Churches Tourism Network Wales

Poets Priests and Pubs

All recent tourism research tells us that visitors to a place seek “atmosphere”. The many churches and chapels in Wales have the potential to provide that atmosphere and more.

Poets, Priests and Pubs is a project designed to maximise the potential of churches and chapels in Southern Wales not just in terms of atmosphere, but by “adding value” to the location though planning circular walks from the building and using the building to celebrate local and regional poets, writers, musicians etc.

A great many of the churches in Southern Wales have had pubs built next door or very close nearby – the two buildings have been the centres of the community throughout the centuries.

Poets, Priests and Pubsseeks to link the “atmosphere” of the church, the beauty and creativity of the local poets and writers etc with the typically warm hospitality for which the Southern Wales pubs are renowned.

Visitors will be attracted to the locality to

Enjoy the special and unique atmosphere of the Church
Enjoy a circular walk from the church taking in Wales’ dramatic and inspiring countryside. The walks will use existing waymarked routes, whenever possible. There will be the facility for the walks to be led by people who have received training specifically for this project
The Place of Worship and the pub will be used to develop local festivals with an emphasis on the Arts and where possible to coincide with Welsh saints days and ancient local celebrations
Recognising Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to a Healthy Wales, this is another opportunity to create a reason for people to take exercise and learn more of their local heritage and culture. This fits well with the Wales Tourist Board’s Cultural Tourism Strategy.
The project will be very mindful of environment concerns – where possible, every effort will be made to identify places of worship, which are accessible by public transport.
The local economy will benefit from increased number of visitors and the consequent opportunity to spend in the area.

Churches Tourism Network Wales is developing this project with 50% financial support from the Wales Tourist Board and using the expertise of Paul Barrett and Associates as consultants.

Back to Projects