New website showcases Shipston's visitor appeal

"These websites offer both residents and visitors a way to find out what gems are hidden in our local market towns across Warwickshire whilst enabling our communities to buy and eat local to enable the local economy.”

A Warwickshire town which presents a traditional high street offer through an impressive range of independent retailers has strengthened its place on the tourist map with a new website.

Shipston-on-Stour, a market town on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, unveiled its new online presence – Love Shipston – during English Tourism Week to encourage day-trippers and families to spend more time in the town and explore its small businesses and restaurants.

The fascinating town has a history in both traditional craft industries and as a coaching town. It has become fertile ground for an array of vibrant independent businesses including quality hospitality and accommodation. Shops range from the traditional butchers, bakers and greengrocers to wine, homewares, gifts and fashion alongside cafés and restaurants to suit all occasions.

Several community-minded businesses teamed up to consider how best to present the visitor offer, culminating in the website which will be complemented by the hashtag #loveshipston to be adopted by the town businesses. The project has been supported by Warwickshire County Council and Shipston Town Council.

It comes as the town looks to increase visitor numbers and lengthen the duration of stay. The project has been led by retail expert Kim Hulse who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.

Kim said: “It’s been brilliant to see so many people pulling in the same direction to shout about Shipston as one of the UK’s leading independent shopping destinations. There is a strong community spirit between the owners and this support is helping to build on a recent influx of visitors who are realising what a great array of places to visit there are here.

“The fact that most businesses are run by local people, with products curated by them, means the shopping experience feels incredibly personalised – and this has strengthened Shipston’s resilience as a shopping destination at a time when consumers are wanting greater value for their money on the high street, and a good shopping experience.

“All this is on the doorstep of great cycling and walking routes, which means there is so much potential for a special day out and really helps to set Shipston apart and I think even more people from across the UK will certainly start to take more notice thanks to this new platform. We are especially interested in reaching the day visitor market as we are so close to Birmingham, Oxford and the Cotswolds, places that also offer a great visitor experience.”

Ian Cooper, from Shipston Town Council said “We are proud to support this new website which showcases everything Shipston has to offer to residents and visitors alike. Shipston offers a warm community spirit and thriving centre to those who live here and those that move here, and with the arrival of new businesses we look forward to seeing the town supported by residents and visitors."

Warwickshire County Council's Director of Economy and Place, Dave Ayton-Hill, said: “The new website celebrates the best of Shipston and is a direct result of WCC’s ‘Visit Local’ project which aims to help some of the county’s smaller towns to realise their untapped visitor potential. These websites offer both residents and visitors a way to find out what gems are hidden in our local market towns across Warwickshire whilst enabling our communities to buy and eat local to enable the local economy.”