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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

The Making of Harry Potter

7 June 2023

Menu

Starter

Potato Pavé, Caramelised Parsnip Purée and Wild Mushroom Fricassee

Main

Rack of Lamb, Braised Potatoes, Croquette, Spring Vegetables and Vine Tomatoes

OR Broccoli, Leek and Blue Cheese Tart, Watercress, Apple and Parmesan

Dessert

Rhubarb and Custard Sphere, Apple, textures of Yorkshire Rhubarb and Pistachio

Tea and coffee

Patricia Yates CEO, VisitEngland

The last year has seen our industry show a really positive return to form and the recovery post COVID continues to bring much optimism. While we face challenges with the increased cost of living, our sector’s strong offering saw tourism spending reach 91% of 2019 levels.* With 2023’s special events, the Coronation and Eurovision, attracting visitors both internationally and domestically to see everything our country has to offer, we expect another positive year ahead.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is a celebration, recognising and congratulating the finest businesses across the country. Each year we are astounded at the incredible quality we see from every entrant. Our sector is packed with innovation, excellence, enthusiasm, skill and people who make it their mission to give visitors a warm welcome.

Over the past year, 48 finalists have come through closely competed local competitions to deservedly win their coveted slot at this year’s national awards. The hundreds of applications we received are a testament to the wealth of quality product available across our tourism landscape.

Whether it’s delivering amazing experiences, running exciting attractions, hosting fabulous places to stay and more, you, the finalists, are the ‘best of the best’, helping raise the bar for our industry as a whole, and raise the profile of England as a worldclass destination.

Whatever you win tonight, be it Bronze, Silver or Gold, you rightly, can be proud of everything that you have achieved. Becoming a finalist is no mean feat and we’re delighted to sprinkle a little stardust on everything you do and the contribution you make to our wonderful industry.

I warmly congratulate all the finalists and wish you all the very best of luck.

Can there be a more apt place to celebrate the magic of English tourism than here at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter? However, rather than mysticism and illusion, it’s the hard work, commitment and dedication of everyone within the industry that makes English tourism so special.

*Oxford Economics

Order of events

Welcome

Alex Polizzi, Compere

Fiona Pollard, VisitEngland Advisory Board Chair

John Whittingdale MP, Minister for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries (Local representative)

Dinner

Nick Lomas, Director General, Caravan and Motorhome Club

Award ceremony part one (TBC)

Refreshment break

Kat Lee, CEO, Family Holiday Charity

Award ceremony part two (TBC)

Closing

Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitEngland

Thank you to all 16 local competitions

(designer notes: Please include the logos of the local competitions)

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages & Lakeside Hub, Lancashire

Opened in 2013, Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages & Lakeside Hub hosts 12 outstanding cottages set on Brickhouse Farm amongst acres of stunning countryside. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of all the activities, projects and day to day visitor interactions. Locals and visitors can meet new people, learn from each other’s experiences while having every need catered for in the fully and truly accessible cottages and Lakeside Hub. Brickhouse makes it easy for families from all over the country with all kind of disabilities have an enjoyable break in a completely judgement-free environment.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol

Located six miles out of Bristol, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a family-run zoo that welcomes over 210,000 visitors a year. The zoo is a Rare Breed Survival Trust Associate and has over 100 species of exotic and endangered species including rhinos, african elephants and spectacled bears and a host of British rare-breed farm animals in the collection.

Noah’s Ark welcomes around 20,000 school children annually and has a full national curriculum led, Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) accredited education programme, with interactive workshops. The zoo aims to be an inclusive and accessible family day out, providing a Changing Places facility, mobility scooters, and accessible play. Sustainability is at the heart of the business with energy generation, responsible sourcing, locally and ethically sourced products in retail outlets.

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire

WWT Slimbridge is the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity. It exists to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, and make it a principle for wetlands and wildlife to be accessible and engaging for everyone. Recent initiatives at Slimbridge includes a Changing Places facility; Wetland Heroes, an app providing an inclusive experience for audiences with sensory impairments as well as an iSandbox – an interactive wetlands sandbox which stimulates the senses through texture and sound. Portable and built-in hearing induction loops are available as well as enlarged maps across the site. Volunteers can accompany visitors with visual impairments while giving interesting facts and insights about the wildlife. The Wild Safari, Estuary Tower Hide and Summer Walkway are also wheelchair-accessible and provides wider access to the 800-acre reserve.

noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge

B&B and Guest House of the Year

Cedar Manor, Cumbria

Based in the Lake District, Cedar Manor was originally built in 1854 and has been lovingly restored and developed into a five-star Gold Guest Accommodation. This small luxury guest house has 10 bedrooms and suites, each including access to the public areas. The mature walled gardens, create the perfect space for Afternoon Tea which can also be served on the terrace under the magnificent Cedar Tree. A big focus has been made on sustainability, drawing on the best local suppliers for not only food and drink, but furniture, bedding and carpets. A small, friendly team led by hands-on owners ensure the best customer service and a fantastic stay for all guests.

