Tourism tonic for Nottinghamshire’s attractions

Nottinghamshire County Council, Experience Notinghamshire, English Heritage and the National Trust have all seen a rise in visitors compared to last year’s figures.

Jennifer Spencer, chief executive of Experience Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire’s official tourism website, said: “It’s great to see visitor numbers up at leading Nottinghamshire attractions.

“It is encouraging to see strong partnerships working, special offers, a focus on providing visitors with excellent events, and, of course, some wonderful weather, all paying off to ensure the visitors are flocking to these attractions over the summer.”

Nottinghamshire County Council has seen a combined rise of 35 per cent in visitor numbers to Rufford Abbey and Sherwood Forest between April and June this year.

Rufford Abbey had 24 per cent more visitors this summer with a total of 115,062 compared to 92,676 in 2012.

Sherwood Forest saw an increase of 11 per cent in visitors with a total of 83,340 from 74,895 last year.

Linda Hardy, visitor services manager for Notts County Council, said: “The great improvement in the weather in recent weeks means that the parks are much busier than they were earlier in the year. It’s great to see so many people out there, especially children, enjoying the sunshine, having picnics, eating ice creams and generally having a good time.

“In times of financial challenge, people are looking for a good value day out and what we offer at country parks is a huge amount and variety of entertainment, often with free admission and reasonable costs for refreshments as well as stunning surroundings.

“It is excellent value for money as is typified by the Robin Hood Festival taking place at Sherwood this week and the forthcoming On the Home Front 1940s event in the next few weeks at Rufford Abbey.”

Keith Holland, Property Manager of Bolsover Castle, said he is delighted with a 31 per cent increase in visitor numbers to the castle this year.

He said: “2013 has been a great year so far for Bolsover Castle. Amongst the additional 8,000 visitors welcomed at Bolsover from last year there have been some who have travelled the length and breadth of the country, including those who have made day-trips from Cornwall and Edinburgh

“We’re on track to welcome a staggering 75,000 visitors to Bolsover Castle during 2013 which is great for the site, great for the town and great for English Heritage.”

Newstead Abbey had 28,559 visitors by June this year, an increase of 13 per cent on the same period last season.