Historical attractions rated top for tourism
TWO of Leicestershire’s top visitor attractions have received glowing reports following the most recent inspections by Visit England.
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, near Hinckley, and the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath, outside Coalville, have been highly praised by the national tourism body.
Both attractions, which are managed by Leicestershire County Council, managed to better their already high scores from the previous inspections in 2019.
Bosworth, the scene of Richard III’s fateful last stand, received an 88 per cent score and was rated “very good” following the visit last month.
In 2019, the attraction scored 86 per cent.
The inspector’s report said: “The centre provides an enjoyable and informative visitor experience, with visitors able to engage with some excellent and thought-provoking displays and interpretation, both in the exhibition centre and around the wider country park setting.”
Other areas singled out for praise included the quality of welcome and interpretation provided by the staff, the content, presentation and quality of the exhibition.
The skill and knowledge of the guide who led the battlefield walk, the shop, the website and social media engagement and the “impressive level” of cleanliness at the site also garnered praise.
The inspector concluded: “Overall, this was a memorable and enjoyable assessment visit to a well-run attraction, exhibition and country park environment, where the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff in the current difficult times shone through.”
The same inspector also visited the 1620s House and Garden - formerly known as Donington le Heath Manor House - earlier this month.
He was so impressed with the venue - where the conspirators behind the 1605 Gunpowder Plot famously met to plan their doomed insurrection - that it earned an 89 per cent score.
It qualifies the attraction for Visit
England’s Welcome and Hidden Gem accolades.
“A particular strength was the quality of welcome and interpretation provided by the staff, and particularly the volunteers,” said the inspector.
“A perfect score was achieved in the cleanliness section and a high score in the attraction section, with the appearance of the House and the stunning Garden especially notable.”
The inspector made particular mention of the attraction’s website and social media channels, the extent of the information available to visitors, the impressive range of food available in the Barn tearoom and its excellent quality and presentation, and the depth of knowledge of the guides.
Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts at County Hall, said: “I am delighted the hard work of the staff and volunteers at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and the 1620s House and Garden has been recognised in this way.
“We know these two sites are real gems and have so much to offer visitors of all ages – and these two glowing reports from Visit England are testament to that.
“The fact the inspector singled out the exceptional levels of cleanliness at both sites shows visitors can be assured of a safe and enjoyable time when they come.”