Piglets Boutique B&B, Essex

Piglets opened up before the start of the pandemic giving adults an oasis to relax and unwind - swim in a natural eco-swimming pond, or workout in the gym before a home-cooked breakfast featuring award-winning local produce and eggs from Piglet’s very own hens. Guests can take in the luxury board games, or can just relax with a good book in the guest lounge. Snooker, table tennis, foosball, darts, péntanque, croquet and even a sauna are available for one to fully unwind. Evening meals can be served al-fresco on the Mediterranean patio, or served in the dining room with a licensed honour bar close at hand. There’s bike routes and numerous walks abound in the surrounding countryside and plenty to see and do, just a short drive away before retiring to the luxury super-king en-suite bedrooms.

Sunnyside Guest House, Southport, Merseyside

The Sunnyside is a modern, award-winning guest house committed to providing an elite customer experience for travellers and their families with additional needs. Based in the heart of Southport town centre, this family run B&B offers 10 beautifully appointed guest bedrooms, excellent value and a keen eye for attention and service, whilst being conscientious about sustainabilty. A feature of Sunnyside’s catering is their home-made items including cakes, jams and ketchup, all prepared using freshly sourced local produce.

Business Events Venue of the Year

Imago Venues, Leicestershire

Imago Venues are Leicestershire’s premier award winning venue brand, combining year-round conference venues and hotels with Loughborough University’s campus facilities. The company started trading in March 1991 with just one venue and their portfolio has expanded to include Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, The Link Hotel, Elite Athlete Centre & Hotel and Loughborough Nursery. They provide high-quality conference and meeting spaces, accommodation, and world-leading sports and leisure facilities to over 55,000 delegates annually. Imago ensures their quality facilities are supported by staff with the right skills and confidence to deliver exceptional service and go above and beyond expectations. Imago Venues gift aid their profits back to Loughborough University, contributing over £1 million every year to research and academic excellence on campus.

National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum, the nation’s centre of Remembrance, offers a completely unique conferencing proposition. This award-winning building, is home to seven flexible spaces, suitable for 10 to 500 guestsdelivering over 370 events each year. Aspects at the Arboretum was designed to provide stunning and contemporary facilities for the remembrance events formerly held onsite. Situated within a 150-acre green, open landscape home to over 25,000 trees punctuated with over 400 memorials, Aspects is a truly extraordinary and unique backdrop for events that matter and is the perfect place to bring teams together.

The ICC Birmingham, West Midlands

thenma.org.uk/hold-your-event/the-aspects-building .theicc.co.uk

The ICC began as the UK’s first purpose built International Convention Centre. Bringing people together and pushing technology boundaries, hosting both hybrid and in-person physical events. From international medical association conferences to awards dinners, from product launches to political party conferences, ICC Birmingham welcomes events of all shapes and sizes and forms part of Birmingham’s exciting and diverse city offer. The ICC is owned and operated by the NEC Group and typically hosts more than 400 events each year, accommodating over 350,000 delegates. It has been acclaimed with multiple awards, recognising everything from its position in the international conference market to its impact on British business tourism. As a major events venue the ICC looks to lead the way on environmental, social, and governance issues, sourcing food locally, reducing energy consumption with smart technology, zero waste-to-landfill and a commitment to net zero carbon emissions.

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Brook Meadow, Leicestershire

Brook Meadow run by Mary and Jasper Hart for 30 years is set in a tranquil working farm on the Leicestershire-Northamptonshire border. It is surrounded by 400 acres of grazing and arable land, with 20 acres designated for holidaying with a breath-taking five-acre fishing lake. The site has been transformed over recent years with the three lodges receiving high-end English botanical interiors, linking with the peaceful setting and lake views. An ‘Out of Africa’ themed glamping area includes a two-storey, fully furnished safari lodge. The lakeside cabin and airstreaming complete the glamping offer along side traditional caravan and tent pitches. All surrounded with trees, native hedging and wildflower plantings to make the pitches feel secluded and even more idyllic.

