Perceived place qualities, restorative effects and self-reported wellbeing benefits of visits to heritage sites: Empirical evidence from a visitor survey in England

•Heritage sites are complex environments that pose challenges in identifying which attributes may enhance visitor wellbeing.•We develop and test a measurement instrument for the wellbeing effects of visits to heritage sites based on Attention Restoration Theory.•Different elements of heritage sites contribute differently to subjective wellbeing needs by increasing positive affect and reducing anxiety.•Empirical evidence for potential therapeutic benefits of visits to heritage sites.