Thursday 27 January 2011

Stamp of approval for Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle has been recognised by VisitEngland for its excellent customer service through the national tourist board's Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS).
The Castle was praised for its image, presentation of staff and welcome.

Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Customers at Nottingham City Council, said: "Nottingham Castle is a fantastic site enjoyed by local people and visitors alike. Being accredited by VAQAS gives external confirmation that customers will enjoy excellent service when they visit. 

"It is a huge honour for the team at Nottingham Castle and recognises the hard work they put in day in and day out, from the exhibition team and maintenance team, to the trading team and front of house staff. We would like to thank Renaissance East Midlands who funded this assessment.

"If you've not been to the Castle recently, or have friends and family due to visit soon, why not make a date to come along to this popular and historic Nottingham attraction."

During the application process, an independent assessor visited the Castle considering various aspects such as the layout of the attraction, the range and quality of signage, the appearance and cleanliness of the grounds, quality of presentation and interpretation, appearance and attitude of staff, retail, catering and toilet facilities, information leaflets and attractions inside the museum. 

Recent improvements at the Castle over the past year have included:
  • a new Hood in the Wood Gallery - a new Robin Hood themed feature telling the story of Nottingham
  • improved audio and video facilities
  • a wide range of information leaflets which can be picked up on site, including details of The Nottingham Museum of Life, Green's Mill, Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey .
  • The Castle was also praised for its local exhibitions such as the along the River Trent exhibition currently showing in the Mezzanine.
James Berresford, VisitEngland's Chief Executive said: "We know 59 per cent of Brits feel they don't make the best use of their time. A day out at any of our amazing cultural attractions like Nottingham Castle can be as inspirational as it is enjoyable.  The VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque is a stamp of approval showing our visitors that the attraction they are visiting offers a high quality and memorable experience."

The Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) is managed by VisitEngland and, through its network of regional assessors. It has an incredible reputation for instigating, modifying and shaping change to the customer experience at visitor attractions across England. The scheme encourages participants to make VAQAS work for them as a management tool. 

Industry support has been consistently strong with participants eager to take on board the recommendations of their local assessor.

Nottingham Castle is a magnificent 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original Medieval Castle, with spectacular views across the city. The Castle has a turbulent past, linked to kings and conquerors and still has a maze of original caves hidden beneath its imposing walls.

For further information about Nottingham Castle please visit Nottingham Castle. For events at Nottingham Castle visit What´s On in Nottingham

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