Cathedral is Kent's most-visited attraction

The cathedral is seeing improvements in visitor numbers

Canterbury Cathedral has been named the most popular tourist attraction in Kent in 2023.

The figures, released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) in English Tourism Week, see Leeds Castle coming second, with Bedgebury Pinetum in third.

However, the number of visitors to the cathedral is still down by almost a third compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Gina Grubb, from Canterbury Cathedral, said she was seeing improvements in visitor numbers "but the cost of living crisis is still affecting these numbers".

The cathedral is planning to host similar events to the silent rave to attract a wider range of visitors

The cathedral recently came under pressure following its decision to host a 'silent rave'.

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, Ms Grubb said: "The silent disco was really successful and bought a new audience into the cathedral.

"We are planning to add more activities like this in the future. Our numbers are down and we want to increase them, so we want to invite people who usually wouldn't come down to see the cathedral."

The cathedral recently held a trial period where dogs could enter at certain times of the day.

Ms Grubb described it as "really successful" and said it is now a permanent policy.

She added that although dogs must be kept on leads and they cannot attend services "it is great to see two and four-legged friends enjoying the sights".

Knole Park in Sevenoaks had an increase of 31% in visitor numbers last year

Bernard Donoghue, chief executive of ALVA, said: "Kent did really well last year. We are seeing a slow but good recovery after lockdown.

"Outdoor spaces seem to be more popular but it does depend on the weather."

He added that Knole Park in Sevenoaks had seen an increase of 31% in visitor numbers.