CHURCHES and hotels have been paired up as part of a new bid to entice tourists to Wiltshire.

The Churches Conservation Trust, the national charity protecting historic churches at risk, has joined forces with VisitWiltshire (CORR) to launch a new heritage trail, featuring four historic county churches and four of the county’s best pubs and hotels, in a new project designed to get more people visiting.

The trust’s 21 churches in Wiltshire are open as free heritage attractions, many of which represent almost 1,000 years of English history and together attract more than 38,000 visitors a year.

Now, as part of a drive to boost visitors to the historic buildings, the charity and VisitWiltshire have matched four of its most idyllic countryside churches with four outstanding lunch venues to make a special day out or short break for locals and tourists alike.

Katrina Hurford, national marketing manager at The Churches Conservation Trust, said: “Our churches have a lot to offer in the way of nourishment for the eyes, ears and soul, but nothing in the way of more practical nourishment.

"With these new partnerships each pairing provides opportunities to explore the Wiltshire countryside by foot, bike or car, to discover hidden gems offering irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art, and to enjoy some of the finest produce Wiltshire has to offer, expertly presented.

"We hope it will be a winning combination."

The four churches featured are All Saints’ in Alton Priors, St Leonard’s in Sutton Veny, St Mary’s in Old Dilton and St John the Baptist in Inglesham. They are partnered with The Red Lion Freehouse in Pewsey, The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford, The Three Daggers in Edington and Stanton House Hotel in Stanton Fitzwarren.

David Andrews, CEO at VisitWiltshire, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this new Saints and Sinners Trail, combining outstanding church architecture and craftsmanship with some devilishly good food and places to stay.”

VisitWiltshire and The Churches Conservation Trust are working together to promote the trail, encouraging visitors to stay in Wiltshire for a short break through PR drives online and in print.

“Not only can visitors follow in the footsteps of those who have stood before in these amazing Wiltshire churches, but they can take full advantage of the local fresh produce and excellent accommodation in nearby pubs and hotels,” David added.

To download the leaflet and find out more about the Saints and Sinners trail, log on to www.visitchurches.org.uk/saintsandsinnerswiltshire. Leaflets are also available in tourist information centres throughout the county.