered for sailors who came ashore craving alcohol and female company.

The area is now infested with tourists, many of whom provide the very definition of disturbing the peace, while at the same time bringing little financial benefit to the city.

Premises for sex work are licensed and standards enforced. The city government says its aim is “helping to create a safe, ‘healthy’ sex industry” as well as “healthy working conditions and more independence for sex workers in Amsterdam”.

Is anyone representing the sex workers?

Yes. Amsterdam’s government says: “The city’s prostitution policy is designed to involve the entire sex industry in strengthening the position of Amsterdam’s sex workers and combating abuses.”

Sex workers’ establishments “must have an approved business plan on file that details measures for providing safe, hygienic working conditions for their sex workers and ensuring that they are healthy and independent”.

The Prostitution Information Centre (PIC) in the Red Light District was set up in 1994 by a former sex worker, Mariska Majoor.

The mission: “To establish an easily accessible place that provides accurate information from the points of view of actual sex workers to those uneducated about sex work who are curious about it, while serving as a safe haven for sex workers as well.

“PIC’s mission is fighting the stigma that is often associated with sex work by providing accurate information to as many people as possible. Its ultimate goal is to fight sex work stigma, and the right for sex workers to practice their profession.”

The PIC organises monthly “Callgirls ’n Coffee” meetings for sex workers, as well as walking tours for interested visitors.

What other issues do Amsterdam tourists cause?

Yes, even including the rumble of roll-along suitcases. “In parts of Vondelpark and the residential area De Pijp locals are increasingly being bothered by the noise of trolley cases, street pollution and marijuana smoke,” the authorities say.

The problem, they believe: the Dutch capital is simply too appealing.

“The nicer we make Amsterdam, the more attractive it becomes to live or to work, but also to visit.

“There are also forces at play that we cannot control. The expected growth of the middle class in various parts of the world goes hand in hand with a worldwide growth of tourism and Amsterdam is and will remain immensely popular as a travel destination.”

Meanwhile the city tourist office urges visitors: “Limit noise and drunkenness, clean up your mess and don’t pee in the canals.”

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Amsterdam travel warning for UK tourists who 'rebel' over new strict rules

Amsterdam stag party bookings have soared as UK tourists "rebel" and ignore efforts to stop them . Tom Bourlet, from The Stag Company , which sells experiences such as brewery tours and strip nights in Amsterdam, said the campaign had had the “opposite effect” with “rebellious Brits” still eager to book.

“The campaign by the Amsterdam council to deter British stag groups from visiting Amsterdam had the polar opposite effect last year, boosting our sales to record figures," he said. “Exactly 12 months on, they're going for a similar tactic.

"Considering many of our groups are involved in nice activities, wanting to celebrate with friends and are very respectful, it does feel like a lazy stereotype of 'Brits abroad'. It seemed to create the opposite effect they hoped for, as people opted for their stag weekend to take place in Amsterdam.”

READ MORE Martin Lewis announces HMRC rule change affecting millions and says 'thankfully'

Matt Mavir, managing director at Last Night of Freedom , blasted Amsterdam’s campaign as “heavy handed” and “embarrassing” and accused city officials of spreading misinformation. Matt said: “To make a claim that stag parties are ‘forbidden’ in Amsterdam is factually wrong, and doesn’t stand up to any real scrutiny – how would any such ban, if it existed, ever be enforced?

“It’s spreading misinformation as part of an ongoing, sensationalist campaign to make groups of UK tourists feel unwelcome in the city. But this goes further. It’s heavy handed, embarrassing and completely out of place in a civilised, free society – especially in a city famed for its liberalism.

“Stag and hen parties are at the centre of a healthy tourism eco-system, and when properly organised they bring fun and vibrancy – not to speak of the money spent supporting local businesses, which in turn provides jobs. I’d say it’s short-sighted – and economically, potentially very harmful – for a city to turn its back on such a valuable market.

“I hope the authorities in Amsterdam change course, and work with the stag and hen industry to ensure people can enjoy the city safely and responsibly.”

Tom Bourlet, from The Stag Company, which sells experiences such as brewery tours and strip nights in Amsterdam, said the campaign had had the “opposite effect” with “rebellious Brits” still eager to book.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

4 TOP Ways for Travelling to Amsterdam from the UK Without Flying!

Categories Europe , The Netherlands , U.K

Amsterdam is such a great city in so many ways and if you’re looking for options for travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying, here are 4 great ways to do it!

Despite the Netherlands being so close to the UK, flights between the two are very tempting for many travellers, especially flights to Amsterdam from the UK.

