Official Statistics

Main report for the Participation Survey (April 2024 to March 2025)

Published 30 July 2025

Applies to England

Guidance: Interpreting our statistics

In this publication, only statistically significant differences between groups are reported on. That is, where we can be more confident that the differences seen in our sampled respondents reflect real differences in the population.^{[footnote 1]}

The majority of estimates in this report are rounded to the nearest whole number. Where there has been a small but significant statistical change, estimates may be presented to one decimal place for clarity. As data are rounded, some changes may appear bigger or smaller than they are. The unrounded numbers are available in the corresponding data tables.

Some survey questions are multi-coded meaning that respondents could select any number of response options. In these cases, the sum of the percentage for responses will exceed 100%.

The Participation Survey issues both paper and web questionnaires. In order to reduce respondent burden and due to routing complexities on a paper questionnaire, not all questions are included in the paper questionnaire. The web questionnaire is also split into core and subset questions. Subset questions are only asked of approximately a third of online respondents and core questions are asked to all respondents online. 

We have noted cases where questions were only asked to online respondents, so these data will only reflect the online population. Due to changes in the questionnaire, there may be differences in the population responding between survey years. If there is no note attached then the question was asked to all respondents to the survey, using either web or paper questionnaires. 

In this report, most demographic groups are compared to the groups within that demographic category. However, where there are more than 6 options, we have compared the group to the national average^{[footnote 2]}, providing context on how the particular value for that demographic compares to the whole population. This applies to the age, religion and ethnicity demographic groups. The exception to this rule is for the Index of Multiple Deprivation demographic where a standard approach is to compare the least and most deprived areas.

1. Background

• Released: 30 July 2025 
• Geographical Coverage: England 

The Participation Survey is a nationally representative annual survey of adults (16+) in England that tracks the latest trends in engagement in DCMS and digital sectors.^{[footnote 3]} This release provides estimates on engagement in the culture, media and live sport sectors reported during the period of April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25). For the final time, this release covers estimates on engagement with the digital sector on behalf of DSIT. The format of the survey is push-to-web, with a paper version available for those who are unable or unwilling to complete the survey online. 

This report presents the headline estimates during April 2024 to March 2025, alongside demographic breakdowns^{[footnote 4]} of adults who have engaged in the specific sectors covered in the survey. Further estimates can be found in the accompanying data tables. Estimates for the final quarter of 2024/25 have also been published in a separate set of data tables, alongside the first three quarters of the survey year. 

It should be noted that questions in the survey ask about engagement with DCMS and digital sectors in the last 12 months. Therefore, survey questions cover participation stretching from April 2023 to March 2025, depending on when the survey was completed. Comparisons of this year’s 2024/25 results are made against the previous year 2023/24, covering the period of May 2022 to March 2024.^{[footnote 5]} 

For the relevant sectors we have included a time series section, which tracks trends from 2021/22, when survey fieldwork began, to the latest year of data collection (2024/25). When making comparisons between data, it should be noted that the 2021/22 survey year collected data across a 6 month period, rather than a 12 month period. Given the nature of most questions which look at engagement over the past 12 months, it is not expected that this change will impact the quality of the estimates in terms of seasonality.

DCMS prioritises both maintaining comparability across survey years and adapting the questionnaire as needed. Where there has been a change, we have highlighted where a comparison with previous data can or cannot be made. Questionnaire changes can affect results, and therefore should be taken into consideration when interpreting the findings.

2. Arts

We asked about physical engagement with the arts, such as reading or attending a live comedy event, and digital engagement with the arts, such as watching live-streamed or recorded theatre. The full list of included arts activities and events we asked about are in Annex 3, and shown in Figures 2.4 and 2.5.

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

91%  of adults engaged with the arts at least once in the last 12 months, a small, but significant, decrease from 2023/24 (from 91.4% to 90.6%).

90% of adults engaged with the arts physically at least once in the last 12 months, a small, but significant, decrease from 2023/24 (from 90.4% to 89.7%).

35% of adults engaged with the arts digitally at least once in the last 12 months, a 2 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (36%).

Figure 2.1 shows that of the 91% of adults who engaged with the arts, 34% engaged both physically and digitally, 56% of adults engaged exclusively physically, while only 1% of adults engaged exclusively digitally.

Figure 2.1: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Time series

Figure 2.2 shows that overall engagement with the arts rose from 2021/22 (88%) to 2023/24 (91%), where it peaked and has since decreased in 2024/25 (from 91.4% to 90.6%).^{[footnote 6]} 

Breaking this down by physical and digital engagement over time, physical engagement with the arts peaked in 2023/24 and has since decreased in 2024/25 (from 90.4% to 89.7%). Digital engagement has risen more steeply. In 2024/25, 35% of adults digitally engaged with the arts, an 8 percentage point increase from 2021/22 (27%). However, there was a 2 percentage point decrease in digital engagement with the arts from 2023/24 (36%) to 2024/25 (35%).

Figure 2.2: Engagement with the art sector, England: 2021/22 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Frequency and forms of engagement

Respondents who engaged with the arts were asked about the frequency of their engagement with each event or activity.^{[footnote 7]} Figure 2.3 shows that 59% of respondents reported that they engaged with an art form physically once a week. 33% of respondents reported that they engaged with an art form digitally three to four times a year.

Figure 2.3: Most frequent level of physical and digital engagement with an art form, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who physically or digitally engaged with the arts)

Figure 2.4 shows that the most popular way to engage with the arts physically was reading books, graphic novels or magazines (63%). This was followed by a cinema screening of a film or movie (54%).

Figure 2.4: Forms of physical engagement with the arts sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Figure 2.5 shows that the most popular way to engage with the arts digitally was watching a pre-recorded music or dance event (20%). This was followed by watching a live music or dance event as it was happening (16%), and watching a pre-recorded arts event, including theatre, visual arts or literature (9%).

Figure 2.5: Forms of digital engagement with the arts sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

How did adults pay for digital arts content?^{[footnote 8]}

Of the 35% who engaged digitally with the arts: 

• 46% of adults said they accessed “content free of charge”,
• 45% of adults said “content is paid for through a TV licence fee”,
• 25% of adults paid “a monthly or annual subscription”,
• 14% of adults paid “a one-time fee”,
• 3% of adults said they accessed “paid content for free, using other methods”. Similarly, only 2% of adults reported they accessed “content using a log-in belonging to someone not in their household”.

Demographics: Who engaged with the arts?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 2.6 shows that:

• Adults aged 70 to 74 (92%) were more likely to engage with the arts physically compared to the average for adults in England (90%).
• Compared to the average for adults in England (35%), adults aged 45 to 49 (38%) and aged 55 to 79 (38-41%) were more likely to engage with the arts digitally, while adults aged 16 to 39 (30-32%) and adults aged 85 or over (27%) were less likely to engage with the arts digitally.

Figure 2.6: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status

Figure 2.7 shows that:

• Disabled adults (89%) were less likely to engage with the arts physically compared to non-disabled adults (91%). 
• For digital engagement with the arts, there were no significant differences observed between disabled adults and non-disabled adults. 

Figure 2.7: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex

Figure 2.8 shows that:

• Female adults (92%) were more likely to engage with the arts physically than male adults (88%).
• For digital engagement with the arts, there were no significant differences observed between male adults and female adults.

Figure 2.8: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 2.9 shows that, for both physical and digital engagement with the arts, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 2.9: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 2.10 shows that:

• Bisexual adults (97%) and gay or lesbian adults (94%) were more likely to engage with the arts physically than heterosexual or straight adults (90%). Bisexual adults (97%) were also more likely to engage with the arts physically compared to adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (89%). 
• Similarly, bisexual adults (43%) and gay or lesbian adults (43%) were more likely to engage with the arts digitally than heterosexual or straight adults (35%).

Figure 2.10: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 2.11 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (90%), Christian adults (91%), adults from the Any other religion classification (95%) and adults from the No religion classification (91%) were more likely to engage with the arts physically, while Muslim adults (74%) and Sikh adults (79%) were less likely to engage with the arts physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (35%), Christian adults (37%) and adults from the Any other religion classification (43%) were more likely to engage with the arts digitally, while Muslim adults (25%) were less likely to engage with the arts digitally.

Figure 2.11: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 2.12 shows that:

• Adults from the White British (92%) and White Irish (95%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with the arts physically compared to the average for adults in England (90%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (72%), Indian (86%), Pakistani (73%), Any other Asian background (82%), Black African (83%), Any other ethnic group (83%) and Arab (67%) ethnic groups were less likely to engage with the arts physically compared to the average for adults in England (90%).
• Adults from the Black African (42%), Black Caribbean (43%) and White Irish (45%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to the average for adults in England (35%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (20%) and Pakistani (24%) ethnic groups were less likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to the average for adults in England (35%).

Figure 2.12: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13][footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 2.13 shows that:

• The level of physical engagement with the arts was significantly different between adults from each socio-economic classification. Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (95%) were more likely to engage with the arts physically. This was followed by adults from the intermediate occupations classification (92%) and adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (86%). Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (77%) were less likely to engage with the arts physically.
• Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (40%) were more likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (28-36%).
• Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed (28%) and routine and manual occupations (30%) classifications were less likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (36-40%).

Figure 2.13: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 2.14 shows that:

• Adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 81%) were less likely to engage with the arts physically compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 95%). 
• Similarly, adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 31%) were less likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 39%).

Figure 2.14: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Physical engagement with the arts, by place 

Compared with the England average (90%), the proportion of adults who engaged with the arts physically was lower in the North East (87%) and West Midlands (88%) ITL1 areas and higher in the South East (91%) ITL1 area.

By ITL2 area, there was a 10 percentage point difference in physical engagement with the arts, from 85% in the West Midlands to 95% in North Yorkshire. 

Figure 2.15 shows that: 

• Adults in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (93%), Dorset and Somerset (93%), North Yorkshire (95%) and Surrey, East and West Sussex (92%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with the arts physically compared to the England average (90%).
• Adults in the Tees Valley and Durham (86%) and West Midlands (85%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with the arts physically compared to the England average (90%).

Figure 2.15: Physical engagement with the arts sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Digital engagement with the arts, by place 

Compared with the England average (35%), the proportion of adults who engaged with the arts digitally was lower in the East Midlands (32%) and North East (32%) ITL1 areas and higher in the South West (38%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 11 percentage point difference in digital engagement with the arts, from 29% in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire to 40% in Outer London - South.  

Figure 2.16 shows that:

• Adults in the Cheshire (39%), Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area (39%) and Outer London - South (40%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to the England average (35%).
• Adults in the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire (29%) and Tees Valley and Durham (30%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with the arts digitally compared to the England average (35%).

Figure 2.16: Digital engagement with the arts sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement

Respondents who did not engage with the arts were asked why they did not. The reasons given are shown in Figure 2.17 and were: 

• For physical engagement - “No reason in particular” (29%) was the most common barrier identified.
• For digital engagement - “No reason in particular” (41%) was the most common barrier identified.

Figure 2.17: Barriers to physically or digitally engaging with the arts sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who did not engage with the arts)

3. Libraries

We asked about physical engagement with libraries, such as visiting a public library building or using another library outreach service, and digital engagement with libraries, such as using online catalogues or borrowing e-books and downloading audiobooks. The full list of included activities we asked about are in Annex 3 and shown in Figures 3.4 and 3.5.

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

31% of adults engaged with libraries at least once in the last 12 months, a 1 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (30%).

26% of adults engaged with libraries physically in the last 12 months, a 1 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (25%).

16% of adults engaged with libraries digitally in the last 12 months, a 1 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (14%).

Figure 3.1 shows that of the 31% of adults who engaged with libraries, 10% engaged both physically and digitally, 16% of adults engaged exclusively physically, while 5% of adults engaged exclusively digitally. 

Figure 3.1: Physical and digital engagement with the libraries sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Time series 

Figure 3.2 shows that since 2021/22, when data collection began, there has been a general upward trend for overall engagement with libraries.^{[footnote 17]} In 2024/25, 31% of adults engaged with libraries at least once, a 10 percentage point increase from 2021/22 (21%). 

Breaking this down by physical and digital engagement over time, in 2024/25, 26% of adults engaged with libraries physically, a 11 percentage point increase from 2021/22 (15%). Digital engagement has also increased year on year. In 2024/25, 16% of adults engaged with libraries digitally, a 4 percentage point increase from 2021/22 (12%). 

Figure 3.2: Engagement with the libraries sector, England: 2021/22 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Frequency and forms of engagement

Respondents who engaged with libraries were asked about the frequency of their engagement. Figure 3.3 shows that the most frequent level of physical engagement with libraries was three to four times a year (35%). The most frequent levels of digital engagement with libraries were once a month (28%) or three to four times a year (29%).

