While travellers often dream of exploring stunning landmarks and indulging in unique experiences, many popular attractions require booking in advance or waiting lists, leaving last-minute planners out of luck.
To help travellers plan their dream vacations easily, British hotel chain Premier Inn collated data from over 100 official online booking systems, revealing the trickiest and easiest attractions to book due to their level of demand.
Whether it’s exploring fairytale castles, uncovering the secrets of ancient ruins or indulging in artistic brilliance, securing tickets for the most indemand attractions ahead of time will ensure an unforgettable journey.
The UK’s Most In-Demand Attractions
Looking at British tourist attractions, visitors aspiring to hit London’s top attractions must be mindful of their calendars, as several of the city’s top attractions require bookings to be made well in advance.
| Rank | Attraction Name | Location | Days Needed toPre-Book Ahead ofVisit |
| 1 | Harry Potter Studio Tour | Watford | 34 |
| 2 | Sky Garden | London | 22 |
| 3 | Big Ben | London | 8 |
| 4 | Palace of Westminster Tour | London | 4 |
| 5 = | Buckingham Palace | London | 2 |
| 5 = | Windsor Castle | Windsor | 2 |
| 6 = | Westminster Abbey | London | 1 |
| 6 = | Eden Project | Cornwall | 1 |
| 6 = | Chester Zoo | Chester | 1 |
| 6 = | Churchill War Rooms | London | 1 |
| 6 = | The National Gallery | London | 1 |
1. Harry Potter Studio Tour, Watford: The Harry Potter Studio Tour is a dream come true for fans of the famous wizarding world. Its appeal has stretched far and wide, falling in second place as the most in-demand attraction globally and ranking first in the UK. This magical attraction allows visitors to step behind the scenes of the iconic film series andwitness the magic of filmmaking up close. Guests can explore the Great Hall, walk through Diagon Alley, and witness the intricate details that brought J.K. Rowling’s fantastical world to life. Due to its immense popularity, booking well in advance is essential, with visitors advised to secure their tickets at least 34 days ahead of their planned trip.
2. Sky Garden, London: London’s Sky Garden is a breathtaking oasis nestled amidst the city’s iconic skyscrapers. Offering panoramic views of the capital’s skyline, this lush indoor garden is an ideal destination for nature lovers and urban explorers alike. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide unparalleled views of famous landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Gherkin. To enjoy this urban haven, visitors should book their tickets at least 22 days in advance, making it the second most in demand attraction in the UK.
3. Big Ben, London: Landing in the third spot and standing tall along the River Thames, Big Ben is an iconic symbol of London and British history. While the tower’s interior may not be accessible to the public, the exterior and its surroundings offer an excellent opportunity for photography and exploration. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this legendary landmark, booking approximately 8 days ahead is recommended to ensure a smooth and memorable visit.
The World’s Most In-Demand Attractions
| Rank | Attraction Name | Country | Continent | Days Needed to Pre-Book Ahead of Visit |
| 1 = | Neuschwanstein Castle | Germany | Europe | 37 |
| 1 = | Machu Picchu | Peru | South America | 37 |
| 2 | Harry Potter Studio Tour | United Kingdom | Europe | 34 |
| 3 | Ghibli Museum | Japan | Asia | 30 |
| 4 | Sky Garden | United Kingdom | Europe | 22 |
| 5 | Mount Fuji | Japan | Asia | 16 |
| 6 = | Santa Maria delleGrazie | Italy | Europe | 10 |
| 6 = | The Van Gogh Museum | Netherlands | Europe | 10 |
| 7 = | The Forbidden City | China | Asia | 8 |
| 7 = | Big Ben | United Kingdom | Europe | 8 |
| 8 = | Borghese Galleria | Italy | Europe | 6 |
| 8 = | The Catacombs | France | Europe | 6 |
| 8 = | Anne Frank House | Netherlands | Europe | 6 |
| 8 = | The Hermitage Museum | Russia | Europe | 6 |
| 9 | Walt Disney World | United States | North America | 4 |
| 10 = | The Sistine Chapel | Vatican City | Europe | 3 |
| 10 = | Statue of Liberty | United States | North America | 3 |
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: Straight out of a fairytale, Neuschwanstein Castle rises elegantly above the Bavarian landscape, captivating visitors with its romantic allure. To wander through the halls of this enchanting castle, reminiscent of a bygone era, travellers must book their tickets at least 37 days in advance, in a tie for most in-demand attraction along with Machu Picchu. The popularity of this architectural masterpiece demands early planning to secure a spot on the guided tours and immerse oneself in its captivating history.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru: Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu takes joint first place as the world’s most in demand attraction. The marvel of ancient Incan engineering and an archaeological wonder has a limited daily quota for visitors, making timely booking crucial. To explore the mystical ruins and experience the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors must secure their entry tickets at least 37 days ahead of their desired visit date.
2. Harry Potter Studio Tour, Watford: The Harry Potter Studio Tour in the UK is an absolute must-visit for all Potterheads. This immersive experience allows fans to delve into the behind-the-scenes magic of the movies, offering a delightful journey into the wizarding world. With the movies and books’ global appeal comes a high demand for tickets, generating a pre-booking window of 34 days and landing this studio tour on the number two spot.
3. Ghibli Museum, Japan: For admirers of Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpieces, the Ghibli Museum in Japan is a dream come true. The museum itself is a piece of art, with its architecture and exhibits exuding charm and magic. From original sketches to life-sized replicas of Ghibli characters, every corner of the museum is brimming with wonder and this appeal is reflected by how far in advance visitors must secure their entry: to embark on a heartwarming journey through the world of Ghibli’s extraordinary storytelling, booking a ticket must be done a month in advance.
4. Sky Garden, London: Perched high above the bustling city of London, the Sky Garden lands on the number four most in-demand attraction globally. This garden space is a serene oasis amidst the urban jungle, offering an incomparable experience in the city. With an unobstructed view of London’s iconic landmarks, the Sky Garden hasbecome a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, forcing visitors to pre-book their tickets at least 22 days ahead of their planned visit.
5. Mount Fuji, Japan: An iconic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji’s perfect volcanic cone is a sight to behold. To embark on the exhilarating hike to its summit or simply admire its beauty from afar, visitors should plan their trip and secure necessary permits at least two weeks in advance. The climbing season is short, and spots are limited, making pre-booking crucial to experience the awe-inspiring wonder of Mount Fuji.
A spokesperson from Premier Inn offered valuable tips for travellers to make the most of their experiences:
“Planning a holiday to visit iconic landmarks can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration to ensure you don’t miss out on the most beautiful sights. Our recent study on landmark booking patterns offers valuable insights for travellers around the world, providinga resource of how far in advance visitors need to plan their holidays – both for UK based attractions and globally – to ensure they don’t miss out.
“To make the most of your experiences, our expert recommendation isthat you plan your visit during off-peak seasons when tourist numbers are lower. This can increase your chances of securing tickets and offer a more relaxed experience. If that’s not possible, but your visit timing isflexible, try different schedules to find the days and the times of day with greater availability. Securing visits during weekdays and in the early morning is often easier. And always plan ahead. Research the attractions you wish to visit before you head there so you can make the most of your time and return from your travels satisfied.”
A full breakdown of the easiest to book attractions can be found on the Premier Inn website here: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/news/2023/easiest-to-book-attractions.html
