Despite fewer overseas visitors, trips to museums and galleries were up overall by 1%.

The English Tourism Council said this was partly because of the introduction of free entry for adults in November.

Visitors to London's Victoria and Albert museum went up by nearly 8% to 1.45m and those going to the Natural History museum rose by 7.6% to 1.69m.

Theme parks

Other destinations traditionally popular with domestic visitors such as theme parks and gardens were also up on 2000.

For example, Legoland Windsor saw a 9.5% increase in visitors to 1.63m.

While Kew Gardens saw the number of people going through its gates rise by 15% to 989,352.

Mary Lynch, ETC chief executive, said: "Attractions had a difficult year in 2001 but are now facing a period of great opportunity.

"The tourism industry is recovering, domestic holidays are enjoying a surge in popularity as many British people look to take a short break in this country rather than go abroad.

"Attractions that invest in providing a quality experience will reap the benefits."