Despite the recession, admissions to England’s visitor attractions rose by 2% in 2008 according to VisitEngland’s annual Visitor Attraction Survey. Top attractions in the paid for category include old favourites like Westminster Abbey and the Eden Project, while London’s ‘big five’ museums – British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Natural History Museum and Science Museum performed best in the free days out category.
As autumn approaches, EnjoyEngland.com features ten stunning spots to see autumn leaves, details of autumn food festivals and special autumn offers. EnjoyEngland introduces some stories and ideas for days out in London and England’s regions this autumn:
• London 2012 landmarks celebrated, 18 October
Londoners have until 18 October to vote for the landmark in their borough they would most like to see featured in a celebratory set of ‘Landmark London’ pin badges. Up for the vote are the likes of Hampton Court Palace and St Pancras Station as well as lesser-known gems like Barnet’s Ancient Yew Tree. Results will be announced as part of the celebrations for 1,000 days to go until the start of the 2012 Olympic Games at the end of October.
• During October, visitors to London’s Newburgh Quarter (Carnaby) will be treated to a genuine Lower East Side experience as 11 guest retailers from the NYC district set up their shops for ‘Wish You Were Here’, a transatlantic exchange of each city’s hottest young retailers.
• Visit London has announced the launch of six video podcasts that give an insider’s view of the best shopping, dining, culture and fun across half a dozen London boroughs – Greenwich; Richmond & Kingston; Hackney; Hounslow; the area encompassing Bankside, Southbank, London Bridge and Waterloo; and London Eastside. There are many great ideas for days out with the kids in the capital, whatever the weather, for children of all tastes and ages.
• The 2009 World Conker Championships, 11 October
Excessive knotting of the laces (or snags) can lead to disqualification at the World Conker Championships, which have moved this year to New Lodge Fields, near Oundle, Northants. Armed only with a nut and 12″ of string, modern day gladiators vie for the honour of being crowned with conkers on the conker throne.
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery Tour of Kent
Starring Robert Downey Jr as the cool, creative sleuth and Jude Law as Dr Watson, the big screen Sherlock Holmes is set for release in December, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930). So dust off your deerstalker hat and follow the clues on this magical Mystery Tour of Kent to discover the inspirational locations behind the movie and stories.
• Facelift for favorite of Hollywood stars
Following two-years of restoration, the former 17th century coaching inn Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant in Barnby Moor near Doncaster has been awarded Four AA Stars. In its heyday the hotel played host to stars of the Hollywood sort, including Charlie Chaplin, Oliver Reed and Joan Crawford. It now combines historic features like claw-footed roll topped baths with the latest modern amenities.
• New mountain bike trail at Gisburn Forest
A new purpose-built mountain bike trail has opened on the Forestry Commission estate at Gisburn Forest, near Clitheroe, set against the stunning backdrop of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s an easy 8km ‘blue’ route for families and beginners and a 22km ‘red’ course for more experienced and expert cyclists.
• Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower has become the UK’s highest wedding venue at 105 meters above the harbour.
• The Shakespeare Gardens in and around Stratford-upon-Avon contains many plants and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare’s writing and are immaculately maintained by a dedicated team of gardeners. Stratford is a great destination for weekends away ….
• Leeds City Museum, which celebrated its first birthday in September, attracted more than 285,000 visitors in its first 12 months.
EnjoyEngland.com is the official website for tourism in England. The website provides travel and destination guides as well as information and advice on what to do in England.
