Big boost for Yorkshire tourism as Easter turns out sunny

YORKSHIRE’S tourism industry is celebrating after a bumper Easter weekend — with a wildlife park in South Yorkshire among the attractions to report a record number of visitors.
By Michele Vincent
Published 25th Apr 2019, 10:36 BST
Updated 25th Apr 2019, 10:54 BST

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Branton near Doncaster, welcomed a record-breaking 28,000 visitors over the four-day weekend  — which is 250 per cent up on the 8,300 last year and 40 per cent higher than 2017.

The wildlife park’s CEO John Minion said: “The weather was fantastic over the bank holiday weekend and strolling round the park was a great way to get out and enjoy it while it lasted.

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“There was a great atmosphere around the park and the animals enjoyed the summer weather too.

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    “We had over double the number of visitors over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend compared to last year and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

    Simon Bean, head of historic properties for Yorkshire & The North Midlands at English Heritage said: “All 15 Yorkshire sites exceeded our visitor projections over the Easter weekend thanks to the beautiful weather and a very strong Easter offer.”

    Visitor numbers were also up at Mount Grace Priory House & Gardens in North Yorkshire as well as at Whitby Abbey.

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    Mr Bean added: “It’s been a great start to the season and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors over the next few months.”

    The Piece Hall in Halifax and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in North Yorkshire also enjoyed large numbers of visitors with pubs, cafes and restaurants making the most of their outdoor areas to host locals and tourists over the four-day holiday weekend.

    And accommodation providers also reported an influx of bookings, with hotels, B&Bs and campsites catering to visitors deciding to spend more time in God’s Own County.

    Welcome to Yorkshire’s commercial director Peter Dodd said: “It’s fantastic that so many of our members have reported such a successful Easter weekend, welcoming visitors from far and wide.

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    “The glorious weather we’ve enjoyed has clearly contributed to people flocking to the magnificent places on offer across all four corners of Yorkshire, including our stunning coastline offering miles of golden beaches, three National Parks and an abundance of charming towns and vibrant cities.”

    Yorkshire.com, the official tourism website for Yorkshire, saw a 27 per cent increase in traffic compared with last Easter, with 41,000 visitors and 140,000 page views over the four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday

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