Visitor information

What information is there for visitors?

Is it easy to see?

Is it really attractive to visitors?

Is it in accessible formats (braille, large print)?

Have you translated anything into European languages?

Is there anything special for children as visitors and tourists, such as information or games?

Here are some things to think about when opening your church. They don't necessarily require funding but they do need thought and a commitment to welcome.

• Is there a sign to the church anywhere in the village or off the main road?
• Is there welcome sign on church notice boards?
• Is there information about church opening hours and services; who and where the key holders are, and whether children and dogs are welcome?
• Are there out-of-date and drooping notices about?

How easy is it to park and to get to the church?

• Is there parking for cars and bicycles?
• Are footpaths in good order?
• Are the paths accessible to disabled people?

Churchyard

• Is the churchyard well-maintained?
• Could the gravestones do with some TLC?
• Can people easily look at graves?
• Do you have some wild areas to encourage birds, bees, and small animals? Are there any other things which encourage flora and fauna?

• Is there a notice board in the church entrance with service times, the vicar and church wardens' names, and so on?
• Is it easy to open the church door?
• Can the church door be left open in good weather? What is needed to deter birds?
• How accessible is the church (for wheelchairs, prams etc.)?
• Do you tell people about accessibility?
• Is there information about any access problems which is easy for the visitor to see?
• Is there a water bowl for dogs?

Is there a 'wow' factor when the door is opened?

• When a tourist enters the church what takes the eye first? The pulpit? The font? The nave roof? The lofty proportions? How will they be encouraged there?
• What are the major attractions in the church? How can you draw attention to them?
• How will you interpret them for adults and for children?
• Is the church clean and well cared for – free from dust, cobwebs, and bat droppings?
• Could there be tea/coffee facilities?
• What souvenirs are there for the tourist to take away?
• What about payment facilities?
• Could there be photos etc. on a web site for people to buy?
• The visitors book: how well used is it? Where should it be for people to see it easily?
• What links are there with other churches locally? With tourist facilities?
• Are there guided tours, church open days, and open tower days?
• What information do you have in the church about your conservation/ restoration plans? Is it sufficient?
• Is there any information about church archives and help to people who are doing genealogical work?

• How do you cater for spiritual needs?
• Where can people just sit for quiet reflection? How do you tell people about this?
• Do you have a prayer board and how is it used/managed?
• Are people to light their own candles or will this be done for them?
• Is there anything to educate people about worship and inform them about things like the church year, the altar, the font, the pulpit, the lectern?

• Do you tell the story of the name of your church? (e.g. St. Catherine and why she was chosen for that church.)
• Is there information about the stained glass and its stories?
• Are there local historical stories?

• Does your information point have leaflets about shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels B&Bs, and local amenities (including petrol stations)?
• Are there any maps of the area?
• Are there links to local schools so that children can help in tourist interpretation?
• Are there links to Broads/County footpaths?