London visitor attractions have reported an "unprecedented number of visits" this summer, according to research carried out by the capital's promotional agency, London and Partners.

More than 30 attractions were surveyed as part of the agency's study, with the total number of visits reaching 4.47 million in July, which is up 12.7 per cent on the previous year.

Meanwhile, there was also a year-on-year growth of 8.6 per cent during June to help offset a slight drop in visitor numbers reported in May.

Free attractions were among those to benefit most, with visitor numbers increasing by 18 per cent compared with last year.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "The variety of attractions on offer during the summer has been fantastic with events like London Pride, Wimbledon, Chelsea Flower Show and a jubilant Notting Hill carnival all wowing the crowds in huge numbers.

"We saw 800,000 people gathering on the South Bank for the Thames Festival and with more exciting events coming up over the following months, we hope to continue to attract record numbers of visitors to this great city."

Gordon Innes, CEO of London and Partners, added: "The latest figures indicate an underlying strength in London's visitor economy over the summer period."

Details: www.londonandpartners.com

Image: The EDF London Eye was one of the attractions surveyed by London and Partners