MP supports British Tourism Week

8th March 2011
MP supports British Tourism Week

Local MP, Gordon Henderson is supporting British Tourism Week by encouraging his constituents to visit local attractions in Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

British Tourism Week will be held from 12th -20th March 2011 with events being hosted all over the UK to mark the occasion. The aim of British Tourism Week is to increase awareness of our tourism offering which is important in providing jobs and growing the economy.

Some local attractions which may be of interest in Sittingbourne and Sheppey include:

• Hempstead House Hotel - A Victorian Country House and Spa set in beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by glorious Kentish countryside.

• Minster Abbey Gatehouse Museum – Houses a wide range of exhibits including fossils, Roman coins, radios, local paintings and photographs and wartime relics! This is all set within the distinctive 1,000 year old Gatehouse.

• Sheerness Heritage Centre – Houses a dwelling for a dockyard worker, built in the 1800s with authentic 19th century rooms which are furnished with genuine pieces from that period.

• Elmley Marshes - Internationally recognised for its wildlife. It has a number of intriguing viewpoints to see a range of creatures and animals including swans.

• Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway - The preserved southern half of the former Bowater’s Railway built to move raw materials for paper making as well as the finished products around the mill at Sittingbourne.

• BlueTown Heritage Centre – Located in an old music hall, the centre is situated close to the historic dockyard wall and is filled with artifacts and memorabilia.

• Tonge Mill and Pond – Set in a picturesque, tranquil location. The Mill dates back to 450AD and has seen 300 years of flour milling. More recently the surrounding area has become a country park and the mill pond is the focal point for tourist.

• Saxon Shore Way – A 160 mile (257km) walking route named after the line of historic fortifications that defended the Kent coast at the end of the Roman era. The route features a number of landscapes and scenery as well as cultural and historic interest.

Mr Henderson said,

“Sittingbourne and Sheppey has a number of hidden treasures waiting to be explored and all within easy reach by road and rail.

“I urge local people to visit our local attractions and enjoy them, in addition I am keen to encourage people from outside the area to sample what Sittingbourne & Sheppey has to offer.”

More information can be found by visiting the British Tourism Week Website: www.britishtourismweek.com