Overall customer numbers were down by 2% in the wake of the foot-and-mouth outbreak and the events of 11 September.

While attractions in cities noticed a small drop, some countryside homes and estates saw reductions of more than 30%.

The survey by the English Tourism Council found the top admission-paying attraction was the British Airways London Eye, which accommodated an estimated 3.85 million people.

Top admission-paid attractions

London Eye Tower of London Eden Project Natural History Museum Legoland, Windsor

The leading admission-free attraction was once again Blackpool Pleasure Beach although, with 6.5 million visitors, it welcomed 4.4% fewer tourists than in 2000.

But while the decline in foreign tourists affected some attractions, others dependent more on domestic visitors fared better.

After its highly successful first year, the Tate Modern in London had 8.3% fewer visitors last year, although its 3.55 million figure was enough to keep it in fourth place in the admission-free attraction table.

Other attractions which enjoyed a good 2001 included Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo in Yorkshire (up 1.6%), Kew Gardens in south west London (up 15%), the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (up nearly 8%) and London's Natural History Museum (up 7.6%).

Top admission-free attractions

Blackpool Pleasure Beach National Gallery British Museum Tate Modern Pleasureland, Southport

The Eden Project at St Austell in Cornwall, which was open for only part of 2000, welcomed 1.7 million visitors in 2001.

But among country parks, Ashton Court Estate in Long Ashton, Bristol, saw visitor numbers dip 31% to an estimated 1.03 million.

Chief executive of the English Tourism Council Mary Lynch said: "Attractions had a difficult year in 2001 but are now facing a period of great opportunity.

"The tourism industry is recovering, and 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."