The great thing about the Netherlands is that once you’re in the country, the public transport network is more than good enough to take you anywhere so to visit Amsterdam, or another one of the popular cities in the Netherlands, you don’t have to fly into Amsterdam!

That only leaves the question of how to get to Amsterdam without flying – how do you swap flights to Schiphol for trains, buses, and ferries?

travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying

travelling to Amsterdam from UK without flying

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best Way to Travel to Amsterdam without flying?

Thankfully, the Netherlands is accessible in a few different ways from the UK . This list breaks down the most helpful methods for travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying, most (but not all) of which start from London.

While there are other ways to go flight-free from the UK to the Netherlands, the list below shows all those which I think are worth considering .

While a Hull – Rotterdam ferry exists, it is run by P&O ( who sacked workers without warning a few years ago ) and has very poor connections in either port . You could also take a ferry to France and then trains to the Netherlands, but of course, this would take longer/cost more than the direct options.

This is a guest post by Harry, the owner of  Train X Europe . Based in the Netherlands, Harry plans flight-free travel across Europe. The  Train X Europe blog  features tips and inspiration for low-carbon travel, particularly for those in the UK and Ireland. You can see more on  Instagram  or  Tiktok , and contact Harry by  email .

Train from London to Amsterdam

Eurostar train, travelling to Amsterdam from UK train

The Eurostar might be an obvious option, but that’s because it’s a great one ! By far the fastest way to get to the Netherlands , you have 3 or 4 direct journeys from London St. Pancras to Rotterdam and Amsterdam each day.

More times are available if you are willing to change trains in Brussels. City centre to city centre inside 4 hours for the direct trips – up to 5 and a half hours if you have to change.

Eurostar London to Amsterdam, Eurostar to Netherlands, how to get to Amsterdam without flying

Both options are similar prices, but that brings us to the main downside of taking the Eurostar to the Netherlands – it isn’t cheap! Looking six weeks ahead for the prices of the train from London to Amsterdam , you can see the prices vary widely, and €125-170 (£110-150) is not uncommon.

However, with high baggage costs on low-cost airlines today, plus travel costs between the airport and the city centre on either side, both of which are not incurred by travelling on the Eurostar between London and Amsterdam, it is worth doing the math because, in the end , the train from the UK to Amsterdam might not be more expensive .

Search Eurostar times and prices here!

Two generations of Eurostar trains on an early morning in London St. Pancras, traveling to Amsterdam from uk without flying

Other than the price, it’s hard to fault the Eurostar. Having both Rotterdam and Amsterdam as stops is a real benefit , as you get a wider range of possible onward connections into the country.

The train is quick and comfortable … just make sure you arrive in plenty of time to check in if you choose this option! The official guidance is 45 to 90 minutes before departure.

travelling to Amsterdam from UK without flying, houses in Amsterdam

Boat from UK to Netherlands

Dfds newcastle – ijmuiden ferry.

Newcastle Quayside, how to travel to Europe without flying

This is a fantastic option for travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying especially if you’re coming from Scotland or northern England like Manchester . This ferry departs from North Shields and arrives in IJmuiden , a port 15 miles from Amsterdam.

Don’t worry – DFDS runs transfer buses to and from each port. It’s great to see these connections being recognised and included in flight-free service .

By all accounts, the boat itself is quite comfortable and well-equipped for food and entertainment . Here’s a video from fellow travel blogger Steve Marsh showing what a ‘mini-cruise’ on this route looks like.

You can choose between 2 and 5 bed cabins , inside or sea view. Cabins are mostly £70-90 (for a minimum of two people) – there’s no extra fare beyond that, so it’s good value!

The crossing is overnight, approximately 17:30 to 09:15 depending on the day . If you book transfer buses, you do so in the same booking, and you can do the same with your meals on board as well!

Stena Line Harwich – Hook of Holland Ferry

Rotterdam Centraal, how to travel to Europe without flying

You’re in luck if you’re in London or East Anglia but still like the ferry option. Stena Line runs ferries from Harwich to Hook of Holland , and this is a great route.

You have day sailings (09:00 to 17:15) and night sailings (23:00 to 08:00) to choose from, and cabins on the latter run from £35 single-beds all the way up to £135 deluxe suites. If you want to see photos of the cabins or any more details, Seat61 has an excellent breakdown of the finer points of this route.

There’s another reason this is an affordable route to the Netherlands for many people – RailSail . You can get a ticket from any Greater Anglia station to the ferry port at Harwich included in your fare .

Did I mention that this ferry port has a dedicated rail station , so it’s easy to access? For those travelling from outside London, this is most useful for connections from London Liverpool Street or Peterborough .

