18 Aug 2020
Tags: #visitengland, #Tourismawardsforexcellence2020
VisitEngland announces winners of tourism Awards for Excellence 2020
VisitEngland has announced the winners of its annual Awards for Excellence, celebrating the best of the country's tourism industry.
The 19 winners were announced during a virtual awards event hosted by Julia Bradbury from 'The Outdoor Guide' in categories ranging from Experience of the Year to Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year, the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award, the Taste of England Award to the Pub of the Year and the New Tourism Business Award.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, now in their thirty-first year, celebrate and champion innovation, quality and best practice across the industry recognising businesses and individuals who raise the bar of England's tourism offer.
With winners selected from hundreds of tourism businesses across England including hotels, self catering accommodation, B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums.
VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said:
“These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding businesses and individuals in tourism across England who have delivered excellence. From a world-class boutique B&B in Torquay to adventure-packed experiences in Somerset, from an accessible country park and national nature reserve in Dorset to a bespoke English wine tour in Kent, our award winners provide stand-out experiences of the highest calibre.
“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism and this year's awards are also a timely reminder of the determination, innovation and commitment of businesses across the country who have been working extremely hard to reopen, to welcome visitors back safely and to continue to provide a first-class experience.”
A full list of winners can be found on -
www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/awards/visitengland-awards-excellence-2020-winners
To help inspire a future England staycation, we've rounded up some of the winners and their amazing offerings.
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Gold -
The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay, Devon – located in the stunning English Riviera offering six very individual boutique bedrooms, each unique in design, offering guests complete luxury in intimate surroundings. Serving up a breakfast with the finest of homemade and locally sourced produce, including delicious home baked goodies delivered to guests' rooms each day.
Silver-
St. Cuthbert's House, Northumberland – as the name suggests this was once a Chapel dating from 1810 and has been lovingly restored to a six-bedroom guesthouse, keeping many of its original features. St. Cuthbert's is set among the landscape of the Northumberland coast and has miles of sandy beaches to stroll along and the iconic castles of Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh to explore.
Bronze –
Haven Cottage, Cumbria
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Gold -
Landal Darwin Forest, Derbyshire – five star lodge holiday park located just outside of Matlock on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The park has 132 luxury lodges nestled within a stunning forest setting, as well as fantastic onsite facilities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, play centre, restaurant and an array of sporting activities for all the family, including woodland walks and cycling trails to explore.
Silver -
Swallowtail Hill, East Sussex - The farm's forty acres of wildflower meadow and woodland for conservation offer guests a complete getaway from the pace of modern life. In a world increasingly full of 'content', Swallowtail Hill is about finding contentment and connection – the things that really matter. With six accommodation options including a completely off-grid cottage for those looking for absolute peace and a matching pair of cabins perfect for families wanting space and a woodland retreat.
Bronze -
Eye Kettleby Lakes, Leicestershire
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Gold –
The Hive, Birmingham - an organic café and bakery with a heritage twist, situated in the New Standard Works in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. A biodynamically farmed rooftop garden supplying organic ingredients is a few steps away the café, which serves up fresh and chemical free dishes. The Hive is committed to selectively collecting and composting all food and green waste using their own onsite composter and wormery.
Silver -
The Quiet Site, Lake District - A family run campsite situated in an idyllic position in the Lake District fells overlooking Ullswater. The campsite, maintained to the highest of standards, offers extensive facilities and the most glorious scenery and landscapes to explore and enjoy. Investing millions of pounds in sustainable technologies, designed and building state of the art accommodation and facilities to create a modern holiday offering the best stay possible, combining the traditional ambiance of a Cumbrian farm with innovative sustainability to provide exciting and enjoyable holidays for the generations of both today and tomorrow.
Bronze -
Hoe Grange Holidays, Derbyshire
https://www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk/
Experience of the Year
Gold -
Wild Wookey, Somerset - an innovative adventure caving experience, set in some of the most famous and spectacular caves in the UK, designed and created by highly experienced and qualified cavers to provide a unique insight into technical European-style adventure caving. With abseiling, traversing over deep water, Via Ferrata climbs, awesome views, boat river crossing, zip line exit and the chance to see rare geological and archaeological treasures while accessing previously hidden passages, there's something to satisfy every level of adventure.
www.wookey.co.uk/wild-wookey/
Silver -
Ezekial Bone - Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour, Nottinghamshire – with Robin Hood as your guide, the tour is a fun and interactive way to explore the spirit of Nottingham, City and shire, past and present.
