Tourists taken back in time with Battlefields guide
A new Battlefields guide is set to take tourists back in time, bringing to life historic sites that have shaped the county's past, present and future.
The Battlefields campaign - created by Welcome to Yorkshire - features a map with places to visit and a historical overview of the sites that saw history in the making.
A dedicated website and leaflet highlight key places which keen historians and families can explore, taking in the legends of kings and queens.
Produced in collaboration with experts from York Archaeological Trust, the guide offers a new dimension to a day-out in Yorkshire. It gives visitors the chance to march in the footsteps of viking, medieval and civil war-era soldiers through Yorkshire's majestic castles, striking abbeys and spectacular countryside.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Yorkshire is fortunate to be able to offer such a variety of remarkable historical sites. Taking visitors from countryside battlefields to cities such as York, which are steeped in history, this guide is the perfect addition to Yorkshire's outstanding tourist trails such as ale and tea. What better way to enjoy the renowned city life and great outdoors of Yorkshire, than through an encounter with the history that helped shape our distinctive heritage."
The guide includes Yorkshire's famous Battle of Towton, which took place during the War of the Roses - widely considered to be one of the bloodiest battle to take place on British soil.
It also features battles in Wakefield, Stamford Bridge, York, Northallerton, Malton, Bramham (Leeds), Tadcaster, Bradford, Scarborough, and Marston among the 90 plus areas of interest on the map.
The new guides will be unveiled at a major event at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, which will host a thrilling jousting tournament this August bank holiday weekend from Saturday August 27 through to Monday August 29.
Tickets for the family-friendly, tournament are on sale now and selling fast. Heats will be held over the weekend (daily 12pm & 3pm), culminating in the Parade & Grand Final on Monday afternoon from 2.30pm. Visit www.royalarmouries.org/visit-us/leeds
The Battlefields guides are available from Tourist Information Centres, festivals, hotels and attractions. For more see www.yorkshire.com/battlefields from August bank holiday onwards.
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Editors' Notes:
- Welcome to Yorkshire is the official destination management organisation for Yorkshire, working to grow the county's visitor economy.
- Welcome to Yorkshire is funded by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy.
- Key facts include:
- Tourism in Yorkshire is worth £7 billion annually
- The county's industry employs almost a quarter of a million people
- There are 216 million visits to Yorkshire each year
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For further information contact:
Graham Poucher - Press Officer
Email: gpoucher@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3578
Mobile: 07805 958728
Andy Denton - Press Officer
Email: adenton@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3537
Mobile: 0785 5812094
Jo Francisco - Press Officer
Email: jfrancisco@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3563
Mobile: 07769257327