Figure 3.3: Most frequent level of physical and digital engagement with the libraries sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who physically or digitally engaged with libraries)

Figure 3.4 shows that the most popular way to engage with libraries physically was  borrowing, browsing or returning items (61%). This was followed by using free Wi-Fi, computer or printing facilities (26%) and taking a child to borrow, browse or return books (26%).

Figure 3.4: Activities done when visiting a public or mobile library in person, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who physically engaged with libraries)

Figure 3.5 shows that the most popular ways to engage with libraries digitally were reserving or renewing books or paying a fine (46%), borrowing digital or online resources (46%) and searching online catalogues or dictionaries or making an enquiry (44%).

Figure 3.5: Activities done when engaging online with the libraries sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who digitally engaged with libraries)

Demographics: Who engaged with libraries?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 3.6 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (26%), adults aged 16 to 19 (30%), 35 to 44 (31-35%) and 70 to 74 (29%) were more likely to engage with libraries physically, while adults aged 20 to 24 (22%) and 50 to 64 (19-22%) were less likely to engage with libraries physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (16%), adults aged 16 to 29 (20-23%) and 35 to 39 (20%) were more likely to engage with libraries digitally, while adults aged 50 to 64 (11-13%) and 70 or over (8-13%) were less likely to engage with libraries digitally.

Figure 3.6: Physical and digital engagement with the libraries sector, by age, England:  2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 3.7 shows that, for both physical and digital engagement with libraries, there were no significant differences observed between disabled adults and non-disabled adults.

Figure 3.7: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 3.8 shows that female adults were more likely to engage with libraries physically and digitally (30% and 17%, respectively) compared to male adults (22% and 14%, respectively). 

Figure 3.8: Physical and digital engagement with the libraries sector, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 3.9 shows that adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth were more likely to engage with libraries physically and digitally (37% and 27%, respectively) compared to adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth (26% and 15%, respectively).

Figure 3.9: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 3.10 shows that:

• Bisexual adults (35%) and adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (32%) were more likely to engage with libraries physically than heterosexual or straight adults (26%). Bisexual adults (35%) were also more likely to engage with libraries physically compared to gay or lesbian adults (25%).
• Bisexual adults (25%) and adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (31%) were more likely to engage with libraries digitally than heterosexual or straight adults (15%). Adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (31%) were also more likely to engage with libraries digitally compared to gay or lesbian adults (19%).

Figure 3.10: Physical and digital engagement with the libraries sector, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 3.11 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (26%), Buddhist adults (39%) and Hindu adults (34%) were more likely to engage with libraries physically, while adults from the No religion classification (24%) were less likely to engage with libraries physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (16%), Buddhist (26%), Hindu (25%), Jewish (29%), Muslim (25%) and Sikh (25%) adults were more likely to engage with libraries digitally, while Christian adults (14%) were less likely to engage with libraries digitally.

Figure 3.11: Physical and digital engagement with libraries, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 3.12 shows that:

• Adults from the Chinese (35%), Indian (33%), Pakistani (32%), Black African (36%), Mixed White and Asian (38%) and White Irish (41%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with libraries physically compared to the average for adults in England (26%).
• Adults from the White British (24%) ethnic group were less likely to engage with libraries physically compared to the average for adults in England (26%).
• Adults from the Chinese (26%), Indian (25%), Pakistani (23%), Any other Asian background (26%), Black African (28%), Black Caribbean (23%), Mixed White and Asian (26%), Mixed White and Black African (35%), Any other mixed or multiple ethnic background (28%), Arab (27%), White Irish (23%) and Any other White background (19%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with libraries digitally compared to the average for adults in England (16%).
• Adults from the White British (13%) ethnic group were less likely to engage with libraries digitally compared to the average for adults in England (16%).

Figure 3.12: Physical and digital engagement with the libraries sector, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 3.13 shows that:

• Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification were more likely to engage with libraries physically and digitally (30% and 18%, respectively) compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (19-26% for physical, 11-15% for digital).
• Adults from the routine and manual occupations classification were less likely to engage with libraries physically and digitally (19% and 11%, respectively) compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (23-30% for physical, 14-18% for digital).

Figure 3.13: Physical and digital engagement with libraries, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 3.14 shows that:

• Adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 31%) were more likely to engage with libraries physically compared to adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 23%). 
• For digital engagement with libraries, there were no significant differences observed between adults from the least deprived and most deprived areas.

Figure 3.14: Physical and digital engagement with the arts sector, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Physical engagement with libraries, by place 

Compared with the England average (26%), the proportion of adults who engaged with libraries physically was lower in the East Midlands (22%) and North East (19%) ITL1 areas and higher in the East of England (29%) and London (31%) ITL1 areas. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 16 percentage point difference in physical engagement with libraries, from 17% in Tees Valley and Durham to 33% in Outer London - South. 

Figure 3.15 shows that: 

• Adults in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire (31%), Cheshire (31%), Inner London - East (32%), Inner London - West (32%) and Outer London - South (33%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with libraries physically compared to the England average (26%).
• Adults in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (22%), Cumbria (22%), Lancashire (21%), Lincolnshire (18%), Northumberland and Tyne and Wear (21%), Shropshire and Staffordshire (21%), South Yorkshire (21%) and Tees Valley and Durham (17%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with libraries physically compared to the England average (26%).

Figure 3.15: Physical engagement with the libraries sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Digital engagement with libraries, by place

Compared with the England average (16%), the proportion of adults who engaged with libraries digitally was lower in the East Midlands (13%) and North East (10%) ITL1 areas and higher in the London (21%) ITL1 area.

By ITL2 area, there was a 15 percentage point difference in digital engagement with libraries, from 8% in Tees Valley and Durham to 23% in Inner London - East.

Figure 3.16 shows that:

• Adults in the Inner London - East (23%), Inner London - West (19%), Outer London - East and North East (21%), Outer London - South (23%), Outer London - West and North West (20%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with libraries digitally compared to the England average (16%).
• Adults in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (12%), Kent (12%), Lancashire (12%), Lincolnshire (12%), Northumberland and Tyne and Wear (12%), Shropshire and Staffordshire (11%) and Tees Valley and Durham (8%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with libraries digitally compared to the England average (16%).

Figure 3.16: Digital engagement with the libraries sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement 

Respondents who did not engage with libraries were asked why they did not. The reasons given are shown in Figure 3.17 and were: 

• For physical engagement - “I don’t need to use library services” (32%) and “I’m not interested” (27%) were the most common barriers identified.
• For digital engagement - “I don’t need to use library services” (28%), “No reason in particular” (27%) and “I’m not interested” (27%) were the most common barriers identified.

Figure 3.17: Barriers to physically or digitally engaging with the libraries sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who did not engage with the libraries sector)

4. Archives

We asked about physical engagement with archives, such as visiting an archive or records office in person, and digital engagement with archives, such as using an archive or records office online. The full list of included activities we asked about are in Annex 3, and shown in Figures 4.3 and 4.4.

Headline findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25): ^{[footnote 18]}

9% of adults engaged with archives or record offices at least once in the last 12 months.

3% of adults engaged with archives or record offices physically at least once in the last 12 months.

7% of adults engaged with archives or record offices digitally at least once in the last 12 months.

Figure 4.1 shows that of the 9% of adults who engaged with archives or record offices, 1% engaged both physically and digitally, 2% of adults engaged exclusively physically, while 6% of adults engaged exclusively digitally.

Figure 4.1: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Frequency and forms of engagement

Respondents who engaged with archives were asked about the frequency of their engagement. Figure 4.2 shows that the most frequent level of physical engagement with archives or record offices was once a year (44%). The most frequent levels of digital engagement with archives were three to four times a year (31%) and once a year (29%). 

Figure 4.2: Most frequent level of physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who physically or digitally engaged with archives or record offices)

Figure 4.3 shows that of those adults who physically engaged with archives or record offices,  researching family history (29%), researching local history (28%) and looking at original historic documents (27%) had the highest weighted estimates. However, the corresponding confidence intervals overlap with the other activities, meaning that there was no significant difference in engagement with any of the activities listed.

Figure 4.3: Activities done when visiting an archive or records office in person, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents who physically engaged with archives or record offices)^{[footnote 8]}

Figure 4.4 shows that the most popular way to engage with archives or record offices digitally was researching family history (55%). This was followed by researching local history (29%) and looking at historic documents (28%).

Figure 4.4: Activities done when engaging online with archives or record offices, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents who digitally engaged with archives or record offices)^{[footnote 8]}

Demographics: Who engaged with archives?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 4.5 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (3%), adults aged 70 to 74 (4%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices physically, while adults aged 45 to 49 (2%) were less likely to engage with archives or record offices physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (7%), adults aged 60 to 74 (11-12%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally, while adults aged 25 to 44 (4-5%) and aged 85 or over (4%) were less likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally.

Figure 4.5: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 4.6 shows that:

• For physical engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between disabled adults and non-disabled adults. 
• Disabled adults (9%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally than non-disabled adults (7%).

Figure 4.6: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 4.7 shows that for both physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between male adults and female adults. 

Figure 4.7: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 4.8 shows that, for both physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 4.8: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 4.9 shows that:

• For physical engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between sexual orientation classifications. 
• Bisexual adults (10%) and gay or lesbian adults (9%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally than heterosexual or straight adults (7%).

Figure 4.9: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 4.10 shows that:

• Jewish adults (7%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices physically compared to the average for adults in England (3%).
• Compared to the average for adults in England (7%), Christian adults (8%), Jewish adults (13%) and adults from the Any other religion classification (13%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally, while Hindu adults (4%) were less likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally.

Figure 4.10: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 4.11 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (3%), adults from the Mixed White and Black African (10%) ethnic group were more likely to engage with archives or record offices physically, while adults from the Indian (1%) ethnic group were less likely to engage with archives or record offices physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (7%), adults from the White Irish (12%) ethnic group were more likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally, while adults from the Bangladeshi (3%), Indian (4%) and Any other Asian background (3%) ethnic groups were less likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally.

Figure 4.11: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic Classification 

Figure 4.12 shows that:

• For physical engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between socio-economic classifications.
• Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (9%) were more likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (5-8%).
• Adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (5%) were less likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally compared to the intermediate occupations (8%) and higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations (9%) classifications.

Figure 4.12: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 4.13 shows that:

• For physical engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between adults from the least deprived and most deprived areas. 
• Adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 5%) were less likely to engage with archives or record offices digitally compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 9%).

Figure 4.13: Physical and digital engagement with archives or record offices, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Physical engagement with archives, by place 

For physical engagement with archives or record offices, there were no significant differences observed between ITL1 or ITL2 areas and the national average.

Digital engagement with archives, by place 

Adults in the North East (5%) area were less likely to engage with archives or record  offices digitally compared to the England average (7%). 

By ITL2 area, there was a 4 percentage point difference in digital engagement with archives or record offices, from 5% in Tees Valley and Durham to 9% in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Figure 4.14 shows that:

• Adults in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight (9%) ITL2 area were more likely to digitally engage with archives or record offices compared to the England average (7%).
• Adults in the Outer London - West and North West (5%) and Tees Valley and Durham (5%) ITL2 areas were less likely to digitally engage with archives or record offices compared to the England average (7%).

Figure 4.14: Digital engagement with archives or record offices, by ITL1 and ITL2 area , England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement 

Respondents who did not engage with archives or record offices were asked why they did not. The reasons given are shown in Figure 4.15 and were: 

• For physical engagement - “No reason in particular” (44%) and “I’m not interested” (33%) were the most common barriers identified.
• For digital engagement - “No reason in particular” (44%) and “I’m not interested” (37%) were the most common barriers identified.

Figure 4.15: Barriers to physically or digitally engaging with archives or record offices, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents who did not engage with archives or record offices)^{[footnote 8]}

5. Heritage

We defined physical engagement with the heritage sector as visiting one of a variety of places with celebrated histories, such as ancient monuments or archaeological sites. Digital engagement with the heritage sector included activities such as taking a virtual tour of any of the physical locations listed in Figure 5.4, or researching local history online. The full list of  included heritage activities we asked about are in Annex 3, and shown in Figures 5.4 and 5.6.

Headline findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

67%

of adults engaged with the heritage sector at least once in the last 12 months, a 2 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (69%).^{[footnote 19]}

65% of adults engaged with the heritage sector physically in the last 12 months, a 2 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (66%).

