FOR Tabley House, 2013 will be a year to remember as figures reveal it was the best year yet for group visits.

The former stately home saw a huge influx of visitors last year and the number of groups visiting jumped by 44pc.

Groups travelled from across the country, such as London, Lincolnshire and Sheffield, and varied in size from 50 to eight.

Clare Pye, Chair of The Tabley House Collection Trust, said: “As one of the smaller attractions in the Knutsford and the East Cheshire area, The Tabley House Collection is a bit of a hidden gem.

“This is why it has been such a delight this year to welcome so many groups to enjoy one of the best painting collections in Cheshire and one of the most stunning Georgian interiors.

“Many group members comment in the amount to take in and we hope that some of them will return under their own steam in coming years.”

The trust believes the surge in visitors is a result of a concerted marketing campaign in early 2013, including a new group leaflet, advertising and targeting mail shots.

The Tabley House Collection offers a range of guided and special themed tours and study days. For more information on call 01565 750151 or email tableyhouse@btconnect.com.