Other News and Events
Visitor Figures Soar
The Vindolanda Trust has had a phenomenal start to the summer season seeing a rise in visitor figures of over 40%.The newly re-opened Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda, that incorporate living archaeology, original finds and a fantastic 3D film have been open for over two months and have received shining reviews from locals, visitors and school trips alike, proving its worth as an attraction for all ages.
Prior to the re-development of both sites, it was predicted that visitor levels would soar, with an estimated 20,000 additional visitors to the sites in twelve months and just under half of those being overnight visitors with a projected off-site spend of £350,000 per annum; The Vindolanda Trust is now responsible for a major contribution to the region’s economy.
The dual sites, situated 7 miles apart on Hadrian’s Wall have attracted visitors from as far afield as Canada as well as school groups from as nearby as Haltwhistle. Vindolanda director Patricia Birley comments, ‘it’s great to know that our re-developments have been so popular, we are always so pleased that people enjoy both sites and all the new activities that we have to offer. We have had some fantastic visitor feedback and are really glad that we can continue to assist in boosting visitor numbers along the wall.’
The re-developments have allowed The Trust to take on extra members of staff as well as maintain all of the jobs of employees employed before the redevelopments. Miss Cuthbertson, who works in the café at Vindolanda comments ‘it has been hugely noticeable how much busier we have been, and the feedback from visitors and customers has just been fantastic. It is a pleasure to work here and I hope to continue to do so for a long time.’
Feedback from customers has been overwhelming. One visitor commended the Roman Army Museum, commenting ‘It’s very interesting and informative overall and the 3D film’s first class and the staff were really friendly and helpful’ another commenting ‘It’s the best museum on the Wall by far! Something for everyone and helpful staff’. A further visitor, when asked about Vindolanda commented ‘It’s totally fascinating! A real ‘eye-opener’ – very enjoyable and educational.’
Patricia continues ‘the new museum has exceeded our expectations, when it was predicted that we would up visitor figures by 20,000 I am not sure that we believed it – we knew that the museums were going to be fantastic but the response we have had from the public, from schools, from the regions media, has just been amazing and we couldn’t be happier. ‘
Vindolanda and The Roman Army Museum are open from 10am-6pm 7 days a week. A Family ticket of £27 gains 2 adults and 2 children access into both sites and museums, including the 3D film at Roman Vindolanda. Individual tickets are also available and children rates apply to those age 5-18.
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