24%  of adults engaged with the heritage sector digitally in the last 12 months, a 1 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (25%).

Figure 5.1 shows that of the 67% of adults who engaged with the heritage sector, 21% engaged both physically and digitally, 43% of adults engaged exclusively physically, while only 3% of adults engaged exclusively digitally.

Figure 5.1: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Time series 

Figure 5.2 shows that overall engagement with the heritage sector peaked in 2022/23 (69%) and has since decreased to near 2021/22 (65%) levels in 2024/25 (67%). ^{[footnote 20]}

Breaking this down by physical and digital engagement over time, physical engagement with the heritage sector peaked in 2022/23 (67%) and has since decreased to near 2021/22 (63%) levels in 2024/25 (65%). Digital engagement with the heritage sector has risen more steeply. In 2024/25, 24% of adults digitally engaged with the heritage sector, an 8 percentage point increase from 2021/22 (16%). However, from 2023/24 (25%) to 2024/25 (24%), there was a 1 percentage point decrease in digital engagement.

Figure 5.2: Engagement with the heritage sector, England: 2021/22 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults)^{[footnote 19]}

Frequency and forms of engagement

Respondents who engaged with the heritage sector were asked about the frequency of their engagement with heritage sites and services.^{[footnote 7]} Figure 5.3 shows that 37% of respondents reported that they engaged with the heritage sector physically three to four times a year. Similarly, 34% of respondents reported that they engaged with the heritage sector digitally three to four times a year.

Figure 5.3: Most frequent level of physical and digital engagement with a heritage site, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who physically or digitally engaged with the heritage sector)

Figure 5.4 shows that the most popular heritage place to visit was a park or garden open to the public with historic or artistic features (41%). This was followed by visiting a historic landscape or habitat (36%) and a city or town visited specifically for its historic nature (36%).

Figure 5.4: Forms of physical engagement with the heritage sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Figure 5.5 shows that the most common reason for engaging with the heritage sector physically was “to spend time with family or friends” (60%), followed by “general interest in the heritage site” (51%) and “I was in the area” (32%).

Figure 5.5: Reasons for visiting heritage sites, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents who physically engaged with the heritage sector)^{[footnote 8]}

Figure 5.6 shows that, from the list given, “researched your local history online” was the most popular digital heritage activity that adults engaged with (14%). This was followed by “engaged with digital content from heritage sites” (9%).

Figure 5.6: Forms of digital engagement with the heritage sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

How did adults pay for digital heritage content?^{[footnote 8]}

Respondents were asked how they paid for digital heritage content. Of the 24% who engaged digitally with the heritage sector, the most common responses were: 

• “Access free content” (68%),
• “Content is paid for through TV licence fee” (15%),
• “Pay a one-time fee” (15%),
• “Pay a monthly or annual subscription” (14%).

Demographics: Who engaged with the heritage sector?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 5.7 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (65%), adults aged 40 to 54 (67-70%) and 60 to 74 (69-72%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically, while adults aged 16 to 29 (56-61%) and 85 or over (48%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (24%), adults aged 60 to 79 (27-28%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally, while adults aged 30 to 34 (20%) and 40 to 44 (21%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally.

Figure 5.7: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 5.8 shows that:

• Non-disabled adults (67%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically than disabled adults (60%). 
• Disabled adults (25%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally than non-disabled adults (23%). 

Figure 5.8: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 5.9 shows that:

• Female adults (66%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically than male adults (64%). 
• Male adults (25%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally than female adults (23%). 

Figure 5.9: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 5.10 shows that: 

• For physical engagement with the heritage sector, there were no significant differences observed by gender identity. 
• Adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth (35%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally than adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth (24%).

Figure 5.10: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 5.11 shows that:

• Bisexual adults (79%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (62-72%). Additionally, gay or lesbian adults (72%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically than heterosexual or straight adults (65%).
• Heterosexual or straight adults (23%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (28-35%).

Figure 5.11: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 5.12 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (65%), Buddhist adults (77%) and Christian adults (67%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically, while Muslim adults (47%) and Sikh adults (51%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (24%), Jewish adults (33%) and adults from the Any other religion classification (37%) were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally, while adults from the No religion classification (22%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally.

Figure 5.12: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 5.13 shows that:

• Adults from the Chinese (75%), White British (66%), White Irish (72%) and the Any other White background (73%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically compared to the average for adults in England (65%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (43%), Pakistani (49%), Black African (50%), Black Caribbean (48%), Mixed White and Black Caribbean (50%) and Arab (51%) ethnic groups were less likely to engage with the heritage sector physically compared to the average for adults in England (65%).
• Adults from the Mixed White and Asian (32%) and Any other White background (28%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally compared to the average for adults in England (24%).

Figure 5.13: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 5.14 shows that:

• The level of physical engagement with the heritage sector was significantly different between adults from each socio-economic classification. Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (75%) were more likely to engage with heritage physically. This was followed by adults from the intermediate occupations classification (65%) and adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (56%). Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (49%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector physically.
• Adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (20%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (23-26%).

Figure 5.14: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 5.15 shows that:

• Adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 52%) were less likely to engage with the heritage sector physically compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 75%). 
• For digital engagement with the heritage sector, there were no significant differences observed between adults from the least deprived and most deprived areas.

Figure 5.15: Physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Physical engagement with the heritage sector, by place 

Compared with the England average (65%), the proportion of adults who engaged with the heritage sector physically was lower in the North East (61%) and West Midlands (62%) ITL1 areas and higher in the South East (68%) and South West (70%) ITL1 areas. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 19 percentage point difference in physical engagement with the heritage sector, from 57% in the West Midlands to 76% in North Yorkshire.

Figure 5.16 shows that: 

• Adults in the Dorset and Somerset (72%), Gloucester, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area (71%), North Yorkshire (76%) and Surrey, East and West Sussex (70%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with the heritage sector physically compared to the England average (65%).
• Adults in the East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire (59%), Lancashire (60%), Tees Valley and Durham (59%) and West Midlands (57%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with the heritage sector physically compared to the England average (65%).

Figure 5.16: Physical engagement with the heritage sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Digital engagement with the heritage sector, by place 

Compared with the England average (24%), the proportion of adults who engaged with the heritage sector digitally was lower in the North East (21%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 9 percentage point difference in digital engagement with the heritage sector, from 19% in Tees Valley and Durham to 28% in Inner London - East.

Figure 5.17 shows that:

• Adults in the Inner London - East (28%) ITL2 area were more likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally compared to the England average (24%).
• Adults in the Cumbria (20%) and Tees Valley and Durham (19%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with the heritage sector digitally compared to the England average (24%).

Figure 5.17: Digital engagement with the heritage sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement 

Respondents who did not engage with the heritage sector were asked why they did not. The reasons given are shown in Figure 5.18 and were: 

• For physical engagement - “No reason in particular” (35%) and “I’m not interested” (27%) were the most common barriers identified.
• For digital engagement - “I’m not interested” (39%)  and “No reason in particular” (35%) were the most common barriers identified.

Figure 5.18: Barriers to physically or digitally engaging with the heritage sector, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who did not engage with the heritage sector)

6. Museums and Cultural Property

For physical engagement, respondents were asked about their visits to museums or galleries in the 12 months prior to completing the survey. For digital engagement, activities included taking a virtual tour of a museum or gallery, or researching items from a collection online. The full list of included digital museum activities and events we asked about are in Annex 3, and shown in Figure 6.5.

Headline findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

45% of adults engaged with museums or galleries at least once in the last 12 months, no significant change from 2023/24 (46%).

41% of adults engaged with museums or galleries physically in the last 12 months, a 2 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (43%).

14% of adults engaged with museums or galleries digitally in the last 12 months, no significant change from 2023/24 (13%).

Figure 6.1 shows that of the 45% of adults who engaged with museums or galleries, 10% engaged both physically and digitally, 31% of adults engaged exclusively physically, while only 4% of adults engaged exclusively digitally. 

Figure 6.1: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Time series 

Figure 6.2 shows that overall engagement with museums or galleries rose steeply from 2021/22 (27%) to 2023/24 (46%) and has since stabilised in 2024/25 (45%). ^{[footnote 21]}

Breaking this down by physical and digital engagement over time, physical engagement with museums or galleries rose steeply from 2021/22 (24%) to 2023/24 (43%) and then  decreased by 2 percentage points in 2024/25 (41%). While digital engagement with museums or galleries rose from 2021/22 (9%) to 2023/24 (13%), it has since not changed in 2024/25 (14%). 

Figure 6.2: Engagement with museums or galleries, England: 2021/22 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Frequency and forms of engagement

Respondents who engaged with museums or galleries were asked about the frequency of their engagement. Figure 6.3 shows that the most frequent levels of physical engagement with museums or galleries were three to four times a year (32%) and twice a year (32%). The most frequent level of digital engagement with museums or galleries was three to four times a year (31%).

Figure 6.3: Most frequent level of physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who physically or digitally engaged with museums or galleries)

Figure 6.4 shows that the most popular reason for visiting museums or galleries was “general interest in the subject of the museum or collection” (67%). This was followed by “to spend time with family or friends” (53%) and “to learn something new” (40%).

Figure 6.4: Reasons for visiting museums or galleries, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents who physically engaged with museums or galleries)^{[footnote 8]}

Figure 6.5 shows that the majority of adults did not engage with the digital museums or galleries activities listed in the survey (86%). Of the activities listed, the most popular ways to participate were, “engaged with multimedia content from museums in England” (7%) and “researched items from a museum or gallery collection in England online” (7%).

Figure 6.5: Forms of digital engagement with museums or galleries, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Demographics: Who engaged with museums or galleries?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 6.6 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (41%), adults aged 30 to 49 (45-47%) and aged 60 to 69 (44%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically, while adults aged 16 to 24 (31-37%) and adults aged 75 or over (18-37%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (14%), adults aged 25 to 29 (17%) and aged 65 to 69 (16%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally, while adults aged 55 to 59 (11%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally.

Figure 6.6: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 6.7 shows that:

• Non-disabled adults (44%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically than disabled adults (37%). 
• Disabled adults (15%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally than non-disabled adults (13%).

Figure 6.7: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 6.8 shows that:

• Female adults (43%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically than male adults (40%). 
• For digital engagement, there were no significant differences observed between male adults and female adults. 

Figure 6.8: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 6.9 shows that adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically and digitally (54% and 27%, respectively) compared to adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth (42% and 14%, respectively).

Figure 6.9: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 6.10 shows that:

• Bisexual adults (61%) and gay or lesbian adults (55%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically than heterosexual or straight adults (41%). Bisexual adults (61%) were also more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically than adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (48%). 
• Heterosexual or straight adults (13%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally, compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (19-25%).

Figure 6.10: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 6.11 shows that:

• Compared to the average for adults in England (41%), Buddhist adults (58%), adults from the Any other religion classification (53%) and adults from the No religion classification (44%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically, while Muslim adults (28%) and Sikh adults (27%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries physically.
• Compared to the average for adults in England (14%), Buddhist (21%), Hindu (19%), Jewish (27%), Muslim (18%) and adults from the Any other religion classification (19%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally, while adults from the No religion classification (12%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally.

Figure 6.11: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 6.12 shows that:

• Adults from the Chinese (60%), Any other Asian background (49%), Mixed White and Asian (54%), Any other ethnic group (58%), White Irish (54%) and Any other White background (55%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically compared to the average for adults in England (41%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (18%), Pakistani (28%), Black African (31%) and Arab (30%) ethnic groups were less likely to engage with museums or galleries physically compared to the average for adults in England (41%).
• Adults from the Chinese (21%), Any other Asian background (19%), Black African (23%), Black Caribbean (21%), Mixed White and Asian (20%) and Arab (31%) ethnic groups were more likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally compared to the average for adults in England (14%).
• Adults from the White British (12%) ethnic groups were less likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally compared to the average for adults in England (14%).

Figure 6.12: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 6.13 shows that:

• The level of physical engagement with museums or galleries was significantly different between adults from each socio-economic classification. Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (52%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically. This was followed by adults from the intermediate occupations classification (40%) and adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (32%). Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (24%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries physically.
• Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (19%) were more likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (11-15%).
• Adults from the intermediate occupations (12%) and routine and manual occupations (11%) classifications were less likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (15-19%).

Figure 6.13: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 6.14 shows that:

• Adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 30%) were less likely to engage with museums or galleries physically compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 49%). 
• For digital engagement with museums or galleries, there were no significant differences observed between adults from the least deprived and most deprived areas.

