Tourism industry enjoyed unexpected autumn boost

Following a cool summer, unseasonably warm weather gave a welcome boost to tourist attractions across the region at the beginning of the month. 

In North East Wales, Wepre Park and Loggerheads Country Park both reported a massive rise in visitor numbers, GreenfieldValley Heritage Park experienced an influx of tourists (having already reported a 10% increase this year) and the Met Office revealed that the village of Hawarden had made it into the record books when temperatures peaked at 28.2C (82.8F) there on 1st October.

Meanwhile, in North West Wales, resorts such as Llandudno had camera crews filming on their busy beaches. Hoteliers were shown putting up ‘No Vacancy’ signs and telling reporters they could hardly believe their luck at a time of year when some were preparing to close for the season. Thousands also headed off for the mountains of Snowdonia.

As Merseyside basked in the heatwave, ticket sales at tourist attractions topped the expectations of even the most optimistic analysts. People visiting Knowsley Safari Park watched baboons slurping ice creams and local newspapers published pictures of the animals basking in Mediterranean-like warmth.

In Cheshire, visitor numbers to Chester Zoo rose by 149% in just one day and over 20,000 people flocked to watch the spectacled bears eat frozen watermelon and the elephants being hosed down by the keepers.

There was also positive news from the hospitality sector with hotels and restaurants recording the strongest increase in consumer spending in September (Visa Europe's Expenditure Index).

Image: © Britainonview / Rod Edwards 2011

Adventures in Trees

by Hayley Tabarn

We were lucky enough to have a spell of sunshine this Bank Holiday weekend, so what better way to spend it than enjoying the great outdoors.

Spotting the sun on Monday morning, my fiance, James, and I hopped in the car to visit Wepre Park. There are a number of attractions within the park itself and we had fun roaming around Ewloe Castle, which was built in the 13th Century and is now in the care of Cadw. While walking through the woods you can't miss the 'red rocks' and there is wildlife all around.

Strolling along the wooden path next to Wepre Brook, we came out by the waterfall and then followed the path up to the Visitor Centre. After stopping there to pick up some more information about the park, we went on a hunt for the Pet Cemetery. As you can see from the photograph (top), on the way there James got a little distracted on his own adventure, but we eventually found our way through the Old Hall Gardens to the small pet graveyard. A little on the side of the macabre but still fascinating, as it has been there for over one hundred years.

There was still plenty left for us to explore, so we decided to visit again soon, but I think we'll probably borrow a dog to discover the park with us.

In keeping with the theme of tree top fun, James had an opportunity to 'Go Ape' this summer at Delamere Forest. For anyone who hasn't heard of it, Go Ape is an activity course set up in the forest canopy; a high-wire forest adventure.

Everyone was clambering across rope bridges, flying down zip lines and scrambling up cargo nets. I was able to watch safely from the forest floor and everyone looked like they were having a brilliant time. James says he would recommend it to anyone, even though he was a bit sore the next day. Watch this space and maybe I'll give it a go myself. All in the name of research, of course!

If you have enjoyed a great day out this summer, please let us know and we may publish it in this blog.

Images © LDS Tourism Services Ltd., 2010