Alnwick Castle continues to attract visitors

Nov 19 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

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.