Press release 29 June 2015
The Churches Conservation Trust and VisitWiltshire launch new Wiltshire Saints and Sinners Heritage Trail
29 June 2015
The Churches Conservation Trust, the national charity protecting historic churches at risk, has partnered with VisitWiltshire to launch a new heritage trail, featuring four of its historic Wiltshire churches with four of the county’s best pubs and hotels, in a new project designed to get more people visiting churches.
The Trust’s 21 churches in Wiltshire are open as free heritage attractions, many of which represent almost 1,000 years of English history and together attract over 38,000 visitors a year.
As part of a drive to boost visitors to these fascinating historic buildings, the charity and VisitWiltshire have matched four of its most idyllic countryside churches with four outstanding lunch venues to make a special day out or short break for locals and tourists alike.
Katrina Hurford, National Marketing Manager at The Churches Conservation Trust, explains:
“Our churches have a lot to offer in the way of nourishment for the eyes, ears and soul, but nothing in the way of more practical nourishment! With these new partnerships each pairing provides opportunities to explore the Wiltshire countryside by foot, bike or car, to discover hidden gems offering irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art, and to enjoy some of the finest produce Wiltshire has to offer, expertly presented. We hope it will be a winning combination.”
David Andrews, CEO at VisitWiltshire, says:
“We’re delighted to be launching this new Saints and Sinners Trail, combining outstanding church architecture and craftsmanship with some devilishly good food and places to stay.”
VisitWiltshire and The Churches Conservation Trust are working together to promote this heritage trail encouraging visitors to stay in Wiltshire for a short break. Promotional activity includes digital and online, PR, social media and CRM activity.
“Not only can visitors follow in the footsteps of those who have stood before in these amazing Wiltshire churches, but they can take full advantage of the local fresh produce and excellent accommodation in nearby pubs and hotels,” added David.
The four churches featured are All Saints’ in Alton Priors, St Leonard’s in Sutton Veny, St Mary’s in Old Dilton and St John the Baptist in Inglesham. They are partnered with The Red Lion Freehouse in Pewsey, The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford, The Three Daggers in Edington and Stanton House Hotel in Stanton Fitzwarren.
To download the leaflet and find out more about the Saints and Sinners trail – please visit www.visitchurches.org.uk/saintsandsinnerswiltshire . Leaflets are also available in tourist information centres throughout the county.
END
Photographs can be downloaded here (please note photographers’credits):
For further information about The Churches Conservation Trust please contact:
Linden Sherriff, Marketing Officer, The Churches Conservation Trust
0117 930 9653 or 07887 530823
For images, press visits or further information about VisitWiltshire please contact:
Florence Wallace, PR Manager VisitWiltshire
flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk
01722 341309 or 07436 588860
About The Churches Conservation Trust
The Churches Conservation Trust is the national charity saving historic churches at risk, charged with protecting 347 beautiful church buildings which attract almost 2 million visitors a year. The Trust’s collection includes irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of English history.
The Trust is the operator of the third largest heritage estate in charitable ownership in the UK and has an international award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All churches in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Without the care of The Churches Conservation Trust, the buildings they look after might have disappeared entirely. Instead they are enjoyed as social, tourism, educational or cultural resources, kept open, in use, and living once again in the heart of communities. All the Trust’s churches remain consecrated and are used for occasional worship.
For more, see http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/
About VisitWiltshire
VisitWiltshire was established in August 2011 and is the official Tourist Board for Wiltshire. It is a private sector membership organisation representing over 600 partners. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 28,000 jobs.
For further information visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
End to all