On the other side, Hook of Holland – or Hoek van Holland – has a metro connection straight into Rotterdam. You have to change for Rotterdam Centraal , but you also have great onward connections from Schiedam Centrum and Rotterdam Alexander, both of which are on the same metro line (B). Alternatively, take the metro one stop opposite the brand new beach stop and start your trip in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands immediately!

travelling to Amsterdam from the UK wihout flying, regional train in the Netherlands

London to Amsterdam Coach

Flixbus from london to amsterdam.

If you want and need a cheap method of flight-free travel , coaches around Europe will always do the trick!

The best option for this route is Flixbus . Expect to pay £35-60 depending on the date and how far in advance you look. The good news? It’s a direct, cheap, and very low-emission way to travel from the UK to Amsterdam.

The bad news? It will take all day – here’s a sample journey on that route from the Flixbus website .

Choose FlixBus for your next trip from London to Amsterdam and travel to Europe without flying!

Timings of London Victoria Coach, ways to travel without flying, how to travel to Europe without flying, travelling to Amsterdam from UK coach

If looking for flight-free options from the UK to Europe in general, this particular coach might actually be handier for visiting Belgium . You can also take Flixbuses to Lille or Brussels , and then the train onwards from there.

This will certainly be faster, but many of those cross-border trains to the Netherlands will be run by Thalys – and these are often a similar price to the Eurostar anyway, so this may not save you very much money.

travelling to Amsterdam from UK without flying, bikes and canal in Amsterdam

National Express Coach to Amsterdam from London

National Express have a page dedicated to London – Amsterdam coaches , but it displays the notice showing that these are currently unavailable and they hope to run them again soon.

National Express bus, how to travel to Europe without flying

Eurolines also runs coaches on this route , but they are more expensive for the same route as a Flixbus, so not worth it!

The flight-free routes from the UK to the Netherlands shown here can work great for business or leisure travel between Britain and the Netherlands , or they can form part of longer overland routes across Europe. We all want to travel with fewer carbon emissions and every time you choose one of these routes, you’re taking a positive step in that direction and increasing demand for these services. Happy travelling!

I hope this post on travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying helps you plan your route there!

For more related posts see:

  • 26 Day Trips from London By Train! Ideas For Cities, Beaches & Europe!
  • 10 Awesome Ideas For Alternative Day Trips from London!
  • Things To Do Alone in Amsterdam with One Day in Amsterdam!
  • 10 Amsterdam Solo Travel Tips So You Enjoy Amsterdam Alone!
  • How To Spend A Weekend in Amsterdam On a Budget!
  • Vegan Cafes In Rotterdam To Visit and Vegan Food in Rotterdam!

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

London gallery with ‘no atmosphere’ crowned the most disappointing attraction in UK

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Interior of Tate Modern

The UK’s most disappointing tourist attractions in the UK have been crowned – and five of the top 10 are in London .

In at number one was the Tate Modern, which 23% of visitors felt was a let-down despite its iconic status.

Although the gallery boasts over 5,000 ‘excellent’ reviews on Tripadvisor, many disagree over it’s must-see reputation.

Reviewers who gave it three stars or less described the Tate Modern as ‘boring’ with ‘no atmosphere’, with over 1,000 people rating it as ‘poor’ or ‘terrible’.

Among them, Sam M said it was ‘worth a miss’ and ‘the most pointless’ of other free attractions she’d been to in London, while Elaine C commented: ‘Don’t bother! Waste of time with nothing to see’.

Others criticised the fact they had to pay to see exhibitions, as well as long queuesto get into more popular shows like Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors .

The Tate Modern

The pieces displayed here were also a flop for some, including Chris I who wrote: ‘Absolute garbage. I can’t get over in 100 characters just how terrible and utterly pretentious this gallery is.’

Contemporary art fans, however, loved the collection displayed (one of the biggest in the world) and the Tate’s 10th floor observatory, cafe, and industrial architecture were all praised.

The Science Museum, also in London, came in second on the list, compiled by language learning platform Preply .

London Science Museum

More than one in five visitors (22%) were disappointed by the attraction, with several reviews stating it wasn’t ‘hand-on’ enough for children and didn’t offer enough ‘experiments and interactive elements’.

Millions visit the Kensington museum each year, viewing objects from Puffing Billy (the oldest surviving steam locomotive) to a range of games consoles from the last 50 years. It also houses an IMAX cinema, which is used mostly for events and educational films.

Stonehenge in Wiltshire took third spot in terms of visitor disappointment , upsetting 21% for its entry fee (adult tickets range from £22.70 to £31), overcrowding at peak times, and ‘lack of imagination’ when it comes to the exhibition area.

