Visitor figures soar to half a million at Attingham Park

Annual visitor numbers for Attingham Park in Atcham soared over 500,000 for the first time.

And although refurbishments on the world famous Iron Bridge meant businesses nearby struggled, trade is now starting to pick up.

Despite a year that saw unpredictable weather – snow last March, showery downpours last April, and an exceptionally hot summer - visitor numbers rose at Attingham, and the year ended with a mild and sunny February half term that saw more than 29,000 people visiting the estate.

Now for the first time visitor numbers have grown to over half a million reaching 514,000.

Visitor numbers have climbed over the past 13 years, from 2006 when Attingham was welcoming just over 150,000 visitors per year to its mansion and parkland.

In 2007 year-round opening of the park commenced and over subsequent years Attingham’s popularity has grown as more areas were opened up with walks developed across the park, a large play field created, the Walled Garden restored, while the re-discovered project also brought the mansion to life and extended opening alongside major investment in visitor facilities.

Mark Agnew, general manager said: “At the heart of everything we do is our conservation work, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers care for Attingham so that current and future generations are able to enjoy the best of what Attingham has to offer.

“This well-established Shropshire estate, is a special place for many within Shropshire, and loved by the people who visit, volunteer and work here.

“Whether it’s a visit to the mansion, a walk through the estate, or running off steam in the Field of Play – we’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our visitors for their support.

“The consistent support of our loyal local audience means that we are able to invest in the conservation and care of this vital green space to ensure we fulfil our core charitable purpose of being for ever for everyone.”