Library of Birmingham most visited free attraction outside London

The tenth most-visited place in the country Credit: PA

The Library of Birmingham was the most visited free attraction outside of London last year with nearly 2,500,000 visitors.

The library was also the 10th most visited place nationally, according to a survey by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA).

But 100 jobs are under threat, and opening hours are to be halved at the library because of budget cuts.

Staff could lose their jobs at the library due to funding cuts Credit: PA

The ALVA also highlighted the rewards of investment and refurbishment, using an attraction in Shrewsbury as an example.

It found the Churches Conservation Trust saw a 6.63% increase in visitors to Shrewsbury St Mary since introducing new facilities in July 2014.

These included creative and engaging interpretation, children's activities, graphic information paddles, a refurbished café and a retail space.