A NEW season of courses for small businesses operating around Hadrian's Wall kicks off later this month.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage is launching its autumn workshops for tourism businesses run under the Know Your Hadrian’s Wall Country (KYHWC) banner with a preview day on Wednesday, October 19.

Newcastle expert guide Patricia Lowery will be leading the first course, called Talk of the Toon, which will focus on Hadrian’s Wall in the city.

It is the third year that courses have been run for businesses adjacent to the Wall. Around 200 people attended last year’s 16 events.

Julie Sloan of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage said: “The one day KYHWC courses are for businesses involved in tourism throughout the World Heritage Site – such as cafes, accommodation providers, cycle hire and taxi firms – to find out more about the area’s history and landscape.

“We work closely with businesses across Hadrian’s Wall Country and the topics are all requested by them.

“Visitors often need more information about the Wall itself, the cities and towns or the surrounding countryside. It’s this local knowledge and personal service that can turn a good visitor experience into a great one, encouraging people to return.

“This preview course for the new season gives participants a chance to visit places they may not have visited before and discover fascinating Roman facts about Newcastle.”

Courses cover the history and heritage, geology and superb flora and fauna around Hadrian’s Wall Country and are all led by experts.

Booking is essential. Contact Lucy or Julie on 01434 609700 or email lucy.weeks@hwhl.co.uk  or julie.sloan@hwhl.co.uk  for further information.