A STATELY ruin has bucked the downward trend in visiting figures to historic buildings with a massive increase.

Witley Court looks set to remain a major tourist attraction after visiting figures showed a huge rise from just over 20,000 last year to more than 28,000 since March this year.

The English Heritage-run ruin, still striking in its emphatic scale and grandeur, is certainly proving a hit with visitors.

English Heritage West Midlands historic properties manager Margaret Oakden put the increase down to the diversity of events on offer.

She said: "We have historic buildings, woodland walks, and less formal gardens open.

"People keep coming back to see what we're doing next.

"There's great local interest with lots of repeat visits from people living within 50 miles. They come back and ask us 'what have you done this time?'"

She added: "We're confident of another rise in numbers this year."

The magnificent ruin is set to draw even more visitors after launching its new sculpture park this month.

The Jerwood Sculpture Park has already drawn tourists from Scotland and France.

And there are ambitious plans to restore the Perseus and Andromeda and Flora fountains to their former glory.

The booming attraction also draws in theatre-goers for plays in the grounds.

Miss Oakden said: "We're in an area which attracts people from the arts.

"Open air theatres attract people who wouldn't normally come in the day."