Discover Winchester's Secrets In 2011

January 2011

For 2011, Winchester's Tourist Guides have put together a wide variety of walks in and around the city most of which are suitable for the family.

Following a successful partnership with Winchester BID last year which enabled them to publicise more widely their range of specially themed walks and resulted in a 40% increase in participation, this year's programme has been expanded to over 70 walks, and they have added two cycle tours as well!

This year, BID are again sponsoring the production and distribution of 30,000 leaflets which provide details of walks covering historical and cultural themes, as well as the ever popular Halloween series in October.  Starting off with five walks around our 'Forgotten City' from the Discovery Centre in conjunction with the 'Forgotten Emperor' Roman exhibition there, they are repeating the free Place Names walks in February supported by the English Project.  There will be six more Chesil Tunnel tours to choose from through the year, and a series of nature walks seeking out 'Hidden Winchester' in conjunction with 'Countryside 2011' in May and June. In addition, and to support the Mayor's Charities, six special tours of the Mayor's official residence, Abbey House, will take place.

The Tuesday evening walks series runs weekly from May to August at 6.30pm and following the city's success in winning a Purple Flag Award for its night time attractions, two free 'Lamplight' tours are added in March and October starting at 8.00pm. 

Chris Turner, Executive Director of Winchester BID, said, "Winchester BID is very pleased to support Winchester's Tourist Guides in encouraging visitors to the city and residents alike, in spending more time here to appreciate why it is such a special place, for its heritage, culture, shops and entertainment."

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The launch of their 2011 leaflet took place at Abbey House today, in the presence of the Mayor Cllr Richard Izard and Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Barry Lipscomb.  Cllr Izard said, "Winchester's guides are invaluable in enabling us to better appreciate our historic city, and I and my successor much appreciate their support to the Mayor's Charities"

Full details of all 2011 Special Guided Tours can be found on their web site -  www.winchestertouristguides.com - or by picking up a leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre in The Broadway (telephone 01962 840500), from where tickets for most of the tours can be obtained, or on the day from the guide.

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For more information, contact:-
Colin Cook, Marketing Officer
Winchester Area Tourist Guides Association
t. 01962 866702   m. 07919 851426  e. colincook@waitrose.com 
w. www.winchestertouristguides.com