Lonely Planet travel bible's handsome words about Beverley raise tourism hopes
BUSINESSES in Beverley hope a positive mention in a popular travel guide book will help put the town firmly on the tourist map.
It follows Lonely Planet's description of Beverley as handsome and unspoilt and one of the most attractive towns in Yorkshire.
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HIDDEN TREASURE: The Minster received standout praise. It was described as magnificent and a rival to any cathedral in England in Lonely Planet's new Great Britain guidebook. Picture: Jim Mitchell. Prints of this picture can be ordered from www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/hullandeastriding or by calling 08444 060910
In their new Great Britain guidebook, the Minster received standout praise, described as magnificent and a rival to any cathedral in England.
While the guide described Hull as "tough and uncompromising" with a "raucous and rowdy" nightlife, it is hoped the positive publicity will encourage visitors to Beverley.
Neil Pickford, verger at Beverley Minster, said: "Beverley Minster is regarded as a hidden treasure in the north.
"This positive mention is now spreading the secret.
"We welcome anything that brings more people to the Minster and the town.
"I hope that this will lead to lots more people visiting the area, who otherwise wouldn't have."
He added: "I loved Beverley when I first saw it 25 years ago and I've loved living here since I moved."
As well as mentioning the Minster and St Mary's Church, several hotels and restaurants also received praise.
Among those is Dine on the Rowe in Butcher Row, commended for its dedication to local produce.
Owner Jason Rowe said: "The mention really means a lot.
"The first I knew about being mentioned in the Lonely Planet book was when I received a phone call in January asking for our address. They said it would be positive."
Mr Rowe hopes it will further increase trade, which last month saw takings up 25-per-cent on the previous year.
He said: "It's got to be good PR for the area.
"It's deserved. There are a wealth of things to do in the area and I'd agree exactly with how the guide describes Beverley."
The mention has also been welcomed by Janet Reuben, chief executive of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY).
She said: "Beverley has a wealth of fabulous and fascinating attractions to offer visitors. The rich history, the grand buildings like the North Bar and the Minster plus the town's spectacular surroundings all help to create a must-visit destination.
"Beverley has benefited from some extremely valuable coverage in the national media recently including The Antiques Roadshow, BBC Countryfile and now the Lonely Planet Guide.
"This exposure reaches large numbers of potential customers and helps to convince people that a holiday in this region is an unforgettable experience."
9 Comments
by Kev, Bev
Monday, May 16 2011, 9:05AM
“Take note chavvy Hull neighbours!”
by joe, sans-culottes
Friday, May 13 2011, 5:00PM
“Didn't know Lonely Planet was owned by the BBC; shouldn't Peter Levy have mentioned this salient fact when this was on Look North the other night?”
by Mark, Kingston upon Hull
Friday, May 13 2011, 11:51AM
“The lonely planet is owned by the BBC...the leeds garbage (they dont mention the almost daily gun crime) is because this areas reports are done by BBC Leeds !!!!!! anyone sick of the detrimental effect the beeb has locally ? i bloody well am!”
by Kate, Beverley
Friday, May 13 2011, 11:33AM
“*not* my comment about windfarms, I'm all for them actually 'Kate'”
by Kate, Beverley
Friday, May 13 2011, 9:18AM
“It really gets on my nerves when they don't see Hull as I do. Our museums are amazing and free, we have a great selection of shops (and independents down Princes ave) the bars and restaurants are as good as any in Leeds or Manchester. I love Beverley's history and like living here, but you have to remember that Lonely Planet cater for a type of client (usually middle class foodies)”
by Antony, West Hull
Friday, May 13 2011, 8:01AM
“Who reads 'Lonely Planet' for UK locations anyway?
I thought it was just for people going back-packing in Thailand and the like, I doubt it would have any bearing in whether someone was going to visit anywhere in East Yorkshire.”
by E, Hull
Friday, May 13 2011, 7:54AM
“I haven't read it, nor do I intend to, but based on the HDM and "Look North reports" you wonder how much of the writer's knowledge is based on actual time spent here and how much from time watching programmes like "Songs of Praise", "The Antiques Roadshow", "Coast", "Countryfile", and the various police prgrammes.
Hull has unique attractions like The Deep and Hull Fair and museums of national standard. There is a marina and no shortage of interesting buildings in the old town. Holy Trinity may not be in the league of Beverley Minster but is still worth a visit while the interior of St Charles' church has nothing to touch it in Yorkshire.
As for "raucous & rowdy nightlife", size for size Beverley is probably as bad as Hull, based on it's frequent mentions in the HDM, and did they even visit Princes Ave?”
by Bob, Beverley
Friday, May 13 2011, 7:51AM
“Beverley yea it's nice but it's one of the most boring towns to live & visit ........ unless you're over 60 and like things when they're still back in the olden days........ feel sorry for any kids living in Beverley the only up-to-date places around here are Hull & Bridlington... council should sort it out! you aren't gonna get tourists if the towns aren't modern”
by John, Beverley-next-Godliness
Friday, May 13 2011, 7:21AM
“When exactly did Lonely Planet have this raucous and rowdy night out in Hull because the write up is identical to the one in the 2007 edition.
By the way, the same trash also describes Leeds as 'glamorous and glitzy '. Yes thats right. Leeds.”