National park attracts
COUNTY’S ATTRACTIONS BRING IN AN EXTRA £80M TO ECONOMY
A RECORD number of people have visited Northumberland National Park, boosting the North East’s economy by £80m. Attractions like the Cheviot Hills and Hadrian’s Wall brought in 1.5 million people to the park last year. And it saw tourism spending rise by 7%, bringing in an extra £80m to the economy. National Parks minister Lord Gardiner visited the county to mark the start of national parks week – an annual celebration of the UK’s 15 national parks. While there Lord Gardiner saw the work it was doing to encourage more families, children and young people to enjoy the outdoors. And he was given a tour of the new £14.8m Sill Discovery Centre – designed to encourage more people to explore the county’s landscapes and heritage. Lord Gardiner said: “National Parks are a huge part of our national identity and many of us, including myself, have fond memories of visiting a national park as a child.
“With its secluded valleys, clear night skies and rare wildlife, Northumberland National Park is one of our most tranquil and picturesque landscapes.
“I really hope the park’s new visitor centre will help even more people discover the region’s unique heritage.
“I’m thrilled to be here during national parks week to see how they are encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the natural environment around them.”
The park is home to popular attractions including Sycamore Gap, Hareshaw Linn and The Pennine Way.
And on Saturday, The Sill – the UK’s first national landscape discovery centre – opens to the public.
It boasts a state-of-the-art visitor centre, 86-bed youth hostel and a variety of exhibitions focusing on the county’s landscape, culture and heritage.
There is also a 90-seater café, gift shop, rural business hub and learning