Bronze -
ZSL London Zoo Lodges, London
www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/london-zoo-lodge
International Tourism Award
Gold -
International Bomber Command Centre, Lincolnshire – Opening to the public in 2018, the project hosts a Memorial, nine acres of Peace Gardens and an exhibition/visitor centre in recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command.
https://internationalbcc.co.uk/
Silver-
The Roman Baths & Pump Room, Bath - set in the natural heart of Bath, the Roman Baths were built almost 2,000 years ago and re-discovered in the 1880s. A visit includes the Temple Precinct, Great Bath and bathing complex, an audio guide in twelve languages, a public guided tour and a taste of natural hot Spa water. The Pump Room houses an elegant restaurant with music played daily by the Pump Room Trio, Europe's longest-established resident ensemble.
Bronze -
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
www.blenheimpalace.com/
Large Hotel of the Year
Gold -
The Ned, London - a 250 bedroom hotel, with ten restaurants, six events spaces, a spa and members club located in the heart of the City. Set in the former Midland Bank building, the property is Grade I-listed, with a wealth of original features and interiors that channel 1920s and 1930s design. 'Ned's Club', the membership club, offers members and hotel guests access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa, hammam and a late-night bar and lounge in the original vault.
www.thened.com/
Silver –
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spam Wiltshire - Located a short distanced from Bath, Lucknam Park is a magnificent Palladian mansion dating from 1720. Set in 500 acres of listed parkland and beautiful gardens, Lucknam Park has been lovingly restored to the elegance and style of the past era. The distinguished hotel boasts 42 individually styled rooms and suites, Michelin star dining in Restaurant Hywel Jones, two AA Rosette dining in the Brasserie, an award-winning spa, equestrian centre, cookery school, family play facility and a three bedroom country cottage.
www.lucknampark.co.uk/
Bronze -
Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa, Hampshire
https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/southampton
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold –
The Old Royal Naval College, Greater London - an extraordinary cultural destination in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its magnificent Baroque buildings and grounds are one of London's most popular visitor attractions. This riverside estate has five centuries of rich history linking an incredible cast of monarchs and famous British figures. Nearly 200 years old, The Painted Hall is one of London's hidden gems.
www.ornc.org/
Silver –
The Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath - set in the natural heart of Bath, the Roman Baths were built almost 2,000 years ago and re-discovered in the 1880s. A visit includes the Temple Precinct, Great Bath and bathing complex, an audio guide in twelve languages, a public guided tour and a taste of natural hot Spa water. The Pump Room houses an elegant restaurant with music played daily by the Pump Room Trio, Europe's longest-established resident ensemble.
Bronze –
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Hertfordshire
https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
New Tourism Business Award
Gold -
Vine + Country Tours, Kent and East Sussex - Immerse yourself in the English wine scene with bespoke wine and food experiences around some of England's best vineyards, cider makers and brewers. Enjoy award-winning wines alongside regional foods in exclusive locations, led by local guides brimming with enthusiasm and knowledge for English wines.
www.vineandcountrytours.co.uk/
Silver-
Hotham's Gin School and Distillery, East Yorkshire - a boutique distillery producing four Hotham's gins with a weekly Gin School offering an interactive and luxurious experience learning about the history of gin, the ancient art of distilling with samplings of Hotham's unique artisan small-batch gins and the chance to distil your very own bottle of gin.