Figure 6.14: Physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Physical engagement with museums or galleries, by place 

Compared with the England average (41%), the proportion of adults who engaged with museums or galleries physically was lower in the East Midlands (35%), West Midlands (34%) and Yorkshire and The Humber (38%) ITL1 areas and higher in the London (52%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 33 percentage point difference in physical engagement with museums or galleries, from 31% in the West Midlands to 65% in Inner London - West.

Figure 6.15 shows that: 

• Adults in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (47%), Inner London - East (60%), Inner London - West (65%), Outer London - South (49%) and Outer London - West and North West (48%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with museums or galleries physically compared to the England average (41%).
• Adults in the Cumbria (36%), Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (36%), East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire (37%), Lancashire (32%), Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire (36%), Lincolnshire (32%), Shropshire and Staffordshire (35%), Tees Valley and Durham (36%), West Midlands (31%) and West Yorkshire (36%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with museums or galleries physically compared to the England average (41%).

Figure 6.15: Physical engagement with museums or galleries, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Digital engagement with museums or galleries, by place 

Compared with the England average (14%), the proportion of adults who engaged with museums or galleries digitally was higher in the London (19%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 12 percentage point difference in digital engagement with museums or galleries, from 10% in Cumbria to 22% in Inner London - East. 

Figure 6.16 shows that:

• Adults in the Inner London - East (22%), Inner London - West (21%) and Outer London - West and North West (18%) ITL2 areas were more likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally compared to the England average (14%).
• Adults in the Cumbria (10%), Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire (11%), Kent (10%), South Yorkshire (11%) and Tees Valley and Durham (11%) ITL2 areas were less likely to engage with museums or galleries digitally compared to the England average (14%).

Figure 6.16: Digital engagement with museums or galleries, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement 

Respondents who did not engage with museums or galleries were asked why they did not. The reasons given are shown in Figure 6.17 and were: 

• For physical engagement - “No reason in particular” (33%) and “I’m not interested” (29%) were the most common barriers identified.
• Similarly, for digital engagement - “I’m not interested” (38%)  and “no reason in particular” (37%) were the most common barriers identified.

Figure 6.17: Barriers to physically or digitally engaging with museums or galleries, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who did not engage with museums or galleries).

Metal detecting and mudlarking^{[footnote 8]}

The survey also asked respondents if they had taken part in metal detecting or mudlarking in the last 12 months. The majority of respondents did none of these activities (98%), however: 

• 1% of adults reported that they had taken part in mudlarking. 
• 1% of adults reported that they had taken part in metal detecting to search for historic artefacts. Of these respondents: 
  • 58% reported that they did this as “an individual or part of a social group”,
  • 24% reported that they did this as “part of a metal-detecting/mudlarking club”,
  • 18% reported that they did this as “part of an organised archaeological survey in a volunteer role”.

7. Live Sports and Gambling

Respondents were asked about their attendance at live sport events in the previous 12 months. Respondents were also asked about their engagement with gambling during sporting events in the previous 12 months.

Headline findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

30%

of adults reported that they had watched live sports in person in the last 12 months.^{[footnote 22]}

75%

of adults reported that they had watched live sports on TV in the last 12 months, a 2 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (73%). ^{[footnote 23]}

Popularity of live sporting events

Of the 30% of adults who watched any live sports in person in the last 12 months, Figure 7.1 shows that the most popular sports to watch were: 

• Men’s football (61%),
• Rugby (19%),
• Some other type of sport (18%) (any sport not listed in Figure 7.1),^{[footnote 24]}
• Cricket (18%).

Of the 75% of adults who watched any live sports on TV in the last 12 months, Figure 7.1 shows that the most popular sports to watch were: 

• Men’s football (56%),
• Tennis (31%),
• Athletics (27%).

Figure 7.1: Ranking the popularity of live sporting events watched in person and on TV in the previous 12 months, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who watched at least one live sporting event in person / Adults who watched at least one live sporting event on TV)

61% of adults who watched live sports in person said all of these events were professional sports where the participants were being paid, whereas 12% said most of them were. 12% of adults said none of the events were professional sports where the participants were being paid.

Who placed bets on live sports and horse racing?^{[footnote 8]}

5% of adults placed a bet on a sporting event^{[footnote 25]} while attending in person. This compares to 10% of adults who placed a bet on a sporting event online. 

7% of adults placed a bet on a horse racing event while attending in person. This compares to 10% of adults who placed a bet on a horse racing event online.

Demographics: Who attended live sporting events?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 7.2 shows that:

• Adults aged 40 to 44 (35%) were more likely to attend live sporting events compared to the average for adults in England (30%).
• Adults aged 75 or over (15-27%) were less likely to attend live sporting events compared to the average for adults in England (30%).

Figure 7.2: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 7.3 shows that non-disabled adults (34%) were more likely to attend live sporting events than disabled adults (22%).

Figure 7.3: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 7.4 shows that male adults (40%) were more likely to attend live sporting events than female adults (22%).

Figure 7.4: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 7.5 shows that adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth (31%) were more likely to have attended live sporting events than adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth (14%).

Figure 7.5: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 7.6 shows that heterosexual or straight adults (32%) were more likely to attend live sporting events, compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (20-23%).

Figure 7.6: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 7.7 shows that:

• Adults from the No religion classification (32%) were more likely to attend live sporting events compared to the average for adults in England (30%).
• Muslim adults (18%) and adults from the Any other religion classification (19%) were less likely to attend live sporting events compared to the average for adults in England (30%).

Figure 7.7: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 7.8 shows that:

• Adults from the White British (33%) ethnic group were more likely to attend live sporting events compared to the average for adults in England (30%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (13%), Indian (24%), Pakistani (17%), Any other Asian background classification (16%), Black African (23%), Mixed White and Asian (19%), Arab (18%) and Any other White background (26%) ethnic groups were less likely to attend live sporting events compared to the average for adults in England (30%).

Figure 7.8: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 7.9 shows that:

• Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (37%) were more likely to attend live sporting events compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (19-28%).
• Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (19%) were less likely to attend live sporting events compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (27-37%).

Figure 7.9: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 7.10 shows that adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 21%) were less likely to attend live sporting events compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 39%).

Figure 7.10: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Engagement with live sporting events, by place 

Compared with the England average (30%), the proportion of adults who attended live sporting events was lower in the West Midlands (27%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 13 percentage point difference in attendance of live sporting events, from 23% in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to 36% in Inner London - West.

Figure 7.11 shows that: 

• Adults in the Greater Manchester (35%), Inner London - West (36%), North Yorkshire (36%) and Surrey, East and West Sussex (35%) ITL2 areas were more likely to attend live sporting events compared to the England average (30%).
• Adults in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (23%) ITL2 area were less likely to attend live sporting events compared to the England average (30%).

Figure 7.11: Attendance of live sporting events in the previous 12 months, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement 

Respondents who did not attend live sporting events were asked why they did not. The reasons given are shown in Figure 7.12 and included: 

• “I’m not interested” (46%), 
• “No reason in particular” (20%), 
• “I cannot afford it” (19%).

Figure 7.12: Barriers to attending live sporting events, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who had not attended any live sporting events in person)^{[footnote 8]}

8. Domestic Tourism

Respondents were asked about any domestic holidays (that is, holidays in England) they had taken in the last 12 months.

Headline findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):^{[footnote 26]}

3 in 5 adults (62%) took a holiday in England in the previous 12 months, a 2 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (64%).

Time series 

Figure 8.1 shows that engagement with the domestic tourism sector rose from 2021/22 (55%) to 2023/24 (64%), and has since decreased by 2 percentage points in 2024/25 (62%).^{[footnote 27]}

Figure 8.1: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, England: 2021/22 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Duration of domestic holidays 

Figure 8.2 shows that of the 62% of adults who took a holiday in England: 

• 36% stayed 1 to 2 nights,
• 45% stayed 3 to 6 nights, 
• 15% stayed 7 to 10 nights, 
• 4% stayed more than 10 nights. 

Figure 8.2: Percentage of adults who took a holiday in England in the previous 12 months, by length of stay, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who took a holiday in England)

Places stayed at 

Figure 8.3 shows that of the 62% of adults who took a holiday in England: 

• 30% stayed at a traditional coastal or seaside town,
• 28% stayed in the countryside or in a village, 
• 26% stayed in a city or large town.

Figure 8.3: Percentage of adults who took a holiday in England in the previous 12 months, by location type, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who took a holiday in England)

Of those who took a holiday in England, 45% said they visited museums, galleries, heritage or cultural sites or events while they were away. This was similar to the previous year (2023/24).

Demographics: Who engaged with the domestic tourism sector?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 8.4 shows that:

• Adults aged 30 to 49 (65-66%) and aged 55 to 74 (65-67%) were more likely to take a holiday in England compared to the average for adults in England (62%).
• Adults aged 16 to 24 (54-56%) and aged 80 or over (35-51%) were less likely to take a holiday in England compared to the average for adults in England (62%).

Figure 8.4: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 8.5 shows that non-disabled adults (66%) were more likely to take a holiday in England than disabled adults (55%). 

Figure 8.5: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by disability, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 8.6 shows that female adults (63%) were more likely to take a holiday in England than male adults (61%). 

Figure 8.6: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 8.7 shows that, for engagement with the domestic tourism sector, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 8.7: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 8.8 shows that bisexual adults (68%) were more likely to take a holiday in England than heterosexual or straight adults (63%) and adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (48%), while gay or lesbian adults (66%) were more likely to take a holiday in England than adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (48%).

Figure 8.8: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 8.9 shows that:

• Adults from the No religion classification (65%) were more likely to take a holiday in England compared to the average for adults in England (62%).
• Muslim adults (38%) and Sikh adults (40%) were less likely to take a holiday in England compared to the average for adults in England (62%).

Figure 8.9: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 8.10 shows that:

• Adults from the White British (66%) ethnic group were more likely to take a holiday in England compared to the average for adults in England (62%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (33%), Indian (53%), Pakistani (38%), Any other Asian background (52%), Black African (45%), Black Caribbean (40%), Mixed White and Black African (42%), Mixed White and Black Caribbean (51%), Any other ethnic group (53%) and Arab (32%) ethnic groups were less likely to take a holiday in England compared to the average for adults in England (62%).

Figure 8.10: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 8.11 shows that the level of engagement with the tourism sector was significantly different between adults from each socio-economic classification. Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (72%) were more likely to take a holiday in England. This was followed by adults from the intermediate occupations classification (64%) and adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (57%). Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (36%) were less likely to take a holiday in England.

Figure 8.11: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 8.12 shows that adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 46%) were less likely to take a holiday in England compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 73%).

Figure 8.12: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by place 

Compared with the England average (62%), the proportion of adults who took a holiday in England was lower in the London (53%) ITL1 area and higher in the South West (67%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 23 percentage point difference in engagement with the domestic tourism sector, from 50% in Outer London - East and North East to 72% in North Yorkshire. 

Figure 8.13 shows that: 

• Adults in the Cumbria (68%), Devon (69%), Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area (69%), Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire (67%), North Yorkshire (72%) and Shropshire and Staffordshire (68%) ITL2 areas were more likely to take a holiday in England compared to the England average (62%).
• Adults in the Inner London - East (51%), Inner London - West (56%), Merseyside (54%), Outer London - East and North East (50%) and Outer London - West and North West (53%) ITL2 areas were less likely to take a holiday in England compared to the England average (62%).

Figure 8.13: Engagement with the domestic tourism sector, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Barriers to engagement 

Respondents who did not take a holiday in England were asked why they did not. The most common reasons given are shown in Figure 8.14 and included: 

• “I cannot afford it” (36%),
• “I went abroad rather than taking a holiday in England” (24%), 
• “No reason in particular” (22%).

Figure 8.14: Barriers to taking a holiday in England, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who did not take a holiday in England)^{[footnote 8]}

9. Bradford City of Culture 2025

Respondents were asked about their awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025.

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

17%

of adults were aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025, a 7 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (10%), as shown in Figure 9.1.^{[footnote 26]}

Figure 9.1: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025 events, England: 2024/25 - 2023/24 (Base: All adults)

Of those aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025:

21%

of adults would be interested in participating in the event, a 4 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (25%), as shown in Figure 9.2.^{[footnote 26]}

Figure 9.2: Interest in participation in Bradford City of Culture 2025 events, England: 2024/25 - 2023/24 (Base: All adults aware of the event)

Demographics: Who was aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 9.3 shows that:

• Adults aged 55-84 (21-31%) were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (17%).
• Adults aged 16-44 (4-14%) were less likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (17%).

