Bishop’s Waltham Pocket Guide heralds new era for town’s tourism

This week, residents and businesses in one of the district’s most appealing market towns are welcoming the arrival of the brand new Bishop’s Waltham Pocket Guide.

Designed to promote the local attractions and shops and help encourage more visitors to come and explore the historic streets; the colourful guide has been funded jointly by Winchester City Council and Bishop’s Waltham businesses.  It is the third in an expanding series of Pocket Guides to the District’s market towns and villages.

Ellen Simpson, Tourism Marketing and Development Manager for Winchester City Council, explained: “Following the success of the well established New Alresford Pocket Guide, and its successor, the Wickham Pocket Guide, published last year, we looked to the lovely market town of Bishop’s Waltham to provide us with the inspiration for a third publication. There is so much to see and do in and around the town – it’s an ideal base for a day out and also an overnight stay. We highlight its independent shops, eateries, and landmarks such as the Bishop’s palace and the museum. The guide also tells intriguing behind-the-scene stories, including some unexpected naval links.  All this goes to make the town a compelling place to visit.”

The production of the guide was undertaken as a partnership project between Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council, Bishop’s Waltham Chamber of Commerce, and Winchester City Council. It was designed and printed by Cradduck Design Ltd, in Alresford, who devised the popular series of guides.

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council and portfolio holder for economy and tourism, supported the production of the guide with a grant from the fund he set aside to support small businesses during the economic downturn.  He said: “Initiatives like this are an example of a proactive town working together harmoniously with the City Council to help local businesses raise their profile to new audiences. The guide has been widely supported by advertising from the town’s shops, cafés and restaurants and it’s hoped that in producing this, we’ll encourage local, regional, national and international visitors to seek out the town and help its economy in these difficult times.”

To download your copy of The Bishop’s Waltham Pocket Guide please see www.visitwinchester.co.uk or pick up a free copy from Winchester Tourist Information Centre.

The tourist information centre is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Phone 01962 840 500, e-mail tourism@winchester.gov.uk or visit the website at www.visitwinchester.co.uk.

Last Updated: Monday 27 March 2017