Herefordshire hosted the first ever "University of the Great Outdoors" event on May bank holiday.
The two day event attracted more than 3,500 visitors and was voted a top outdoor event by visitors and participating businesses.
The event raised awareness of the range of different activities on offer in Herefordshire and visitors were encouraged to have a go at over 18 different activities including paintballing, land rover driving, zip line, canoeing and touch rugby. Ieuan Evans, the former Welsh rugby player was at Eastnor Castle on both days to join the crowds in having a go.
The businesses participating have also reported follow-up bookings from interested visitors.
"We hope that this will be the first of many such events in Herefordshire. The county has plenty to offer the active visitor and Visit Herefordshire is keen to share that secret and become the UK's University of the Great outdoors," said Jane Lewis, Cultural Services Manager at Herefordshire Council.
This is one of many projects being undertaken by Visit Herefordshire to promote the Great Outdoors.
The annual Walking Festival is currently well under way (June 14 - 21) with more than 59 walks over nine days throughout the county. The Walking Festival, now in its 6th year attracts over 1,000 visitors to the county.
The outdoor theme continues with the golf short breaks packages, a new project for Visit Herefordshire that will be launched in early summer.
The packages will offer accommodation and opportunities to play golf at more than 15 different golf courses.
This is an exciting project leading up to the Ryder Cup in Newport in 2010 when Herefordshire hopes to benefit from the demands of visitors for accommodation and quieter golf courses.
To find out more about University of the Great Outdoors contact Visit Herefordshire on 01432 260621.