Figure 9.3: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 9.4 shows that, for awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, there were no significant differences observed between disabled adults and non-disabled adults.

Figure 9.4: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by disability, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 9.5 shows that male adults (18%) were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 than female adults (17%).

Figure 9.5: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 9.6 shows that, for awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 9.6: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 9.7 shows that gay or lesbian adults (20%) and heterosexual or straight adults (18%) were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 than bisexual adults (13%) and adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (11%).

Figure 9.7: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 9.8 shows that:

• Christian adults (20%) were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (17%).
• Buddhist (10%), Hindu (8%), Muslim (7%) and Sikh (7%) adults were less likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (17%).

Figure 9.8: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 9.9 shows that:

• Adults from the White British (20%) and White Irish (26%) ethnic groups were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (17%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (6%), Chinese (6%), Indian (8%), Pakistani (10%), Any other Asian background (4%), Black African (6%), Mixed White and Black African (7%), Mixed White and Black Caribbean (11%), Arab (7%), Any other ethnic group (9%) and Any other White background (9%) ethnic groups were less likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (17%).

Figure 9.9: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 9.10 shows that:

• Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (22%) were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (11-19%). 
• Adults from the intermediate occupations category (19%) were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to adults from the routine and manual occupations (13%) and never worked and long-term unemployed (11%) classifications.
• Adults from the routine and manual occupations (13%) and never worked and long-term unemployed (11%) classifications were less likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (19-22%).

Figure 9.10: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 9.11 shows that adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 13%) were less likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 22%).

Figure 9.11: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Compared with the England average (17%), the proportion of adults who were aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 was lower in the East of England (12%), London (12%), South East (14%), South West (15%), West Midlands (14%) ITL1 areas and higher in the Yorkshire and The Humber (43%) ITL1 area (the ITL1 area which Bradford sits within). 

By ITL2 area, there was a 43 percentage point difference in awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, from 10% in Outer London - East and North East to 54% in West Yorkshire (the ITL2 area which Bradford sits within). 

Figure 9.12 shows that: 

• Adults in the East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire (33%), Lincolnshire (22%), North Yorkshire (43%), South Yorkshire (32%) and West Yorkshire (54%) ITL2 areas were more likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the England average (17%).
• Adults in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire (12%), Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (14%), East Anglia (14%), Essex (10%), Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area (14%), Inner London - East (14%), Kent (11%), Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire (12%), Outer London - East and North East (10%), Outer London - South (12%), Outer London - West and North West (11%) and West Midlands (13%) ITL2 areas were less likely to be aware of Bradford City of Culture 2025 compared to the England average (17%).

Figure 9.12: Awareness of Bradford City of Culture 2025, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

10. UEFA Champions League Final 2024

Respondents were asked about their awareness of the ‘UEFA Champions League Final 2024’ major event.

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

67%

of adults were aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024. ^{[footnote 28]}

Of those aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024,

30%

actually participated in the event. ^{[footnote 8] [footnote 29]}

Forms of participation 

Figure 10.1 shows that of the 30% who participated in the event: 

• 89% followed coverage on TV or radio (including watching the event and/or news about the event),
• 37% followed this event on social media.

Figure 10.1: Forms of participation in UEFA Champions League Final 2024 events, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents that participated in the event)^{[footnote 8]}

Demographics: Who was aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 10.2 shows that:

• Adults aged 40 to 64 (71-73%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to the average for adults in England (67%).
• Adults aged 16-29 (59-63%) and aged 80 or over (50-57%) were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to the average for adults in England (67%).

Figure 10.2: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 10.3 shows that non-disabled adults (70%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 than disabled adults (64%).

Figure 10.3: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by disability, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 10.4 shows that male adults (74%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 than female adults (62%).

Figure 10.4: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 10.5 shows that adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth (68%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 than adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth (54%).

Figure 10.5: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by gender identity ^{[footnote 11]} , England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 10.6 shows that:

• Heterosexual or straight adults (70%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (43-57%).
• Adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (43%) were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (54-70%).

Figure 10.6: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 10.7 shows that:

• Christian adults (71%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to the average for adults in England (67%).
• Buddhist (55%), Hindu (54%), Jewish (52%), Muslim (54%) and Sikh (46%) adults and adults from the Any other religion classification (54%) were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to the average for adults in England (67%).

Figure 10.7: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 10.8 shows that:

• Adults from the White British (70%) ethnic group were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to the average for adults in England (67%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (50%), Chinese (50%), Indian (54%), Pakistani (53%), Any other Asian background (53%), Arab (50%), Any other ethnic group (57%) and Any other White background (62%) ethnic groups were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to the average for adults in England (67%).

Figure 10.8: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]},England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 10.9 shows that:

• Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (72%) were more likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 than adults in the routine and manual occupations classification (69%).
• Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (54%) were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (69-72%).

Figure 10.9: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 10.10 shows that adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 62%) were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 70%).

Figure 10.10: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Compared with the England average (67%), the proportion of adults who were aware of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 was higher in the North West (70%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 9 percentage point difference in awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, from 62% in Outer London - West and North West to 71% in Essex. 

Figure 10.11 shows that adults in the Outer London - West and North West (62%) ITL2 area were less likely to be aware of the UEFA Champions League Final compared to the England average (67%).

Figure 10.11: Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

11. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Respondents were asked about their awareness of the ‘Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025’ major event.^{[footnote 30]}

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

37% of adults were aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Of those aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: 24%  of adults would be interested in participating in the event.

Demographics: Who was aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 11.1 shows that:

• Adults aged 60 to 84 (43-47%) were more likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (37%).
• Adults aged 16 to 24 (30-32%) and 30 to 44 (32-34%) were less likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (37%).

Figure 11.1: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 11.2 shows that, for awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, there were no significant differences observed between disabled adults and non-disabled adults.

Figure 11.2: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by disability, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 11.3 shows that, for awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, there were no significant differences observed between male adults and female adults. 

Figure 11.3: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 11.4 shows that, for awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 11.4: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 11.5 shows that bisexual adults (44%) were more likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 than heterosexual adults (38%) and adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (32%).

Figure 11.5: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 11.6 shows that:

• Christian adults (40%) and adults from the No religion classification (40%) were more likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (37%).
• Buddhist (27%), Hindu (20%), Muslim (15%) and Sikh (21%) adults were less likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (37%).

Figure 11.6: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 11.7 shows that:

• Adults from the White British (43%) ethnic group were more likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (37%).
• Adults from the Bangladeshi (11%), Chinese (18%), Indian (20%), Pakistani (16%), Any other Asian background (18%), Black African (20%), Mixed White and Asian (29%), Arab (17%), Any other ethnic group (21%) and Any other White background (23%) ethnic groups were less likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the average for adults in England (37%).

Figure 11.7: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 11.8 shows that the level of awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 was significantly different between adults from each socio-economic classification. Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (43%) were more likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. This was followed by adults from the intermediate occupations classification (39%) and adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (34%). Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (29%) were less likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Figure 11.8: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 11.9 shows that adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 28%) were less likely to be aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 42%).

Figure 11.9: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Compared with the England average (37%), the proportion of adults who were aware of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 was lower in the London (30%) and North West (33%) ITL1 areas and higher in the South East (41%) and South West (49%) ITL1 areas. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 25 percentage point difference in awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, from 27% in Outer London - West and North West to 52% in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Figure 11.10 shows that: 

• Adults in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (42%), Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (52%), Devon (50%), Dorset and Somerset (42%), Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area (51%), North Yorkshire (45%) and Surrey, East and West Sussex (44%) ITL2 areas were more likely to be aware of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the England average (37%).
• Adults in the Greater Manchester (32%), Inner London - East (29%), Lancashire (33%), Merseyside (29%), Outer London - East and North East (30%), Outer London - West and North West (27%) and West Midlands (31%) ITL2 areas were less likely to be aware of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 compared to the England average (37%).

Figure 11.10: Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

12. Use of the Internet

Respondents were asked whether they used the internet and how frequently they did this.

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25): 92% of adults used the internet in England, no significant change from 2023/24 (93%).

Time series 

Figure 12.1 shows that since 2021/22, the proportion of people who have used the internet has remained broadly stable. In 2024/25, 92% of adults used the internet, which is no significant change from 2021/22 (93%).

Figure 12.1: Use of the internet, England: 2021/22 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Frequency of internet use

Respondents who use the internet were asked about the frequency of their use. Half of adults in England accessed the internet almost all the time (50%), with 40% using it many times a day. One in ten adults used the internet less frequently than that, including only 2% of adults who accessed it less frequently than several times a week.

Internet speeds and cost^{[footnote 8]}

• The most common internet speed was “more than 24Mbps, but up to 100Mbps” (24%), with only 5% of adults having internet speeds of 1Gbps or more (gigabit speeds).
• The most common cost for internet access was between £21 to £30 per month (26%), with only 15% of adults paying more than £60 per month for their internet.
• Over half of adults would not be willing to pay any more to either double their internet speed (55%), or to have gigabit speeds (52%).

Demographics: Who used the internet?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 12.2 shows that:

• Adults aged 16 to 64 (95-98%) were more likely to use the internet compared to the average for adults in England (92%).
• Adults aged 70 or over (40-86%) were less likely to use the internet compared to the average for adults in England (92%).

Figure 12.2: Use of the internet, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 12.3 shows that non-disabled adults (95%) were more likely to use the internet than disabled adults (87%). 

Figure 12.3: Use of the internet, by disability, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex 

Figure 12.4 shows that male adults (93%) were more likely to use the internet than female adults (92%).

Figure 12.4: Use of the internet, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 12.5 shows that, for internet usage, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 12.5: Use of the internet, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 12.6 shows that:

• Bisexual adults (97%) and gay or lesbian adults (97%) were more likely to use the internet than heterosexual or straight adults (93%) and adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (88%).
• Adults from the “other sexual orientation” classification (88%) were less likely to use the internet compared to all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (93-97%).

Figure 12.6: Use of the internet, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 12.7 shows that:

• Adults from the No religion classification (96%) were more likely to use the internet compared to the average for adults in England (92%).
• Christian (89%), Jewish (87%) and Sikh (85%) adults were less likely to use the internet compared to the average for adults in England (92%).

Figure 12.7: Use of the internet, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 12.8 shows that adults from the Chinese (96%), Any other Asian background (99%), Black African (96%) and Any other White background (97%) ethnic groups were more likely to use the internet compared to the average for adults in England (92%).

Figure 12.8: Use of the internet, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 12.9 shows that the level of internet usage was significantly different between adults from each socio-economic classification. Adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (97%) were more likely to use the internet. This was followed by adults from the intermediate occupations classification (94%) and adults from the routine and manual occupations classification (90%). Adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed classification (75%) were less likely to use the internet.

Figure 12.9: Use of the internet, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 12.10 shows that adults from the most deprived areas (1st decile, 87%) were less likely to use the internet compared to adults from the least deprived areas (10th decile, 95%).

Figure 12.10: Use of the internet, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Compared with the England average (92%), the proportion of adults who used the internet was lower in the North East (90%) and West Midlands (90%) ITL1 areas and higher in the London (94%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 5 percentage point difference in internet usage, from 89% in the West Midlands to 95% in Outer London - East and North East. 

Figure 12.11 shows that adults in the Merseyside (89%), Tees Valley and Durham (89%) and West Midlands (89%) ITL2 areas were less likely to use the internet compared to the England average (92%).

Figure 12.11: Use of the internet, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

13. Ownership of Smart Devices

Respondents were asked about their ownership of smart devices.

Headline findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25), only:

0.3% of adults didn’t own either a smartphone, laptop, desktop PC, tablet, games console, smart printer or smart TV.

1% of adults didn’t own either a Wi-Fi router or internet hub, smartwatch, voice-activated smart speaker device, smart home security, smart energy device, smart kitchen appliance, smart toy or baby monitor or some other smart device for the home.

Figure 13.1 compares the proportions of adults who owned smart devices.^{[footnote 31]} Between 2023/24 and 2024/25 there were small but significant changes in ownership of devices from both lists (0.2% increase for list 1 and 0.3% decrease for list 2).

Figure 13.1: Ownership of any type of smart devices, England: 2023/24 - 2024/25 (Base: All adults in 2024/25, Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents in 2023/24 )^{[footnote 32]}

Figure 13.2 ranks the prevalence of the types of smart devices owned: 

• 96% of adults personally owned and used a smartphone at home. This was followed by a smart TV (76%) and a laptop computer (68%). 
• 97% of adults personally owned and used a Wi-Fi router or internet hub at home. This was followed by a smart energy device (55%) and a voice-activated smart speaker device (53%).

