The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have cut the ribbon on a major revamp of an historic tourist attraction.

Since 1890, visitors have flocked to the riverside Cavendish Pavilion on the Bolton Abbey Estate and now a major investment has seen a complete overhaul of the venue, which was built in the style of a Victorian railway station building.

The pavilion has been closed since the new year while the revamp was carried out.

On Friday, an official launch ceremony took place, when the Duke of Devonshire spoke of the importance of investing in tourism.

He told the invited audience: “I just wanted to say how proud we are – my family and our trustees – to be expanding and developing this wonderful, historic, rather odd looking building. I think if you were to apply for planning permission to put this now in the middle of Wharfedale you’d get a few raised eyebrows.

“When we expanded, probably longer ago than I care to think, the planners were brilliant and they said you can make it bigger but it’s got to look exactly the same and that’s what we did from the outside. Now with this refurbishment, I think it looks even better.

“I’m very proud of the fact that we have continued to invest in the visitor economy, it’s absolutely crucial for jobs and for the general prosperity of this part of Yorkshire that we and others continue to invest in the visitor industry.

“We do believe very strongly in investing in the visitor economy and we will continue to do so.

“We always have some plans for new developments and new ideas, which will be in keeping with the environment and with the beautiful Wharfe valley.” The Duke added: “I am also so pleased that we have been able to make use of the wonderful local businesses who’ve all done a magnificent job.

“It’s great that you’re all local and that you do such a fantastic job – another wonderful advertisement for this part of Yorkshire.”