VIEW FROM THE TOP PROVES CROWD PULLER
Victoria Tower on Castle Hill in Huddersfield has smashed its visitor figure record. In less than five months, the number of people who have visited the tower this current financial year has passed that for the whole of the previous year.
Following a good weekend for the visitor attraction when nearly 500 people over two days took the long climb up 165 steps to appreciate the views from the top, the total since the beginning of April is nearly 8,200. In the year to March 2010 the tower attracted just over 8,000 visitors.
During August the tower, which was opened in 1899 to celebrate 60 years of Queen Victoria’s reign, has been open every day instead of just weekends and Castle Hill Ranger Julian Brown accepts that figures have benefited from that – as well as recent television publicity.
“Since the beginning of August we have had 3,558 visitors to Victoria Tower in 95 hours open to the public. Thanks to all who have supported the daily opening, including the Tower Team who had faith in the old girl. We never doubted her magic!,” said Julian.
Figures include 400 visitors who attended a ‘Come Scribble’ storytelling event last week, which included free entry to the tower for children. The children drew storyboards which are to be displayed in the tower so the youngsters can visit again to see their artwork.
Weekday opening between 12noon and 4.30pm will continue until Friday, September 3. Weekend opening between 12.30pm and 4.30pm will continue until the end of October.
Admission prices are adult £1.30, child 60p, family ticket £3.00 (2 adults and up to 4 children), free entry for Kirklees Passport holders. There will be free entry for Heritage Open Weekend, September 11 and 12.