Hendra Holiday Park, Devon

Hendra Holiday Park is an independent Cornish family-owned and operated five-star holiday park, celebrating 50 years in business. Hendra’s mission is to provide the very best five-star family holiday experience to those seeking self-catering holiday homes from budget to luxury, within an environmentally friendly and sustainable business framework. The holiday park occupies 80 acres of picturesque countryside offering holiday homes, touring and camping pitches, and glamping pods for up to 3,800 guests. The site hosts the Oasis Fun Pools, one of the largest fun pools in the South West, alongside three eateries, entertainment venue, play parks, soft play facility and the site is only minutes from Newquay’s world-famous golden sand beaches.

The Quiet Site, Cumbria

The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963. Before long tourists outnumbered the sheep and the small Lakeland farm, set high in the fells overlooking Ullswater, became a holiday park. Sympathetic development has enabled the site to retain the traditional ambiance of a Cumbrian farm while offering first-class sustainable technologies, great customer service and state of the art accommodation. Their sustainable programme saw them generate more than 70% of the total energy used on the site last year. Many guests have holidayed with the Quiet Site from the early days to the award-winning green park it has become. The updated facilities are world class and the breathtaking views and dediciation to top-level hospitality remain the same, so every visitor has a great holiday whatever their budget.

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

National Forest EBike Holidays, Leicestershire

A key motivation for the founding of National Forest EBike Holidays was to help tell the story of the National Forest region as a quality, sustainable, tourism destination through gentle, self-guided walking and EBike holidays. Holders of the Green Tourism Gold Award, sustainable tourism is central to the business. National Forest EBike Holidays work with the best quality small, luxurious B&Bs, inns and independent hotels in the area, with a preference for those with strong sustainable credentials. Customers receive an authentic experience in wildlife, heritage and the stories behind the region. A bespoke service is provided so guests can enjoy an easy walking or cycling holiday, without the crowds, yet still have all their creature comforts. Routes are designed to take guests through the changing landscape of the National Forest, Charnwood Geopark and Bosworth regions. Guests have a leisurely time, exploring the many villages, attractions, experiences and eateries along the way.

Pure Outdoor, Derbyshire

Pure Outdoor aims to inspire and educate through adventure at their award winning outdoor activity centre in the heart of the Hope Valley, Peak District providing hillwalking, climbing, caving, mountain biking and group events. The dedicated training centre ‘the Adventure Hub’ provides a unique facility for all customers to enjoy. Their mission is to provide world-class training and outdoor experiences from passionate, experienced instructors, that are safe, accessible, innovative and inspiring with the least possible environmental impact. The business is formally committed to donate the equivalent of 5% of annual revenues to social and environmental causes through the ‘Pure Outdoor Foundation Fund’. Recent achievements for the business include qualifying as a certified B Corp in 2021, receiving the Silver Award at the 2022 Visit England Awards for Excellence for both Experience of the Year and Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.

The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, Devon

Guests staying at The Cottages at Blackadon Farm enjoy the best of both worlds, walks around the Dartmoor National Park and the South Hams an area of outstanding natural beauty, and stunning South Devon beaches just a few miles away. Following a full renovation with a sustainable ethos at its core, the Green Tourism gold standard self-catering cottages provide modern luxury with extra touches to a high-end hotel equivalent standard, for seasoned and next generation staycationers. The Cottages have offerings for adults, families, large groups (ranging from multi-generation families to corporate event stays and retreats) and they provide dog friendly stays across all properties. The Cottages are open every day of the year making a sustained contribution to the tourism economy.

cottagesatblackadonfarm.co.uk

Experience of the Year

Peak District Walking Experiences, myGuidedWalks, Derbyshire

myGuidedWalks inspire visitors to explore the Peak District on foot. As well as guiding bespoke hikes based on the visitor’s interests, hikers also learn about the delicate ecosystems and nature, develop new navigation skills so they can enjoy exploring on their own, and share the hidden secrets and local history of the area. A wide range of activities are available to suit everyone at all abilities. This includes lower cost group walks, navigation training courses, bespoke private guided walks and award winning nature based experience days. A free digital photo album capturing the highlights from each trip is also included. A partnership has also been formed with the Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel to provide bespoke guided walks for their clients and a spa package including a day’s hiking. The business contuniues to grow and gain a truly national reputation. myGuidedWalks has been featured in Guardian Travel, Sunday Times, iNews and the British Travel Journal and won two Silver tourism awards and Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice.