Bronze -
The Flower Bowl, Lancashire
Pub of the Year
Gold -
The Baskerville, Oxfordshire - Family run, traditional village inn serving up local beers and a restaurant priding itself on sustainable, seasonal and local fresh produce at the heart of its dishes. With four rooms available, it's the perfect place for a short break to take the time to stroll along the Thames Path from Henley-on-Thames.
https://www.thebaskerville.com/
Silver –
The Three Horseshoes Pub & Kitchen, Dorset - A charming thatched landmark pub in the idyllic village of Burton Bradstock, serving up the freshest and best locally sourced produce to create mouth-watering dishes, changing regularly to match the seasonality of its produce.
www.threehorseshoesburtonbradstock.co.uk/
Bronze -
The Howard Arms, Warwickshire
www.howardarms.com/
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Gold -
North Hayne Farm Cottages, , Devon - An Autism Friendly self-catering complex, with a children's farm taking place twice daily with animal feeding and handling experiences, morning donkey rides, private hot tubs with every cottage and on-site holistic pampering and children's clubs. Come and be a 'Free Ranger' making dens, search for Stickman, hunt for Easter eggs with 'Big Yellow', carve a pumpkin for Witch Grizelda at Halloween or join a Bethlehem Nativity cast each year at Christmas.
www.northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk/
Silver -
Wallops Wood Cottage, Hampshire - Located in the stunning South Downs National Park, guests can easily visit Winchester and Portsmouth, returning to enjoy the luxury of accommodation with wood burners, underfloor heating and hot tub to relax, and unwind after a long day exploring.
www.wallopswoodcottages.co.uk/
Bronze -
Broadgate Farm Cottage – East Yorkshire
www.broadgatefarmcottages.co.uk/
Small Hotel of the Year
Gold -
Grays Court, North Yorkshire - one of the most iconic buildings in York. A unique hotel and restaurant in the heart of the city, situated in the historic Minster Quarter, Grays Court is the only privately-owned residence in York with direct access to York City Walls.
https://www.grayscourtyork.com/
Silver -
Cary Arms & Spa, Devon - Sitting in the sheltered and sunny spot of Babbacombe Bay, the outstanding setting and views are breathtakingly beautiful. Exuding the charm and values of a good English inn and all the style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Hearty breakfasts, long lunches, lazy suppers, and sea views from every vantage point, you'll be guaranteed to leave feeling invigorated and relaxed.
www.caryarms.co.uk/
Bronze -
Seaham Hall, Seaham County Durham
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold –
Gladstone Pottery Museum, Staffordshire - Telling the story of North Staffordshire pottery workers, explaining how pottery was prepared, made and fired in coal burning bottle ovens. Stepping back in time to the days when coal burning bottle ovens dominated the local landscape. The museum has demonstrations of pottery skills including casting, bone china flowermaking, pot throwing and hand decorating. Visitors are able to have a go at making and painting pottery themselves, taking home a unique handmade souvenir of the museum.
Silver –
Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Somerset - The former home of 18th century astronomer William Herschel and his sister Caroline, a noted astronomer in her own right. In 1781 William discovered the planet Uranus from the garden, using a 7ft reflecting telescope of his own design. See the telescopes, globes and personal items from the Herschel family's private collection that helped him make the discovery.
Bronze –
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorset
Taste of England Award
Gold -
The Dining Room - Whatley Manor, Wiltshire – the one star Michelin star restaurant under the direction of Executive Chef Niall Keating delivers a unique experience, a menu constructed of 12 dishes delivering complex flavours drawing influence from around the world and specifically Asia where talented Chef Niall Keating has worked. Guests are invited into the kitchen for one of their courses.
www.whatleymanor.com/eat-drink/the-dining-room/
Silver -
John's House, Leicestershire - one Michelin Star restaurant, in the heart of rural Leicestershire, set in part of the rustic 16th century cottage that John grew up on. Championing a Field to Fork philosophy sourcing mainly home-grown ingredients using the very best of Leicestershire's produce, rare breed pork, hogget and mutton grazed on their organic pasture and home-grown Heritage Potatoes, herbs and vegetables and foraged natural ingredients straight from the family farm.
Bronze -
Restaurant Hjem, The Hadrian Hotel, Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland
www.restauranthjem.co.uk/
Before you travel check out www.visitengland.com/knowbeforeyougo for the latest guidance and top tips to help you plan responsibly and respect, protect and enjoy England when out and about.
For further press information please contact the VisitEngland PR team:
Louise Ferrall / Claire Keenan / Patrycja Woda
Email: vepr@visitengland.org or visit media.visitengland.com www.visitengland.com
VisitEngland Corporate team:
Tracey Edginton: tracey.edginton@visitengland.org / Thomas Clues: Thomas.clues@visitengland.org
