Location
Monserrat
Start Date
26-6-2026 3:30 PM
End Date
26-6-2026 5:00 PM
Description
This paper considers the impacts of overtourism on the local parish church in the English Cotswolds that allegedly inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin (Lord of the Rings), and which was also the location of the ending of the English Civil War in the 17th Century. As a convenient stopping place for coaches, the picturesque village of Stow-on-the-Wolds has numerous tea shops; its unique historical and literary connections have made St Edwards Parish Church into a destination for approximately 200,000 visitors a year (the equivalent of ten coaches every day). This research project assesses the visitors’ footprint: demographics; where they come from; what they do and how long they stay in Stow-on-the-Wold; and other activities they undertake in the area.
The challenges for the church and its leadership reach beyond simply attempting to engage with these visitors, as the sheer volume of tourists leads to wear and tear on the fabric of the church and its grounds, introducing elements of overtourism. In early 2026 the church advertised to recruit a professional tourism and events specialist to facilitate engagement with pilgrims, tourists and visitors to the church, including the development of relevant and appropriate events, and sharing the story of faith through these important literary and historical connections.
Analysing literature on overtourism and religious sites, the role of tourism in places of worship, and theological perspectives on hospitality and tourism, this paper applies the frameworks of eventisation of faith and the Cultural Risk Assessment. The project will begin to propose options for the church to proactively address the internal and external challenges and opportunities it faces.
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Included in
K2) (Over) Tourism and Tolkien’s Doors of Durin: Challenges And Opportunities for St Edward’s Local Parish Church
Monserrat
This paper considers the impacts of overtourism on the local parish church in the English Cotswolds that allegedly inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin (Lord of the Rings), and which was also the location of the ending of the English Civil War in the 17th Century. As a convenient stopping place for coaches, the picturesque village of Stow-on-the-Wolds has numerous tea shops; its unique historical and literary connections have made St Edwards Parish Church into a destination for approximately 200,000 visitors a year (the equivalent of ten coaches every day). This research project assesses the visitors’ footprint: demographics; where they come from; what they do and how long they stay in Stow-on-the-Wold; and other activities they undertake in the area.
The challenges for the church and its leadership reach beyond simply attempting to engage with these visitors, as the sheer volume of tourists leads to wear and tear on the fabric of the church and its grounds, introducing elements of overtourism. In early 2026 the church advertised to recruit a professional tourism and events specialist to facilitate engagement with pilgrims, tourists and visitors to the church, including the development of relevant and appropriate events, and sharing the story of faith through these important literary and historical connections.
Analysing literature on overtourism and religious sites, the role of tourism in places of worship, and theological perspectives on hospitality and tourism, this paper applies the frameworks of eventisation of faith and the Cultural Risk Assessment. The project will begin to propose options for the church to proactively address the internal and external challenges and opportunities it faces.