Cultural engagement in Britain – Frequency of visiting theatres, museums, zoos, and more

Data from YouGov Profiles reveals the frequency that British adults visit various cultural and entertainment venues, from opera and ballet to theatre and museums.

Historic/attraction sites and museums hold a significant place in the hearts of Britons. One in 10 Britons visit historic/attraction sites at least once every three months and two in five attending at least once a year (48%). Museums follow closely, with 8% of adults visiting every quarter and 43% annually.

Theatre shows varied interests. While 6% of adults visit a theatre to watch a play quarterly, the number increases to 26% annually. The numbers for musicals and pantomimes are similar, indicating a consistent, though not overwhelming, patronage of theatrical arts.

Music gigs in arenas or stadiums, a modern cultural staple, are attended by 5% of adults quarterly and 30% annually.

Live comedy shows, ballet, contemporary dance, and classical music concerts have a niche but notable following. Comedy shows see 3% of adults attending quarterly, while ballet and dance attract a smaller percentage. Classical music concerts and jazz concerts are visited by 2% of adults every three months.

Opera, often perceived as an elite art form, has only 2% of British adults attending quarterly but 7% annually.

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Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for Great Britain is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race.