A POPULAR tourist attraction in the Yorkshire Dales is set to transform its visitor experience thanks to a new full fibre broadband connection installed by Quickline Communications.
The high-speed connection will unlock a range of new digital services and opportunities for the Stump Cross Caverns, helping it to engage visitors in innovative ways while boosting operational efficiency.
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, Stump Cross Caverns has been attracting tourists for decades with its awe-inspiring underground tours of limestone caves that date back over 500,000 years.
However, its rural location has long made reliable internet access a challenge - until now.
With Quickline’s full fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connection, Stump Cross Caverns can now bring modern digital experiences to life for its visitors, further enhancing its appeal as a must-visit destination.
The enhanced connectivity will allow Stump Cross Caverns to introduce a raft of new initiatives, including augmented reality (AR) experiences in the caves, improved marketing opportunities such as live streaming as well as providing high-speed Wi-Fi to visitors.
Oliver Bowerman, managing director of Stump Cross Caverns, said: "The installation of full fibre broadband is a game-changer for us. It is fast and reliable and being able to depend on it to do the things you want to do as a business is brilliant.
“Not having the internet these days is like not having power – you need it to do absolutely everything in the business.
“Quickline coming in and installing full fibre has made our lives so much easier.
“It enables us to do everything we want to do and there’s no barriers now, meaning we can do the basics like updating our social media and website as well as all the exciting things we want to do in the future.
“It will allow us to better serve our customers, both online and on-site, while helping us grow as a business in the digital age."
Phil Merifield, area build manager at Quickline, said: "We’re thrilled to provide Stump Cross Caverns with a full fibre connection that will enable them to bring their vision for a more interactive and accessible visitor experience to life.
“This is exactly the kind of transformation we aim to deliver with our rural broadband connections, helping to bridge the digital divide and support local businesses in remote locations."
With its new broadband capabilities, Stump Cross Caverns aims to boost visitor numbers, attract new audiences and secure its place as one of the region’s most forward-thinking tourist destinations.
Although Stump Cross Caverns is forward-thinking, the site is steeped in history.
It was discovered in 1860 by lead miners William and Mark Newbould.
According to information on the Stump Cross Caverns website: “The caverns lay undisturbed and undiscovered, far below the surface.
“That was until one fateful day in 1860 when two intrepid lead miners made Yorkshire history.
“William and Mark Newbould weren't expecting to stumble upon Stump Cross.
“They were doing what they did most days – looking for valuable lead deposits to sell.
“But when they broke through a hollow-sounding section of tunnel, they found something far more precious – a pristine network of natural caverns, decked out with incredible rock formations. Imagine the looks on their faces!
“The Newboulds had noted the success of other show caves in Britain.
“With a shrewd eye for business, they approached landowner Thomas Yorke and negotiated a lease.
“This was the beginning of Stump Cross Caverns as a local attraction.”
A quote from the time by the Post Office Directory of the West Riding of Yorkshire with the City of York, 1861 edition, said: “In January 1860, the Yorkshire Mining Company discovered at Stump Cross, near Pateley Bridge, at the depth of nine fathoms, some very extensive caverns, embellished with stalactites and stalagmites, of great brilliancy, specimens of which have been eagerly sought after.
“Some of the cavities are as large as good-sized rooms, and are described as having the appearance of a palace of jewels, the rarity and brilliancy of which are beyond description.”
For more information about Stump Cross Caverns visit stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk To find out more about Quickline’s services and to see whether you can get connected, visit quickline.co.uk
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