Readers of LandLove magazine have voted Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park as one of their top three tourist destinations in Britain.
The popular local attraction owned and run by the City Council came second in the poll – ahead of Holkham Hall and Estate in North Norfolk and just behind the winner – Powis Castle and Garden in Mid Wales.
Since October, LandLove readers have been voting in their thousands to crown their countryside champions. It was a close call in many of the categories with very strong contenders to choose from.
LandLove celebrates a more traditional way of life and the beauty of the British countryside, its flora and fauna. The magazine explores the most interesting places in the British Isles and rediscovers its most fascinating local customs and traditions.
Attracting over 290,000* visitors per year and increasing, Wollaton Hall was designed by Robert Smythson and built by Sir Francis Willoughby between 1580 and 1588 for his family. Now a prominent Grade One listed building, the stunning Hall houses the city’s Natural History Museum along with reconstructed room settings.
The Hall is set in five hundred acres of spectacular gardens and parkland and was famously used as the setting for Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are proud to have ranked so highly in this category with such high quality competition. Wollaton Hall is clearly well known and well loved across the country. Our programme of events at our heritage sites is ever expanding and we will continue to offer great days out in the city to all of our valued visitors. Congratulations to the many colleagues and volunteers at our heritage sites who work hard to give visitors the best possible experience.”
(*) Figures taken from Visit England’s Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions 2014.
Landlove magazine – www.landlove.com
Landlove magazine, Britain’s favourite historic house: results.
WINNER – National Trust Powis Castle and Garden
2nd place – Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park
3rd place – Holkham Hall and Estate