Stonehenge visitor centre
A visitor centre is
a building which interprets a nearby attraction but is not the main
attraction in itself. Its functions may include reception and
orientation for visitors, provision of tourist information, visitor
management, refreshments, toilets and other visitor services, as
well as interpretation, which is the primary objective. A visitor
centre (often called heritage centre or interpretive centre) tells
a story, whereas a museum is based on a collection. The story may
be about heritage, culture, countryside, or an
industry.
According to
Sightseeing in the UK, there are around 500 visitor centres in the
UK, about 7% of the total number of attractions. There has been a
large increase in the number of visitor centres during the last ten
years, with 259 being opened between 1989 and 1999. (The
Sightseeing figures are an underestimate because some visitor
centres are included in other categories, such as workplaces or
historic houses.
Most visitor centres
are not run for profit and are operated by public agencies, trusts
and other community-minded organisations. Some commercial operators
are not looking for direct profit from their centre, but expect
indirect benefits like those from public relations, or sales
promotion. Sightseeing in the UK analyses ownership as follows,
grouping trusts and other non-profit-making bodies under 'private',
together with private companies.
