Northumberland Tourism relaunches website

Posted by The Journal on Aug 28, 09 08:51 AM in News

Stuart Mclennan, online marketing executive at Northumberland Tourism at Longhirst Hall near Morpeth for the launch of the new website A new look for Northumberland online is being fronted by TV presenter Wendy Gibson.

The BBC personality features in a video on Northumberland Tourism's relaunched website, offering potential visitors to the region a virtual tour of some of its highlights.

Among the sites explored from spectacular aerial views are Hadrian's Wall, Bamburgh Castle, Berwick, and Lindisfarne.

The video tour is just one of a number of new multi-media additions to the site, which also includes an interactive map to help holidaymakers plan their adventure, with transport and accommodation information.

It is hoped lesser touched-upon areas and villages will be able to get more exposure through the map, as families search for more information about the big names, such as Kielder Water.

Users can also use a shortlist feature to ear-mark their preferred destinations as they hunt through the site.

The new features can all be found at www.visitnorthumberland.com, which has been entirely redesigned and rebuilt to help meet the demand of Northumberland's growing reputation

Tourism bosses believe, as well as the huge investment in raising the region's profile and selling it across the world, local businesses have benefited from a 'staycation' trend which has seen more families take the opportunity to explore the area close to their homes in the wake of the global financial downturn.

Northumberland Tourism marketing executive Sheelagh Caygill said: "The recent increase in people holidaying at home or planning great days out is set to continue. And there is no better place than Northumberland to spend a day, a long weekend or a week or two.

"To help people plan their getaway Northumberland Tourism now has one of the best resources available for people planning a break in the county. Whatever you're looking for - historic sites, activities, accommodation, attractions and eating out, transport or events - you'll find information on the site."

The organisation's online marketing executive Stuart McLennan added: "We have made www.visitnorthumberland.com a much more dynamic website, with useful interactive features.

"The site makes planning a break in the county fun, interesting and informative. The navigation is vastly improved, making it easier to find the very best of Northumberland."

Other additions to the rejuvenated site include a comprehensive database listing everything from walks, festivals, workshops and markets, and dates for English Heritage and Northumberland National Park events.

Accommodation lists, ranging from boutique hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses through to self-catering and camping can be found on the site.

The activities section includes information on everything from cycling and rock climbing to fishing, kite surfing and walking, with free downloadable walking routes too. And the attractions section has everything from museums and galleries, castles and churches through to gardens, and stately homes.

Pictured: Stuart Mclennan, online marketing executive at Northumberland Tourism at Longhirst Hall near Morpeth for the launch of the new website

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk