KEIGHLEY-district tourist attractions have enjoyed a strong year.

Historic East Riddlesden Hall saw visitor numbers increase by over 2.5 per cent.

Last year the 17th-century National Trust property welcomed 37,575 people through its doors, compared to 36,629 in 2014.

Visitor totals across all categories, including trust members and the paying public, rose.

Carla Weatherall, visitor experience and marketing manager at the hall, said she was delighted.

"It's been another great year – in terms of both visitors to the property and the number of couples choosing to hold their wedding day here," she added.

"We are seeing a steady increase in visitors year on year.

"Also, we've had some great visitor feedback and Trip Advisor reviews.

"We hope that during 2016 as many people will come and enjoy time at East Riddlesden Hall as they did in 2015."

Numbers visiting the Bronte Parsonage Museum at Haworth remained constant, at around 69,500, but the world-famous literary shrine saw a two per cent rise in income.

Attendances for educational activities such as talks and workshops were also about the same, but shop sales soared by 20 per cent.

The museum is anticipating an increase in visitors this year as it stages a series of events celebrating the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte's birth.

"We are delighted that numbers have remained steady and look forward to welcoming more people this year," said Rebecca Yorke, the museum's marketing and communications officer.

Visitors to Keighley's Cliffe Castle Museum increased from 54,864 in 2013-14 to 59,236 the following year, but bosses say a comparison is difficult because the attraction was closed for part of 2013-14 for electrical work.

Maggie Pedley, Bradford Council's museum and galleries manager, said: "Cliffe Castle continues to be a really popular destination for both local people and visitors from across the region.

"It is a fascinating museum with a wide variety of displays to enjoy, from an Egyptian mummy to ancient coin hoards, not to mention the fabulous refurbishment reflecting the time when the house was owned by Isaac Butterfield.

"The museum is also well known for its geology display, which is very popular with children.

"We also host temporary exhibitions such as a recent wedding dress collection from across the ages, so as Keighley's 'treasure house' it really does have something for everyone!"

Haworth Visitor Information Centre last year dealt with 139,572 enquiries, slightly up on 2014, but council tourism bosses say a new footfall counter was fitted last April so an accurate comparison is difficult.

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway saw a three per cent drop in passenger numbers, to 92,760.

Marketing officer Sarah Howsen said: "We started the year strongly – with the first six months seeing visitor numbers match the 2014 figure – and once again we had a strong season of Santa Specials, but due to adverse weather during the year visitor numbers did decrease slightly."

The five-mile line was forced to close for over a day due to the Boxing Day floods.