Hadrian's Wall attractions report strong annual visitor numbers despite Sycamore Gap felling
Visitor numbers have remained "strong and sustained" along Hadrian's Wall despite the felling of Sycamore Gap, with more than 750,000 people visiting in 2024.
Following the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023, there had been worries that it would have an adverse effect on tourism. Steve Blair, who manages the closest pub, the Twice Brewed Inn, said at the time that he feared that the loss of the tree would see the loss of day-trippers to the popular spot, considered one of Hadrian's Wall's "big three" alongside Vindolanda and Housesteads Roman forts.
However, that does not seem to be the case, as the Hadrian's Wall Partnership Board reported that some of the area's most popular attractions recorded either sustained or increased footfall in 2024, with visitor figures returning close to pre-pandemic levels.
READ MORE: West Wylam's Victorian Ebenezer Chapel set to be demolished for housing
READ MORE: Northumberland County Council leader insists Government funding deal is "disappointing"
There has also been an increase in people accessing the area via public transport, with a surge in passengers numbers on the dedicated Go North East AD122 bus route, one of the UK's most scenic routes, and the Tyne Valley Railway system - increasing by 11% and 12.85% respectively.
The Partnership Board puts this down to "significant" ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, which is intended to enhance the visitor offer across Hadrian's Wall Country. £9m has been secured as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to support the development of visitor attractions and improve current infrastructure across the entire 73-mile length of the wall in Northumberland, Cumbria and Tyne and Wear; including an interactive trail from Haltwhistle to the Wall.
Lady Jane Gibson, chair of the Hadrian's Wall Partnership, said: "Like many, we were deeply saddened by the felling at Sycamore Gap and were concerned for the communities, businesses, and attractions here. However, this latest visitor data demonstrates the resilience of Hadrian’s Wall Country and reflects the appeal of our visitor offer.
"With ongoing investment underway, we are confident that Hadrian’s Wall Country will continue to attract growing numbers of visitors regionally, nationally and internationally to enjoy all that we have to offer."
Andrew Birley, CEO of the Vindolanda Trust, said he was pleased that Hadrian's Wall had shown "strong and sustained" visitor numbers. He said: "Ongoing investment in our sites, two research excavations coupled to an enhanced activity programme have resulted in visitor figures returning to close to pre-pandemic levels.
"Hadrian's Wall is one of the country’s longest-lasting attractions, standing the test of many turbulent times. With significant investments and activity planned for 2025, we’re confident that Hadrian’s Wall Country and its attractions can continue to prosper."
Jordan Dodwell, who owns the Greenhead Hotel at Brampton, described the Wall has not just a historical monument, but a thriving part of our region's future. He said: "As the tourism levels along Hadrian's Wall continue to grow, we're seeing more visitors drawn to this historic landmark than ever before.
"The investment being made into the key visitor sites is crucial - not only for preserving the integrity of this ancient structure but also for supporting the local economy. It's great to see the community benefiting from increased footfall, with more opportunities for small businesses like us."