Grey Seal and Seabird Cruise, Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, Northumberland

Whether it’s landing on the islands, a shorter Grey Seal cruise, or watching the sun settle behind the iconic Bamburgh Castle during one of the sunset cruises, Serenity has a tour that suits everyone’s needs. The boat tours are available all year round and whatever tour is chosen, guests will be greeted by friendly knowledgeable staff who will be there to point out all the wildlife and answer any questions. All of the vessels are purpose built catamarans with a 360 degree viewing platform, enhanced stability and a toilet onboard.

Make Your Own Gin Experience, Shed 1 Gin Distillery, Cumbria

Shed 1 Gin Distillery is an award-winning micro gin distillery. Shed 1 came from from humble beginings back in 2016. A move to a larger premises in January 2020 saw the distillery open to the public, offering Cumbria’s first, and only, ‘Make Your Own Gin’ experiences. Distillery tours and tastings are also available, as well as botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Teas inside a venue that is quirky and atmospheric. A climate-positive business, Shed 1 Gin has held the Global Gin Guide Environmental Sustainability Award for the last two years. The distillery is also licenced for weddings and produces award-winning classically distilled gins, gin elixirs, and gin jelly marmalade.

Large Hotel of the Year

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Wiltshire

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort boasts truly idyllic surroundings, set within of Lord Lansdowne’s 2,000-acre Bowood estate in Wiltshire. The resort has evolved considerably over the last 30 years, on-site facilities include an award-winning luxury spa, PGA Championship golf course and two AA Rosette dining at the Shelburne Restaurant. It’s the perfect countryside getaway. The hotel’s elegant bedrooms and suites reflect a contemporary style influenced by heritage colours and the history of the Bowood Estate. Offering a blissful night’s sleep, with sumptuous beds, and every comfort imaginable. Exquisite seasonal dishes are prepared with passion and served with flair in the Shelburne Restaurant. Spacious outdoor terraces create the perfect place to enjoy a glorious al-fresco dining experience, with picture-perfect parkland views or cosy up by the library fire to experience a traditional English Afternoon Tea.

Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, County Durham

Rockliffe Hall is an independently owned AA-rated five-red-star leisure resort set within a 375-acre estate on the banks of the River Tees just outside the village of Hurworth, County Durham. It is the highest rated hotel, golf and spa resort in in the north of England and since its conception Rockliffe Hall has become established as a leading destination within the luxury UK hotel market. It is also considered to be one of the top 10 English hotels outside of London. The resort boasts 61 sumptuous bedrooms and suites, four holiday homes, one of the largest spas in the country, an 18-hole championship golf course and three onsite restaurants including the flagship Orangery restaurant, The Clubhouse restaurant and the recently opened Nu Sana. The expansive grounds are also home to the newly restored walled kitchen gardens, two tennis courts, an onsite helipad, nature trails, walking routes, children’s play area, fishing on the River Tees and complimentary bike hire is available for guests.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Merseyside

Found on Stanley Dock, the Grade II listed Titanic Hotel Liverpool is one of the city’s most unique and iconic hotels. The Titanic Hotel is proud to have played a key part in the restoration of the historic docks, taking the site’s original warehouse and transforming it into a stylish hotel full of character. The hotel offers 153 spacious bedrooms, together with dining and leisure facilities including Stanley’s Bar & Grill, Rum Bar and Rum Warehouse. Other amenities include the Maya Blue Wellness spa and the West Bay is ideal for corporate occasions and weddings for up to 180 guests. The hotel prides itself in providing the best service by adapting to customer needs and maintaining a focus on the evolving nature of its guest experience and events business, by creating a unique offering that caters to any occasion.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace is the home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1704 and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This national treasure houses some of the finest antique collections in Europe and boasts over 300 years of history to discover. Visitors can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland and tour the array of Formal Gardens, or take the miniature train to the familyfriendly Pleasure Gardens. Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with a wealth of events, themed tours and exhibitions throughout the year.

