Abstract

Research was undertaken into the experiential nature of a visit to a cathedral as heritage
visitor attraction. Qualitative data from focus group discussion exposed the nature of the
consumption experience prior to, during, and after the visit. The experience was romantic
and primarily emotional, a product of affective and reflective processes. Personal narratives
are posited as a useful paradigm for conceptualising the predispositions with which subjects
arrive for their visit. Implications for visitor management are that promotional and interpretive
literature should emphasise connection with human continuity, rather than human
works; and the imposition of an obligatory admission charge sits uneasily alongside visitors’
perception that a cathedral is public territory.