More than 15,000 visitors to Nottingham Castle paid for a ticket in its first month after reopening.
Nottingham City Council revealed around 20,000 people had passed through the castle gates between June 26 and July 26.
Approximately 81 per cent – or 16,200 – had been paying visitors.
The rest got in for free, having largely been children aged 15 and under.
On the day of reopening 1,000 tickets had been sold for £1 as part of an limited-time offer, meaning around 15,200 visitors paid for a £12 annual pass ticket in a month.
Gareth Morgan, who worked at the castle under the trust as a learning development and visitor experience officer and manager, said the initial figures “seemed positive”.
“I’m really pleased the reopened Castle is bringing visitors back to see the galleries, caves and grounds,” he said.
“I hope the annual pass does bring repeat visits to new temporary exhibitions and events.”
• Nottingham Castle gets 20,000 visitors in first month
The council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture and planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis (Lab), who has been behind the reopening, says the authority is aiming for around 200,000 visitors in the first year.
He added: “It’s been great to see so many people returning to Nottingham’s premier heritage attraction over the last month.
“Our new tickets, allowing people to return as many times as they like for a year for just £12 and bring the kids for free, is set to particularly benefit local people.
• Pictures: Nottingham Castle reopens to the public
“We hope people will come back again and again over the summer, whether it’s to immerse themselves in the fascinating galleries, descend into the amazing caves beneath the castle, or simply stroll around the beautiful grounds and take in the stunning views over the city.”
