Britain's most magical attractions revealed as families seek mystery days out

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 12 million 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.

"Our research suggests there's a real appetite to explore more of what Britain has to offer.

"With two-thirds of people saying they'd be more likely to visit attractions if they were easy to reach by train, it is clear rail has an important role to play in helping people explore more destinations and uncover the hidden gems waiting on their doorstep."

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. In fact, 66% are more likely to visit attractions if they can be easily reached by train.

To help people find new places to visit with their families, LNER has teamed up with historian Katie Kennedy, aka The History Gossip.

They have launched a new online series, The History Gossip's Hidden Journeys with LNER, in time for the summer holidays.

Each episode explores fascinating 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."

Katie is particularly taken with our love of the odd and offbeat - stating that the strange can make for "unforgettable" family memories.

"Working with LNER on The Hidden Journeys series has been a brilliant opportunity to shine a light on some of the country's lesser-known attractions and encourage people to explore more of the remarkable history, heritage and culture the UK has to offer," she added.

You can find the new series on Katie Kennedy's social channels: https://www.instagram.com/thehistorygossip/?hl=en

Britain's top 10 unusual attractions

1. Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Cornwall - 14%

2. The Shambles, York - 12%

3. Edinburgh Vaults, Edinburgh - 11%

4. Dracula Experience, Whitby - 11%

5. The Smallest House in Great Britain, Conwy - 11%

6. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire - 11%

7. Lake District Pencil Museum, Cumbria - 10%

8. The Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire - 10%

9. JORVIK Viking Centre, York - 9%

10. The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh - 9%