'Pretty strong' half term for region's attractions

The Donkey Sanctuary said the start of half term had been "really encouraging", with more visitors to the charity's HQ in Sidmouth

Visitor attractions across Devon and Cornwall said they have had a 'pretty strong' half term, with numbers up on last year.

"It's been a really positive start to the year," said Trevor Broome, vice chair of Visit Cornwall and general manager of Land's End Landmark.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, which has around 400,000 visitors a year, said visitor numbers were 10% higher, compared to the same week 12 months ago.

It follows a quieter year in tourism in 2024, with reports that the industry faced its "lowest point in 10 years".

'Extremely busy'

The Box in Plymouth said it had just had its busiest day in more than a year.

"On Wednesday 19 February we had 2,225 visitors – our busiest day since October 2023, nearly 18 months ago", said operations manager Jonathan Parsons.

"This spring we'll reach one million visits while later this year we're looking forward to celebrating our fifth birthday.

"This half term has been really busy and it's been brilliant to welcome in so many people and see people of all ages enjoying themselves," he said.

Over half term, museum, art gallery and archive The Box in Plymouth saw one of its busiest days in more than a year

"We've had a really encouraging start to half term, numbers are up, people's propensity to spend seems to be up slightly too," said Ben Winnard, from the Donkey Sanctuary.

"The whole reason we exist is to help alleviate the suffering of donkeys around the world, so the more visitors we have, the more people we can educate about the work we do."

About 45,000 people a year visit The National Lobster Hatchery at its base Padstow.

"It's been busier than it was last February," said Ben Marshall, head of production at the charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025.

'Upward trend'

"It's not been a record half term but based on where we've been, it really is a strong position to be in", said Trevor Broome, vice chair of Visit Cornwall and general manager of Land's End Landmark.

"I think there is quite a bit of relief around the industry that we are now seeing a more upward trend", he added.

"It's the first time in the last few years what we've seen an increase in numbers for February half term," said Rick Turner from The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park in north Devon.

"There seems to be a buzz about the whole tourism industry. There is a few more people on holiday and I think also the locals have decided that they want to come out and play.

"There's too much doom and gloom out there and coming out to attractions is giving everyone a bit of a lift."