Alnwick Castle continues to attract visitors
One of the region's top visitor attractions has recorded an increase in visitor numbers, despite the economic downturn.
Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, has this year welcomed 210,000 visitors - a rise on 2008's figure of 193,000.
The upturn comes at a time when visitor attractions in many parts of the country have suffered a significant drop in numbers because of the global recession.
The figures also show a growing proportion of the castle's visitors now come from overseas, in particular Japan, America and the Netherlands .
They also reveal an extension to the traditional tourist season which, in the past, has tended to peak once the schools return in early September.
Instead visitor numbers for 2009 have remained high throughout September and into October.
Last night tourism bosses at the castle said the global financial situation has been a key factor in the attraction's increased numbers.
With more British people taking holidays in this country because of the recession, more are coming to the castle.
Bosses say other reasons for the increase in visitors numbers are the continuation of trips inspired by the attraction's use in the first two Harry Potter films, and this year's celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the castle's acquisition by the Percy family.
An open day to mark the occasion in June attracted 5,000 visitors alone.
They also believe the new link-up with the Alnwick Garden has helped visitor numbers - with the sites coming together recently under new joint chief executive Christian Perdrier.
Visitor events and marketing coordinator Caroline Smith said: "We have got a unique offering. We are not just a traditional castle." Castle bosses claims the region's ferry links to the Netherlands have brought in more visitors from that country, and is planning to increase advertising there next year in a bid to attract even more Dutch tourists.
Staff at the attraction believes the extension of the traditional tourist season is down to visits from retired people and group travel companies who plan trips outside of school holidays.
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Older/Newer
« Cuts loom for Northumberland council staff | Christmas market in Alnwick »
1 Comments
Leave a comment
Site sponsored by
Click here to find some great days out and fantastic family attractions,
We want to publish your blog on one of our community websites. Find out more.
Keep up to date subscribe to our RSS feed
Living or working in Alnwick? We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Journal Extra, Northumberland's free weekly, is inside copies of The Journal across the county every Thursday, and can also be picked up from these locations around Alnwick »
I was Born in Alnwick,but have Never been to Alnwick Castle to my knowledge???.Have lived in Canada most of my 45 yrs,last visited there in 1972 age 8.