Figure 13.2: Smart devices personally owned, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

The most common number of smart devices owned by a household was between 1 and 3 (47%), with the second most common range being between 4 and 6 (30%).

14. 5G (Fifth Generation)

5G (Fifth Generation) is the next step in mobile technology that enables faster mobile data speeds. The questionnaire asked a series of questions about the respondents’ awareness of and likelihood to use 5G in the near future.^{[footnote 33]}

Headline Findings

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

41% of adults reported that they have heard of and already used 5G, a 13 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (28%).

78%

of adults reported that they understood what 5G is, no significant change from 2023/24 (79%). ^{[footnote 34]}

5G awareness 

Figure 14.1 shows that, of the adults asked “how much do you know about 5G mobile technology”: 

• 6% had not heard of 5G, a 1 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (5%).
• 41% had heard of 5G and already used it, a 13 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (28%).
• 17% had heard of 5G but were not sure what it is, no significant change from 2023/24 (17%).
• 17% understood 5G but were not interested in getting it in the near future, no significant change from 2023/24 (18%).
• 20% understood 5G and were interested in getting it in the near future, a 13 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (33%).

Figure 14.1: 5G awareness, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Attitudes towards getting 5G

The 17% of adults who understood 5G but were not interested in getting it in the near future were shown the statements in Figure 14.2 and asked to pick all that applied: 

• 44% of adults were happy with their current mobile internet speeds so would not be willing to pay more for 5G. 
• Half of adults would get 5G if it were free (51%). 
• Of the 8% of adults who would pay more for 5G if they really thought they would benefit:
  • 30% would not be willing to pay any more than their current mobile data plan.
  • 24% would be willing to pay between £2 to £5 more than their current mobile data plan.
  • 15% would be willing to pay up to £2 more than their current mobile data plan.

Figure 14.2: Attitudes towards getting 5G, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults who understood 5G but were not interested in getting it in the near future)

Demographics: Who understands 5G?^{[footnote 9][footnote 34]}

Age

Figure 14.3 shows that:

• Adults aged 20 to 34 (85-88%) were more likely to understand what 5G is compared to the average for adults in England (78%).
• Adults aged 65 or over (54-72%) were less likely to understand what 5G is compared to the average for adults in England (78%).

Figure 14.3: Understanding of 5G, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Disability Status 

Figure 14.4 shows that non-disabled adults (80%) were more likely to understand what 5G is than disabled adults (75%).

Figure 14.4: Understanding of 5G, by disability status, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Sex 

Figure 14.5 shows that male adults (84%) were more likely to understand what 5G is than female adults (72%).

Figure 14.5: Understanding of 5G, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Gender identity

Figure 14.6 shows that, for understanding of 5G, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 14.6: Understanding of 5G, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Sexual orientation

Figure 14.7 shows that bisexual adults (85%) were more likely to understand what 5G is than heterosexual or straight adults (78%).

Figure 14.7: Understanding of 5G, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Religion 

Figure 14.8 shows that:

• Adults from the No religion classification (83%) were more likely to understand what 5G is compared to the average for adults in England (78%).
• Christian adults (74%) and Muslim adults (70%) were less likely to understand what 5G is compared to the average for adults in England (78%).

Figure 14.8: Understanding of 5G, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Ethnicity 

Figure 14.9 shows that, for understanding of 5G, there were no significant differences observed between ethnic groups and the national average.

Figure 14.9: Understanding of 5G, by ethnicity^{[footnote 35] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 14.10 shows that adults from the never worked and long-term unemployed (67%) and intermediate occupations (73%) classification were less likely to understand what 5G is compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (79-82%).

Figure 14.10: Understanding of 5G, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 14.11 shows that, for understanding of 5G, there were no significant differences observed between adults from the least deprived areas and adults from the most deprived areas.

Figure 14.11: Understanding of 5G, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Geographical findings

For understanding of 5G, there were no significant differences observed between ITL1 or ITL2 areas and the national average.

15. Digital Skills or Online Skills Training 

Respondents were asked whether they had taken part in any digital or online skills training in the previous 12 months.^{[footnote 36]}

Headline Findings

As shown in Figure 15.1, during April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25):

27%

of adults who use the internet in England had taken part in digital or online skills training in the previous 12 months, a 9 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (36%).^{[footnote 37] [footnote 26]}

Figure 15.1: Engagement with digital or online skills training, England: 2023/24 – 2024/25 (Base: All adults in 2024/25, Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents in 2023/24)

Interest in doing digital or online skills training 

Figure 15.2 shows that 36% of adults would be interested in doing training in digital skills, whereas the majority would not (64%).

Figure 15.2: Interest in doing any training in digital or online skills, England, 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Attitudes towards doing digital or online skills training

Figure 15.3 shows that 54% of adults thought it was important to continue digital or online skills training in their current career or job, and a similar proportion (56%) believed it was important in helping them further their future career or job prospects.

Figure 15.3: Attitudes towards doing training in digital or online skills to help with current career or job, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)^{[footnote 8]}

Figure 15.4 shows that 68% of adults thought that it was important for them to continue digital or online skills training to help with their day-to-day activities.

Figure 15.4: Attitudes towards doing training in digital or online skills to help with day-to-day activities, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Demographics: Who has undertaken training in digital or online skills?^{[footnote 9]}

Age

Figure 15.5 shows that:

• Adults aged 16 to 54 (30-35%) were more likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to the average for adults in England (27%).
• Adults aged 65 or over (4-16%) were less likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to the average for adults in England (27%).

Figure 15.5: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by age, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Disability status 

Figure 15.6 shows that non-disabled adults (29%) were more likely to do training in digital or online skills than disabled adults (22%). 

Figure 15.6: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by disability, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sex

Figure 15.7 shows that male adults (29%) were more likely to do training in digital or online skills than female adults (24%).

Figure 15.7: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by sex^{[footnote 10]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Gender identity

Figure 15.8 shows that, for engagement with training in digital or online skills, there were no significant differences observed between adults whose gender identity was the same as their sex registered at birth and adults whose gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Figure 15.8: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by gender identity^{[footnote 11]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Sexual orientation

Figure 15.9 shows that heterosexual or straight adults (26%) were less likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to adults from all other sexual orientation classifications presented here (35-39%).

Figure 15.9: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by sexual orientation^{[footnote 12]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Religion 

Figure 15.10 shows that:

• Buddhist (40%), Hindu (36%), Jewish (37%) and Muslim (32%) adults were more likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to the average for adults in England (27%).
• Christian adults (24%) were less likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to the average for adults in England (27%).

Figure 15.10: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by religion, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Ethnicity 

Figure 15.11 shows that:

• Adults from the Chinese (45%), Indian (35%), Any other Asian background (37%), Black African (48%), Black Caribbean (35%), Mixed White and Asian (38%), Mixed White and Black African (46%), Arab (41%), Any other ethnic group (38%) and Any other White background (34%) ethnic groups were more likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to the average for adults in England (27%).
• Adults from the White British (24%) ethnic group were less likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to the average for adults in England (27%).

Figure 15.11: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by ethnicity^{[footnote 13] [footnote 14]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Socio-economic classification 

Figure 15.12 shows that adults from the higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations classification (33%) were more likely to do training in digital or online skills compared to adults from all other socio-economic classifications presented here (18-22%).

Figure 15.12: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by socio-economic classification^{[footnote 15]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Index of multiple deprivation 

Figure 15.13 shows that, for engagement with training in digital or online skills, there were no significant differences observed between adults from the least deprived areas and adults from the most deprived areas.

Figure 15.13: Engagement with training in digital or online skills, by Index of Multiple Deprivation^{[footnote 16]}, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

Geographical findings

Compared with the England average (27%), the proportion of adults who did digital or online skills training was lower in the North East (22%) ITL1 area and higher in the London (32%) ITL1 area. 

By ITL2 area, there was a 14 percentage point difference in engagement with digital or online skills training, from 19% in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to 33% in Outer London - East and North East. 

Figure 15.14 shows that: 

• Adults in the Inner London - East (31%), Inner London - West (33%), Outer London - East and North East (33%), Outer London - South (31%) and Outer London - West and North West (32%) ITL2 areas were more likely to do digital or online skills training compared to the England average (27%).
• Adults in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (19%), Cumbria (21%), East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire (22%), Lancashire (22%), Lincolnshire (22%), Northumberland and Tyne and Wear (23%) and Tees Valley and Durham (21%) ITL2 areas were less likely to do digital or online skills training compared to the England average (27%).

Figure 15.14: Engagement with digital or online skills training, by ITL1 and ITL2 area, England: 2024/25 (Base: All adults)

16. Security Online 

Respondents were asked questions on the measures they took to stay safe and secure online and while using digital technology. They were also asked to consider statements relating to their understanding of the security of personal data.^{[footnote 38]}

Headline findings 

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25), adults in England generally took measures to stay safe and secure online.

Measures taken to stay safe and secure online

Of the list of measures presented in the survey related to staying safe and secure online, Figure 16.1 shows that: 

• The action most adults took was to use two step verification (78%), closely followed by being cautious of suspicious links (72%) and using strong passwords for accounts (70%). 
• Only 4% of adults reported that they did none of the measures on the list given.

Figure 16.1: Measures taken to stay safe and secure online, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Measures taken to stay safe and secure while using technology

Of the list of measures presented in the survey related to staying safe and secure while using technology (which may or may not have internet access), Figure 16.2 shows that:  

• The action most adults took was to create strong passwords that are not easy to guess (67%). 
• Over half of adults created different passwords for different devices or accounts (59%), allowed computer systems and security software to be updated when prompted (53%), and backed up their information or content frequently (53%). 
• Only 9% of adults reported that they did none of the measures on the list given.

Figure 16.2: Measures taken to stay safe and secure while using technology, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Actions taken to protect data and online security 

Of the list of actions presented in the survey related to protecting data and online security, Figure 16.3 shows that: 

• 63% of adults made secure payments online using a credit card or payment platform.
• 48% of adults checked website or seller reviews before making a payment online. 
• 8% of adults protected their emails with three random words.^{[footnote 39]}
• However, 17% of adults did none of the actions on the list given.

Figure 16.3: Actions taken to protect data and online security in the last 12 months, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

17. Methods of Identification  

Respondents were asked questions about the methods they had used to verify their identity online, for example when applying for a passport. They were also asked about their preference between verifying their identity digitally or with hard copy documents for different activities, for example when opening a bank account.^{[footnote 33]}

Headline findings

Figure 17.1 shows that, in 2024/25:

44% of adults had provided personal information (such as a passport number) to verify their identity online, a 5 percentage point increase from 2023/24 (38%).

38% of adults had not verified their identity online in the last 12 months, a 5 percentage point decrease from 2023/24 (44%).

Figure 17.1: Methods used to verify identity online, England: 2023/24 – 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Figure 17.2 shows that in general, adults preferred to use digital tools for identification rather than using/hard physical copies for things, such as: 

• Opening a bank account (49% digital versus 31% physical),
• Travelling (46% digital versus 33% physical),
• Starting a new job (41% digital versus 27% physical),
• Accessing benefits (42% digital versus 24% physical).

However, for buying age restricted products like alcohol the opposite was true (30% digital versus 37% physical).

Figure 17.2: Preference of methods to verify identity, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

A digital identity is an electronic representation of a person and information about them, such as their name, address, date of birth and qualifications. It enables them to prove who they are during interactions and transactions online or in person. These checks can be done digitally, by identity service providers. 

Figure 17.3 shows that over four fifths of adults thought these factors were important when choosing a company or agency to process their digital identity: 

• The level of support offered to complete the identity check (86%), 
• Whether it was endorsed by the government (84%), 
• Whether they had heard of the company or agency (83%), 
• The length of time it would take for the identity check to be completed (84%).

For each of these factors, more adults answered “Don’t know” (9-11%) than “not very important” and “not at all important” combined (5-7%).

Figure 17.3: Importance of factors when choosing a company or agency for processing one’s digital identity, England, 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

18. Use of Data 

Respondents were asked for their views on how data is used by different parts of society, and for their understanding and actions around cookies.^{[footnote 38]} Data here is used to refer to information about people, systems and objects.

Headline findings 

During April 2024 to March 2025 (2024/25), adults in England were generally more comfortable with the public sector, government and businesses using data to make better decisions and deliver services, than the public sector, government and businesses using data to uncover patterns and trends, as shown in Figure 18.1.

Figure 18.1 also shows that: 

• Adults in England were more comfortable with the public sector (69%) and government (64%) using data to uncover patterns and trends than businesses (45%) using data in this way. 
• Generally, adults in England reported similar levels of comfort when they thought about how the public sector (74%), government (72%) and businesses (70%) used the data they collected to make better decisions and deliver services.