Blue skies over Stonehenge historic site

This was followed by Blackpool Tower and the Southbank Centre, both of which disappointed 20% of those who visited. Pricing was a big factor in many people’s judgements, alongside queues and limited things for children to do.

London spots Somerset House and the Natural History Museum made the list too, as did the Angel of the North, Edinburgh Castle and Cardiff Castle.

So if you’re planning a day out and don’t want a dud, researching what to expect beforehand can help you avoid sightseer’s remorse.

The UK's top 10 most disappointing landmarks

  • Tate Modern: 23.21% disappointed visitors
  • Science Museum: 22.50% disappointed visitors
  • Stonehenge: 21.27% disappointed visitors
  • Blackpool Tower: 20.99% disappointed visitors
  • Southbank Centre: 20.70% disappointed visitors
  • Angel of the North: 15.66% disappointed visitors
  • Somerset House: 15.12% disappointed visitors
  • Edinburgh Castle: 12.92% disappointed visitors
  • Cardiff Castle: 12.57% disappointed visitors
  • Natural History Museum: 10.50% disappointed visitors

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Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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The British Museum

Visitors to UK attractions increasing but still below pre-Covid levels

Figures show many still ‘out of the habit’ of visiting museums, galleries, cathedrals, castles and country houses

Visitor numbers to the UK’s museums, galleries, cathedrals, zoos, castles and country houses are increasing but remain stubbornly below pre-pandemic levels, with a significant number of people still “out of the habit” of having a day out.

Figures released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) on Monday show a mixed picture. On the bright side, there was a 19% increase in visitor numbers in 2023 compared with 2022. The British Museum saw a 42% rise, making it the most visited attraction in the UK.

But the overall figures are still 11% down on 2019, the year before the pandemic, when there were 163.9m visits to major venues, as against 146.6m last year.

Bernard Donoghue, the director of ALVA, said: “We are seeing really good year on year growth, but we always knew the recovery from lockdown would take a number of years.”

One reason is the absence of Chinese tourists. “We are hoping to get Chinese visitors back by about the end of next year, but that has been a slow burn,” Donoghue said. “But because of the lockdown of nearly two years, people just got out of the habit of going to places.”

The phenomenon is particularly striking among UK residents aged over 65. “Some of them are Covid-anxious and some are just hanging on to their pennies and pounds and assisting their children and grandchildren.”

The annual figures list visitor numbers for 368 attractions. The British Museum took the number one spot for the first time since 2019, helped by the runaway success of its China’s Hidden Century exhibition , which ran from May to October.

The museum had 5.8 million visitors compared with 4.1 million in 2022 – a big increase, but still 7% down on 2019.

Second was the Natural History Museum, which had its best ever year for visits – up 22% – aided by its exhibition on the titanosaur, one of the largest creatures to have walked the planet . In third place was 2022’s number one, Windsor Great Park, which had 5.5 million visitors and was the UK’s most visited outdoor attraction.

In a coronation year, royal and royal-related venues saw significant visitor increases. Buckingham Palace was up by 75%, Windsor castle by 66% and Westminster Abbey by 49%.

The most visited attraction in Scotland was the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh – up 11% and 12th in the overall list. A Grayson Perry retrospective helped National Galleries Scotland have a record year with a 44% visitor increase.

The number one spot in Northern Ireland was Titanic Belfast, and in Wales it was St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff. In England, the most visited attraction outside London and the south-east was Stonehenge, up 36% but 17% down on 2019.

Donoghue said that even in a cost of living crisis, “people are still prioritising day trips and spending special time with special people in special places”.

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He said the figures for annual memberships remained hearteningly similar to pre-Covid levels, coming as families cut costs in other areas such as TV channel subscriptions and takeaways.

The squeeze on local authority budgets was, Donoghue said, “the biggest crisis facing culture in the UK since lockdown and Covid. It is about, ‘How do we maintain our civic collections, and more importantly, how do we make sure people have got access to them?’”

Donoghue said US visitors had “almost been the saviour of UK tourism”, coming in large numbers after the “disastrous” Liz Truss/Kwasi Kwarteng budget, which led to a weakening of the pound against the dollar.

But more could be done by government to attract tourists, he said, including the reinstatement of tax-free shopping for overseas visitors, a perk that Rishi Sunak scrapped when he was chancellor.

Donoghue said visitors were coming for shorter stays “and then leaving to go shopping in Paris or Milan or Rome. We are the only European nation now that doesn’t have tax-free shopping, and reintroducing it would help the recovery of UK tourism enormously.”

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