Yorkshire has a varied and rich tourist offer, from coast and countryside to pretty market towns and incredible places of interest, underpinned by a dynamic and pioneering cultural sector boasting internationally-celebrated brands – but much of what Yorkshire has to offer is overlooked, missed or ignored through simple ignorance of its existence.

Following the closure of Welcome to Yorkshire, a collection of new government bodies are now responsible for visitor economy strategies and the provision of destination marketing services on a more localised basis but, with limited budgets, some of Yorkshire’s smaller, less well-known or fashionable places of interest are often not promoted or supported and, as a result, they miss out on an important source of income.

An idea to help Yorkshire’s visitor economy

To help such places, The Yorkshire Society has created SPOTLIGHT ON YORKSHIRE, a way for the attention of visitors and tourists to be directed at places often overlooked and for the community in the places to find a new sense of pride in their place.

Places awarded our Spotlight on Yorkshire status…

Will be accredited and featured on The Yorkshire Society’s dedicated website – a searchable source of tourist information designed to help visitors places often overlooked.

Will be given a Yorkshire Flag, to fly with pride, and a White Rose bush with nameplate to be planted and displayed in a public place (if appropriate).

Are promoted as a place worthy of attention for pleasure or business.

Receive a Spotlight on Yorkshire plaque (example shown) for public display. Informing both visitors and the community of the special status now held.

Are required to organise an annual event as a means for their community to celebrate their special status for visitors to be attracted.

Are required to organise a formal unveiling of the Spotlight on Yorkshire plaque to which The Yorkshire Society and media can attend.

Who can apply for Spotlight on Yorkshire status?

Spotlight on Yorkshire aims to increase visitors to a Town, Village or specified geographical area, attraction or venue.  Any of these with a representative body are welcome to apply, and such places must agree to comply with the terms and conditions if approved.

First, we’re heading off to Hedon

Hedon, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, will be the first to trial this idea and we look forward to working with them to shine a spotlight on everything Hedon has to offer.

Did you know? Hedon was created by the Normans as a Port. It received its first Royal Charter in 1158 by Henry II. In 1415, Hedon was granted an important charter which let the town have burgesses and other ministers and also gave the town a mace. This mace, held in Hedon Town Hall, is now the oldest surviving mace in the country, and is clearly a weapon of war. Hedon has a small but important collection of silver – at intervals throughout the year the Mayor in office holds “Silver Shows” for anyone interested In seeing it.

Rich in history and pretty as a picture, Hedon is well worth a visit!

To find out more about the Society’s Spotlight on Yorkshire project, please write to contact@theyorkshiresociety.org