SALISBURY CATHEDRAL IS BRITAIN'S BEST VIEW - Archived
Issued Thursday 8th August 2002
Country Life magazine has confirmed that Salisbury Cathedral is Britain's best view.
A panel of leading experts have selected Salisbury Cathedral as "The Best View in Britain" from suggestions sent in by readers of Country Life magazine. This choice reinforces that made by Constable in his famous painting of Salisbury Cathedral and the views expressed by Bill Bryson who said, "There is no doubt in my mind that Salisbury Cathedral is the single most beautiful structure in England and the Close around it the most beautiful space".
The Very Reverend Derek Watson, Dean of Salisbury, commenting on the award said, " One of Salisbury's unique assets is this wonderful view across the watermeadows. Indeed although situated in the city centre, visitors are able to admire views of the cathedral from many surrounding vantage points, as well as from within the Close itself. We appreciate that an award like this is very subjective. We shall enjoy and celebrate our fortune on this occasion, knowing that others will take their turn in the future."
Alun Williams, Head of Visitor Services at Salisbury Cathedral and current Chairman of the Salisbury Tourism Partnership, added, "This has been a tremendous boost for tourism to Salisbury and South Wiltshire. This nation-wide publicity has picked out what we consider to be our keys assets – a wonderful medieval cathedral city surrounded by magnificent countryside. We are looking at how we can capitalise on this award and are already in touch with the regional tourist boards and the British Tourist Authority. In terms of attracting overseas visitors, this is
just what they are looking for – history, heritage and scenery. We are delighted that Chesil Bank also featured as one of the finalists – a great achievement for South West England to feature twice in these awards."
This is the second major award that the Cathedral has won in the last 2 months. In June it was one of the finalists in the Group Travel Organiser magazine "Best provision of group facilities"
Section of their annual awards.
Salisbury Cathedral is open every day of the year.
The Country Life panel of experts were: Col John Blashford-Snell, Roy Lancaster, Jonathan Meades, Jeremy Paxman and Joanna Trollope.
Please note that use of the Country Life photo for promotional purposes by the Tourist Boards themselves in their own publicity is available free of charge via Salisbury Cathedral who have made special arrangements with Country Life, subject to use of the following credit:
Country Life's Best View in Britain, Country Life Picture Library, Copyright July 2002
Any other use of the photograph must be arranged via:
Camilla Costello at Country Life Picture Library (020 7261 6337)
For further details contact: Michelle Walter, Salisbury Cathedral (01722) 55120