Attraction Audit
In 2009 TSE carried out an audit of Visitor Attractions in the South East. Data was drawn from a number of sources including VisitEngland, individual local authority databases, yellow pages, Thompsons Business Directory, internet searches and tourism brochures and guides.
Number of Attractions by County 2009
| County | Number of Attractions |
| Berkshire | 83 |
| Buckinghamshire | 84 |
| East Sussex | 164 |
| Hampshire | 283 |
| Isle of Wight | 96 |
| Kent | 381 |
| Oxfordshire | 148 |
| Surrey | 117 |
| West Sussex | 151 |
| Total | 1,502 |
Source: TSE Visitor Attractions Audit
Total attractions in the South East in 2009 by type
| Attraction Type | Number of Attractions |
| Country Parks | 65 |
| Farms | 57 |
| Gardens | 106 |
| Historic Houses/Castles | 179 |
| Other Historic Properties | 109 |
| Leisure/Theme Parks | 67 |
| Museums/Art Galleries | 350 |
| Railways | 26 |
| Visitor/Heritage Centres | 42 |
| Wildlife Attractions | 110 |
| Workplaces | 122 |
| Places of Worship | 87 |
| Other | 185 |
| Total | 1,502 |
Source: TSE Visitor Attractions Audit
Definition
VisitBritain define an attraction as:
"... an attraction is feasible to change admission for the sole purpose of sightseeing. The attraction must be a permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow access for entertainment, interest or education; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical or film performances. It must be open to the public, without prior booking, for published periods each year, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents. In addition, the attraction must be a single business, under a single management, so that it is capable of answering the economic questions on revenue, employment etc.."