Figure 18.1: How comfortable adults felt with the public sector, government or businesses using data, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

Cookies are small pieces of information that websites leave on your device, usually to help the website remember information about you. A cookie pop-up is a notification that is displayed on websites to ask visitors for consent for the use of cookies. 

Figure 18.2 shows that: 

• Half of adults (50%) accept all cookies on websites when a cookie pop-up is displayed. 
• Over a quarter of adults (28%) reject all cookies.
• Just under a fifth of adults (19%) customise their cookie choices.

Related to this, 33% of adults agreed that website cookie pop-ups help them control access to their personal data, whereas 35% neither agreed or disagreed, and 24% disagreed.

Figure 18.2: What adults do when a cookie pop-up is displayed on most websites, England: 2024/25 (Base: Adults in subsample of approximately a third of online respondents)

When it came to sharing data, 

• A majority of adults (46% agree and 26% strongly agree) would share their medical history or allergies with the NHS if it helped develop new medicines or treatments. Lesser proportions would agree to share the same with businesses (39% agree and 17% strongly agree).
• Two-fifths of adults (40%) would share data about their spending habits if it would allow them to gain access to services that could save them money, while 28% of adults would not share.

Annex 1

1. The Participation survey is commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). In February 2023, there was a Machinery of Government (MoG) change and responsibility for digital policy now sits within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The 2024/25 survey year is the final year in which DCMS will run the digital policy sections of the Participation Survey on behalf of DSIT. DSIT is establishing a new survey to collect data on public engagement with its policy areas, including the digital sector, for 2025/26 onwards. The first statistics from this data collection are expected to be published in Summer 2026.
2. The fieldwork for the Participation survey has been conducted by Verian (formerly Kantar Public) since October 2021.
3. This release is based on self-completed questionnaires conducted either online or using paper questionnaires. The survey was completed between April 2024 to March 2025. The total sample size for this survey year was 34,378. Sample sizes for each breakdown can be found in the accompanying tables.
4. All households sampled were invited to complete the survey online with the option to request a paper questionnaire instead. A targeted sample was also sent two paper questionnaires in their second reminder letter to encourage responses from those at risk of digital exclusion. In April 2024 to March 2025, 29,912 people (87%) completed the survey online and 4,466 (13%) completed the paper version of the questionnaire. Due to space limitations in the paper questionnaire, not all questions from the online survey are included in the paper version. Where this is the case, this has been referenced in the corresponding chapter of the report and accompanying tables. Please take this into consideration when interpreting the results.
5. The Participation Survey represents a set of Official Statistics and as such has been produced to the professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Statistics. Official Statistics undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure they meet customer needs and are produced free from any political interference. Please see the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for more information.
6. Stringent quality assurance procedures have been adopted for this statistical release. All data and analysis had been checked and verified by at least two different members of the DCMS and Verian teams to ensure the highest level of quality.
7. Guidance on the quality that is expected of Participation Survey statistical releases is provided in a quality indicators document. These quality indicators outline how statistics from the Participation survey match up to the six dimensions of quality defined by the European Statistical System (ESS). These are: relevance, accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, comparability, and coherence.
8. The Participation Survey measures participation by adults (aged 16 and over) living in private households in England. No geographical restriction is placed on where the activity or event occurred.
9. Unless stated, participation in activities must be for the purpose of recreation or leisure, including voluntary work. It excludes involvement in activities where the prime motivation is paid work or academic studies.
10. Changes over time and differences between groups are only reported on where they are statistically significant at the 95% level. Statistically significant differences have been determined in this report on the basis of non-overlapping confidence intervals. This means that we can be confident that the differences seen in our sampled respondents are reflective of the population. Specifically, the statistical tests used mean we can be confident that if we carried out the same survey on different random samples of the population, 95 times out of 100 we would get similar findings. When sample sizes are smaller, we can be less confident in our estimates, so differences need to be greater to be considered statistically significant.
11. The upper and lower bounds presented in this report have been calculated using a 95% confidence interval. This means that had the sample been conducted 100 times, creating 100 confidence intervals, then 95 of these intervals would contain the true value. When the sample size is smaller, as is the case for certain groups and in certain years, the confidence intervals are wider as we can be less certain that the individuals in the sample are representative of the population. This means that it is more difficult to draw inferences from the results.
12. The data is weighted to ensure representativeness of the Participation Survey sample. Weighting is based on the Labour Force Survey data from the Office for National Statistics (January-March 2024 for quarter one, April-June 2024 for quarter two, July-September 2024 for quarter three, and October-December 2024 for quarter four).There are two types of weighting: (i) to compensate for unequal probabilities of selection, (ii) to adjust for non-response. Detailed information on the weighting procedure can be found in the Technical Note.
13. The GSS has a policy of monitoring and reducing statistical survey burden to participants where possible, and the burden imposed should be proportionate to the benefits arising from the use of the statistics. As a producer of statistics, DCMS is transparent in its approach to monitoring and reducing the burden on those providing their information, and on those involved in collecting, recording and supplying data. The compliance cost of a survey is calculated by [Number of responses to the survey multiplied by the median time spent completing the survey (in minutes)]. The Participation Survey had 34,378 respondents in April 2024 to March 2025, and the median survey completion time was 27 minutes 23 seconds, therefore the compliance cost for the survey this year was 15,689 hours, 44 minutes and 24 seconds.
14. The Participation Survey is only asked of adults in England. Currently there is no harmonised survey or set of questions within the administrations of the UK. Data on participation in cultural sectors for the devolved administrations is available in the Scottish Household Survey, National Survey for Wales and Northern Ireland Continuous Household Survey.
15. For more information about the Participation survey and to access other guidance documents and the questionnaire, see the Participation Survey web pages.
16. The responsible statisticians for this release are Alice Louth and Oli Maxwell. For enquiries on this release, please contact ParticipationSurvey@dcms.gov.uk.

Annex 2

Term	Definition
Archives	A list of activities that are classified as engagement with archives or record offices is given in Annex 3.
Arts	A list of activities that are classified as engagement with the arts is given in Annex 3.
Bradford City of Culture 2025	UK City of Culture is a competition run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) every four years. The City of Culture for 2025 is Bradford.
Confidence interval	A confidence interval provides a range in which there is a specific probability that the true value for the population will fall. For the Participation Survey 95% confidence intervals are used which means, had the sampling been conducted 100 times, creating 100 confidence intervals, then 95 of these intervals would contain the true value for adults in England.
Data	Information about people, things and systems. Information about people could include things like their names and addresses or it could be about the population, like the proportion of adults who own a property. Information about systems includes how companies perform, like hospital waiting times or company sales figures. Information about things might include the stock of food at a supermarket or the number of ventilators at a hospital.
DCMS and DSIT Sectors	The DCMS sectors referred to in this report are; arts, heritage, museums or galleries, libraries, archives, tourism, major events and live sport. The DSIT sectors referred to in this report are; digital and internet, 5G, digital or online skills training, data security, methods of identification, data security, use of data and data sharing. Prior to February 2023, all of these sectors were classified as DCMS sectors, but following Machinery of Government changes, the digital sectors are the responsibility of DSIT.
Digital engagement	Digital engagement in each sector is defined as visiting a website or using an app related to that sector.
Digital or online skills training	The Participation Survey asks whether respondents had taken part in any digital or online skills training. This might include training in how to carry out basic functions such as using digital or online applications to communicate and carry out basic internet searches and to stay safe online.
Disability	The harmonised question for disability status: 1. Respondents that said ‘yes’ to the question “Do you have any physical or mental health conditions or illnesses lasting or expected to last 12 months or more?” and 2. Respondents that said ‘Yes a little’ or ‘Yes, a lot’ to the question “Does your condition or illness/do any of your conditions or illnesses reduce your ability to carry-out day-to-day activities?”
Domestic Tourism	Holidays (that is, staying at least one night away from your home) in England was counted as domestic tourism within the Participation Survey.
Engagement	This refers to either attending and/or participating in one of DCMS’ sectors, either in person or online, for example, going to the theatre (attendance) or playing a musical instrument (participation).
Ethnic groups	The Participation Survey respondents were asked to self-identify in terms of ethnicity. The options follow the harmonised question for ethnicity.
Gambling	The Participation Survey captures information on respondents placing bets during live sporting events.
Gender identity	The Participation Survey respondents were asked the question “Is the Sex you identify with the same as your Sex registered at birth?”. The response options were ‘Yes’, ‘No (type in Gender identity)’ and ‘Prefer not to Say’. This follows the harmonised question for gender identity. Patterns were identified in Census 2021 data that suggest that some respondents may not have interpreted the gender identity question as intended, notably those with lower levels of English language proficiency. Analysis of Scotland’s census, where the gender identity question was different, has added weight to this observation. Similar respondent error may have occurred during the data collection for these statistics so comparisons between subnational and other smaller group breakdowns should be considered with caution. More information can be found in the ONS sexual orientation and gender identity quality information report, and in the National Statistical blog about the strengths and limitations of gender identity statistics.
Heritage	A list of activities that are classified as engagement with heritage is given in Annex 3.
Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)	IMD is a geographical measure which classifies the relative deprivation of an area. It combines 7 indices to produce one overall measure for the area (rather than the individual). It takes into account income, employment, education, skills and training, health and disability, crime, barriers to housing and services, and living environment.
International Territorial Levels (ITLs)	ITLs are a UK geographical classification of administrative areas, used by OECD member countries for statistical purposes. In England, the Participation Survey covers: 1. ITL 1 (Regions): there are 9 ITL1 areas, for example, North West England, or London. 2. ITL 2 (Counties, combined authorities and groups of counties): there are 33 ITL2 areas, for example, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, or Outer London – East and North East.
Libraries	A list of activities that are classified as public library use is given in Annex 3.
Live sports	Watching sport as it is being played in real time.
Museums or galleries	A list of activities that are classified as engagement with museums or galleries is given in Annex 3.
Physical engagement	Engaging with DCMS sectors in-person, that is, not using digital means.
Religion	The Participation Survey respondents were asked to self-identify themselves in terms of religious beliefs. The options follow the harmonised question for religion, and are based on affiliation (rather than belief or practice).
Router/internet hub	A router is a device that communicates between the internet and the devices in your home that connect to the internet.
Sex	The Participation Survey respondents were asked the question “What is your Sex?”. The response options were ‘Male’, ‘Female’ and ‘Prefer not to Say’. This closely follows the ONS Census 2021 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland question for sex designed to capture sex at birth, but has slightly been amended to include a ‘prefer not to say’ option as we do for all questions in the Participation Survey. This question is followed by a gender identity question.
Sexual orientation	The Participation Survey respondents were asked “Which of the following options best describes how you think of yourself?”. The options were Heterosexual or Straight, Gay or Lesbian, Bisexual, Other, or prefer not to say, following the harmonised question for sexual orientation designed to capture ‘self-perceived sexual identity’.
Significant increase/decrease	A significant increase/decrease at the 95% level means that if we carried out the same survey on different random samples of the population, 95 times out of 100 we would observe the increase/decrease.
Smart device	Smart products are devices or appliances controlled via an internet connection.
Socio-economic group (NS-SEC)	NS-SEC is a form of socio-economic classification based on the employment status and occupation of the respondent. The individual is placed within one of the three socio-economic groups: 1. Higher managerial, administrative and professional occupations 2. Intermediate occupations 3. Routine and manual occupations. There is a fourth category “never worked and long-term unemployed”, which also encompasses adult students.
UEFA Champions League Final 2024	The UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League Final 2024 took place in June 2024.
Wellbeing	Estimates of life satisfaction, feeling that the things done in life are worthwhile, happiness and anxiety.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025	The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will take place from August to September 2025.
5G	5G stands for fifth generation. It is the next step in mobile technology. It offers faster mobile internet speeds.

