SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has been finding out more about the Historic House Wales organisation.
Mr Rowlands, Chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, was recently invited to Iscoyd Park, a private country house wedding and events venue on the borders of North Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire.
He said: “It was great to have the opportunity to look around this historic venue and speak to Phil Godsal, Chair of Historic Houses Wales and learn more about the organisation which represents over 100 independently owned grade I and II listed castles, houses and gardens across Wales.
“I am always happy to support and promote the heritage and tourism sector in North Wales and welcomed the opportunity to be able to see for myself what this wonderful venue, which is just across the border, has to offer.
“It was quite inspiring to hear all about the work that these small businesses and private owners are doing to keep encouraging more visitors to Wales.”
Historic Houses Wales is the Wales national branch of Historic Houses, a cooperative association and not-for-profit limited company of over a thousand independent grade I and II historic castles, houses and gardens across all four nations of the UK.
Mr Godsal said: “As you are already aware, Historic Houses Wales represents over 100 independently owned grade I and II listed castles, houses and gardens across Wales.
“They are mostly SMEs operating in the private sector – which as the Gowers Report, commissioned in 1948, found is the most cost-effective way of safeguarding heritage – and they deliver substantial public benefits.
“In 2024 alone, our member houses in Wales collectively welcomed nearly 200,000 visits, generated over £28 million in expenditure for the economy and supported 1,700 jobs.
“Heritage is the bedrock of Wales’ tourism sector and plays a key role in attracting visitors from the around the world to Wales.
“Indeed, according to the most recent Wales Visitor Survey, visiting a castle or historic attraction was the most popular activity for international visitors and it remains consistently popular with domestic visitors too.
“Our member houses places play a leading role in spreading the economic and social benefits of tourism across Wales.
“Our member places are often cultural lynchpins for their local communities, providing access to art, architecture and craftsmanship. They support the creative industries, boost local economies and provide access to beauty, nature and open space.”
