Hadrian's Wall Country
Hadrian’s Wall Country stretches much further than just the extent of Roman occupation: the rich and varied landscape from east to west, and the ‘corridor’ on either side of the Wall, feels the ripple effect and celebrates much more besides. It is important that local businesses and communities participate in and benefit from the Wall’s visitor economy and that heritage contributes actively to community life – helping to support thriving local communities through fostering a strong sense of place and identity. Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd aims to develop a strong Wall-wide network, based around the concept of ‘Know Your Hadrian’s Wall Country’, which will help local businesses and communities bring to life for their visitors and guests the very special heritage and landscapes of Hadrian’s Wall and its setting. Along with other initiatives, this will enable businesses to maximise their contribution to the visitor experience, and thereby benefit from the economic opportunities that visitors create, through networking, advice and the provision of a high-quality visitor product. HWHL facilitates the improvement of business-to-business linkages among tourism and related sectors, and acts as a point of contact for development requirements for both existing and new businesses.
Take to the Road
Last autumn saw a series of eight Roaming Roadshows held right across the Wall corridor. The Roadshows were open to all tourism-related businesses, large or small, and were geared towards networking, offering business guidance and support to key partners and stakeholders. Topics covered included HWHL’s future plans and the World Heritage Site; business planning and accessibility; understanding Quality Assessment Schemes; gaining and retaining customers; the importance of using local produce; benefiting from new technologies and sustainability.
Hadrian’s Wall Country Trade Fair
Hexham hosted 80 local producers, accommodation providers and other buyers at the annual Hadrian’s Wall Country Trade Fair. Businesses taking part in this year’s event included farm produce, locally made goods, organic food and drink, handmade clothing, arts, crafts, gifts and jewellery. A key development priority is the growth of the Hadrian’s Wall Locally Produced brand, which encompasses food, drink, arts and crafts produced within the 10-mile corridor on either side of the Wall. This year the Trade Fair was opened by restaurateur and celebrity chef Terry Miller, of Hell’s Kitchen fame, who said: “Any chef will tell you that you can taste the difference when produce is organic, fresh and hasn’t been mass produced or travelled for miles before it reaches the kitchen.”