Annex 3

Arts

The respondent was asked whether they had participated in a given list of arts activities, or attended a given list of arts events (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities). Eligible activities and events were as follows: 

Physical participation:

• Written stories, plays, or poetry
• Read books, graphic novels or magazines
• Written, practiced or performed music
• Painting, drawing, printmaking, calligraphy, colouring
• Crafts (textile, ceramic, sculpting, carving, woodwork)
• Choreographed or performed a drama or dance routine
• Designed or programmed video games including on a smartphone or tablet
• Made films or videos as a hobby including original animations
• Photography as a hobby
• Read news in a printed newspaper
• Other arts, crafts, or creative activities at home

Physical attendance: 

• An exhibition of art, photography or sculptures
• A theatre play, drama, musical, Pantomime, Ballet or Opera
• An event connected with literature, books, reading, poetry reading or writing
• A cinema screening of a film or movie
• A craft exhibition (not a crafts market; crafts include for example textiles, woodworking or ceramics)
• A live music event (for example, pop, jazz, electronic, choral, orchestra or folk)
• An arts festival and or carnival (for example, a food, craft or other cultural event)
• A street art event 
• A live dance event (for example, contemporary, world, street or ballroom)
• A fashion show
• A comedy event
• An in-person esports contest or video game competition event 
• Some other cultural event in England

Digital engagement: 

• A live arts event including theatre, visual arts or literature
• A pre-recorded arts event including theatre, visual arts or literature
• A live music or dance event, watched as it was happening
• A pre-recorded music or dance event

Libraries

Physical engagement: 

Respondents were asked in which of these ways have you used public library services (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities): 

• Visited a public library building or mobile library in-person in my leisure time 
• Visited by a home library service 
• Used another library outreach service (for example, attended a community event where the library staff or volunteers were present) 

Digital engagement:

Respondents were asked whether they had done any of the following things when accessing library services online (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities):  

• Reserved or renewed books or paid a fine
• Searched online catalogues or dictionaries or made an enquiry
• Borrowed digital or online resources such as e-books, e-audio or e-magazines but without visiting the library
• Viewed or participated in an online event or activity organised by the library
• Checked information online about the library such as opening hours, available facilities or services offered
• Accessed online services via library membership such as journals or family history sites
• Accessed information about the library via social media 
• Been supported by library staff over the phone 
• Accessed some other library service online

Archives

We define archives or record offices as collections of documents that have been created by families, individuals, businesses or organisations, and have been specially chosen to keep permanently. Archive records can include letters, diaries, maps, photographs, film, sound recordings and more. 

Physical engagement: 

Respondents were asked in which of these ways have you used archives or records offices (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities): 

• Research family history 
• Research local history 
• Other types of research 
• To look at original historic documents 
• To look at a display/exhibition 
• To listen to sound recordings or watch videos 
• To attend an event or talk 
• Some other reason 

Digital engagement:

Respondents were asked in which of these ways have you used archives or records offices online (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities): 

• Research family history 
• Research local history 
• Other types of research 
• To look at historic documents
• To listen to sound recordings or watch videos  
• To attend an event or talk 
• It was recommended by my GP, link worker or other health worker 
• Some other reason

Heritage

Physical engagement: 

Respondents were asked whether they had visited any of the following historic places in person (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities). 

By historic we mean a place of exceptional cultural or heritage value: 

• A city or town that you visited specifically for its historic nature
• A historic, non-religious building open to the public 
• A historic place of worship attended as a visitor (not to worship)
• A park or garden open to the public with historic or artistic features
• A place connected with industrial history (such as an old factory, mine or railway)
• An ancient monument or archaeological site (such as a castle, fort, burial site)
• A site connected with sports visited for its heritage
• A site connected with maritime or underwater heritage (such as shipwrecks)
• A historic landscape or habitat (such as coastline, countryside)
• Some other heritage site or historic place

Digital engagement: 

Respondents were asked which of these virtual or online activities they had done (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities): 

• Taken a virtual walking tour of a historic town or city, heritage site, castle or monument in England (Not including drone flights)
• Researched your local history online
• Viewed documents from an archive in England online
• Engaged with text, image, audio, video, or animation, games, or podcast content from heritage sites in England
• Some other reason

Museums or Galleries

Physical engagement:

Respondents were asked if they had visited a museum or gallery in person in England in the last 12 months. 

Digital engagement:

Respondents were asked which of these virtual or online activities they had done (not including paid work, school or college or structured academic activities): 

• Taken a virtual tour of a museum or gallery in England
• Researched items from a museum or gallery collection in England online
• Engaged with text, image, audio, video, or animation, games, or podcast content from museums in England

Annex 4

The questionnaire has been produced as a result of a series of engagements with key stakeholders regarding the social survey needs of DCMS sectors. We have worked closely with Verian to devise a clear and effective questionnaire to acquire data for DCMS policy teams. 

There is some overlap with questions observed in the Taking Part Survey, however we advise not to compare findings from these two different surveys. For more information on the distinction between the Taking Part Survey and the Participation Survey please look in the methodology documents on the website.

1. The 95% confidence intervals are indicated by error bars on the charts. They show the range that we are 95% confident that the true value for the population falls between. When there is no overlap between the error bars for two or more groups, we can be more confident that the differences between the groups represent true differences between these groups in the population. ↩

2. The caveat with this approach is that comparing with the national average includes comparing the specific demographic group against itself. This is particularly an issue when the demographic makes up a large proportion of all respondents. ↩

3. In February 2023, there was a Machinery of Government change and responsibility for digital policy now sits within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This did not affect the content of the Participation Survey for 2023/24 and 2024/25; digital questions were still part of the survey. DSIT is establishing a new survey to collect data on public engagement with its policy areas, including the digital sector, for 2025/26 onwards. The first statistics from this data collection are expected to be published in Summer 2026. ↩

4. Where possible, demographic breakdowns are provided for age, disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic classification, IMD and ITL1/ITL2 areas. We have reported findings based on a single demographic rather than the intersection of multiple demographics. It is therefore possible that similar trends are seen in multiple demographics. For instance, people in ethnic minority groups tend to be younger on average than white people and are more likely to live in urban areas, although we have not tested this hypothesis within the Participation Survey data. ↩

5. Fieldwork in 2023/24 was delayed to May, rather than April, to enable additional time for cognitive and pilot testing. However, the sample expected over a typical 3 month quarter was carried out over a 2 month quarter, meaning no loss of sample or data. ↩

6. The change between years is often not linear as shown in the chart, and in fact when looking at trends by quarter, there are fluctuations for overall, physical and digital engagement with the arts. Quarterly data are published on the Participation Survey Statistical Releases web page. ↩

7. The most frequent level at which adults engaged with a sector. As in, if a respondent engaged in three types of activities or events “Less often than once a month but at least 3 or 4 times a year”, and in a fourth activity or event “Less often than once a week but at least once a month”, then that person’s frequency of engagement is counted as “Less often than once a week but at least once a month”. ↩ ↩²

8. This question was not included in the paper questionnaire and was asked of respondents online, so the results are only representative of the online population. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵

9. Demographic questions in the survey are voluntary and self-reported by the respondent. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

10. This data is based on the respondent’s sex. The Participation Survey respondents were asked the question “What is your sex?”. The response options were ‘Male’, ‘Female’ and ‘Prefer not to Say’. This closely follows the ONS Census 2021 question for sex designed to capture sex at birth, but has been slightly amended to include a ‘Prefer not to Say’ option as we do for all demographic questions in the Participation Survey. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

11. This data is based on the respondent’s gender identity. Respondents were asked ‘Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth’, with the possible responses being ‘Yes’, ‘No, type in gender identity’ or ‘Prefer not to say’. 

    Patterns were identified in Census 2021 data that suggest that some respondents may not have interpreted the gender identity question as intended, notably those with lower levels of English language proficiency. Analysis of Scotland’s census, where the gender identity question was different, has added weight to this observation. Similar respondent error may have occurred during the data collection for these statistics so comparisons between subnational and other smaller group breakdowns should be considered with caution. More information can be found in the ONS sexual orientation and gender identity quality information report, and in the National Statistical blog about the strengths and limitations of gender identity statistics. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

12. Sexual orientation is an umbrella term covering sexual identity, attraction, and behaviour. For an individual respondent, these may not be the same. For example, someone in an opposite-sex relationship may also experience same-sex attraction, and vice versa. This means the statistics should be interpreted purely as showing how people responded to the question, rather than being about whom they are attracted to or their actual relationships. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

13. The “Any other Black or African or Caribbean background” and “White Gypsy or Irish Traveller” ethnic groups are not shown due to the data being suppressed, as fewer than 30 respondents selected this option. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹²

14. The White British ethnic group includes adults from an English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British ethnic group. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

15. This is a form of socio-economic classification based on the employment status and occupation of the respondent. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

16. The Index of Multiple Deprivation is a geographical measure which classifies the relative deprivation of an area. It combines seven indices to produce one overall measure for the area (rather than the individual). It takes into account income, employment, education, skills and training, health and disability, crime, barriers to housing and services, and living environment. For this commentary, the most and least deprived deciles have been compared. There may be some other significant differences between deciles in between which have not been commented on here. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

17. The change between years is often not linear as shown in the chart, and in fact when looking at trends by quarter, there are fluctuations for overall, physical and digital engagement with libraries. Quarterly data are published on the Participation Survey Statistical Releases web page. ↩

18. Engagement with archives or record offices has been collected for the first time in the 2024/25 survey year. This means that comparisons to previous survey years are not available. ↩

19. When making comparisons please be aware that the total heritage engagement (physical or digital) figure in the 2023/24 survey year was calculated using the quarter 3 and 4 data only. This was due to an error in the survey set-up, where the physical heritage questions were asked to one subset of respondents, whilst the digital heritage questions were asked to a different subset of respondents in the prior quarters. This error was rectified for quarter 3 in 2023/24 and subsequent quarters. ↩ ↩²

20. The change between years is often not linear as shown in the chart, and in fact when looking at trends by quarter, there are fluctuations for overall, physical and digital engagement with the heritage sector. Quarterly data are published on the Participation Survey Statistical Releases web page. ↩

21. The change between years is often not linear as shown in the chart, and in fact when looking at trends by quarter, there are fluctuations for overall, physical and digital engagement with museums or galleries. Quarterly data are published on the Participation Survey Statistical Releases web page. ↩

22. This question changed in the 2024/25 survey year to ask respondents about their engagement in the previous 12 months, rather than in the previous 6 months (as was the case in the 2023/24 survey year). These changes mean that comparisons with the previous years are not always available. ↩

23. In both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 survey years, this question was not in the paper questionnaire and was asked of respondents online, so the results are only representative of the online population. ↩

24. Any sport except men’s football, women’s football, rugby, tennis, cricket, athletics, golf, snooker, swimming, gymnastics, and horse racing. ↩

25. Placing a bet on a live sporting event excludes horse racing in the questionnaire. ↩

26. This question was asked to all respondents, in both the paper and online questionnaire, in the 2024/25 survey year. However, in the 2023/24 survey year, this question was not in the paper questionnaire and was asked of respondents online, so the results are only representative of the online population. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

27. The change between years is often not linear as shown in the chart, and in fact when looking at trends by quarter, there are fluctuations for engagement with the tourism sector. Quarterly data are published on the Participation Survey Statistical Releases web page. ↩

28. Awareness of the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 has been collected for the first time in the 2024/25 survey year. This means that comparisons to previous survey years are not available. ↩

29. Respondents were asked which major events they had participated in. This was only asked to respondents reporting that they had heard of the event when asked either during or after the event had taken place. ↩

30. Awareness of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has been collected for the first time in the 2024/25 survey year. This means that comparisons to previous survey years are not available. ↩

31. These options were presented in 2 separate lists in the survey. ↩

32. These questions were asked to all respondents, in both the paper and online questionnaire, in the 2024/25 survey year. However, in the 2023/24 survey year, these questions were not in the paper questionnaire and were asked of respondents online, so the results are only representative of the online population. ↩

33. For both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 survey years, these questions were not in the paper questionnaire and were asked of respondents online, so the results are only representative of the online population. ↩ ↩²

34. “I understand what 5G is” includes adults who chose the following response options: “I have heard of 5G and already use it”, “I understand what it is but am not interested in getting it in the near future” and “I understand what it is and am interested in getting it in the near future”. ↩ ↩²

35. The “Any other Black or African or Caribbean background”, “Mixed White and Black African” and “White Gypsy or Irish Traveller” ethnic groups are not shown due to the data being suppressed, as fewer than 30 respondents selected this option. ↩

36. This is training about digital or online skills rather than any other form of training online. This might include training in how to carry out basic functions such as using digital or online applications to communicate and carry out basic internet searches and to stay safe online. ↩

37. There was a change in the digital skills question and response options between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 questionnaires, therefore this should be taken into account when making comparisons between survey years. Some of the decreases observed in the percentage of respondents taking part in digital or online skills training between 2023/24 and 2024/25 may be attributable to this change in the question. ↩

38. These questions were not in the paper questionnaire and were asked of respondents online, so the results are only representative of the online population. ↩ ↩²

39. Picking “Three random words” for passwords is the recommendation from the National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS). We have chosen to highlight this statistic because of the commonplace suggestions for web users to create passwords using random characters, symbols, and numbers. ↩