International Bomber Command Centre, Lincolnshire

The International Bomber Command Centre brings together, for the first time, a site focusing on the hidden history of Bomber Command and the first-hand testimonies of those involved, on all sides. At its heart stands the Memorial Spire with its circles of walls, which carry the names of nearly 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving the Command. It is based in 10 acres of landscaped tranquil Peace Gardens, which provide stunning views over the City and the Cathedral. This award-winning centre is educational and fun, allowing both children and adults to learn through experiencing the exhibition galleries with their interactive and immersive displays and exhibits, the Peace Gardens and the Memorial. Since opening in January 2018 the site has welcomed over 290,000 visitors, from 48 different nations, and has proved to be a hit with all ages.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, Hertfordshire

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a unique attraction offering Harry Potter and film fans the ultimate opportunity to journey behind-the-scenes and experience the magic that created one of the most successful film series of all time. Step onto authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Discover the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall and explore the Forbidden Forest, board the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾ and set foot into Gringotts Wizarding Bank, all before wandering down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios where all eight films were produced, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter showcases the British talent and artistry that went into the making of the Wizarding World. Relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the films to life.

wbstudiotour.co.uk

New Tourism Business of the Year

Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Cumbria

In a relatively quiet corner of the Lake District, the formally derelict station on the Cockermouth to Keswick railway has been resurected by Diana and Simon Parums. This unique cafe and a level-access woodland wildlife walk is situated at the head of Bassenthwaite Lake. To further enhance the visitor experience inclusivity is of great importance. The train and former ticket office is home to the cafe where facilities have been carefully designed to be accessible for all guests, who can enjoy exploring a full-size replica steam train and former railway platform path including access onto the footplate and some of the carriages. With a strong emphasis on local provenance and exemplary food, customer service and enjoyment, this interesting venue is already attracting large numbers of tourist visitors and locals alike.

Great British Car Journey, Derbyshire

Enabling all visitors to experience Lancashire’s beautiful Fleetwood Beach became a mission for Chairman Michael Gray, who three years ago noticed that families were having to leave behind disabled family members on the promenade when enjoying the sea and sand. Using donations, grants and funding, along with renting seafront premises from Wyre Borough Council, Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, a registered charity, now offer 98 different chairs for various disabilities, along with a hoist and other specialist equipment to help bring disabled visitors close to the water’s edge. With 42 volunteers, the charity also offers disabled parking, a café, disabled toilets and free beach wheelchair hire. Feedback from guests has been phenomenal and the charity sees many return visitors who can now enjoy making family memories together.

Thorington Theatre, Suffolk

Thorington Theatre is a new open-air venue which has been built in a Second World War bomb crater in Suffolk woodland. The 350-seat amphitheatre was entirely constructed with sustainably coppiced chestnut trees from the immediate woodland. Thorington welcomes many varied theatre troupes, actors, comedians, and musicians throughout its summer season; it offered 61 shows and entertained 11,250 visitors this summer. It has been constructed with the smallest possible carbon footprint, and Thorington Theatre’s ethos is to be as sustainable as possible in every aspect of the running of the theatre from the local suppliers to the composting loos! The venue is an attraction for all, and during the holidays many of the performances are sell-out shows.

Pub of the Year

The Blind Bull, Derbyshire

The Blind Bull is a classic country pub, a welcoming place to keep warm after a winter’s walk or cool down from a summer’s cycle. This pub which has stood since the 12th century is a friendly and comfortable place for anyone and everyone. Beyond that, The Blind Bull has a simple ambition: to bring an unsurpassed drinking and dining experience to the Peak District. In a beautiful and relaxed environment, guests are invited to sample the best local beers and independent wines whilst tasting food that has been locally grown, seasonally picked and cooked with care, mostly from suppliers within five miles. Great food and drink doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be done right. That’s why The Blind Bull was rewarded with national mentions in the Michelin Guide as well as being one of three pubs nationally entered as ‘New Business of the Year’ at the Top 50 Gastropubs awards ceremony.

The Duncombe Arms, Staffordshire

Using their decades of experience in brewing, cooking and hospitality, owners Johnny and Laura Greenall took the Duncombe Arms, a rustic-chic pub in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, and gave it a new lease of life. Today the proudly independent inn draws a convivial mix of loyal locals and visitors, with its relaxed atmosphere, eclectic, rustic-chic décor, blazing fires, high quality British food and delightful rooms. Patrons can also enjoy the spacious garden with views across the Dove Valley to Worthy Island Wood. The Duncombe Arms has retained a Michelin Bib Gourmand for two years and was placed in the top 30 by the Estrella Damn Top 50 Gastropubs. The adjacent Walnut House has ten cosy and luxurious bedrooms each with a relaxed, home-from-home atmosphere, with the added flair and contemporary design of a boutique hotel.

The Shoe, Hampshire

A peaceful, family friendly and dog friendly country pub in the Meon Valley on the South Downs Way. Fresh bread is baked and sold on the premises together with Hampshire Pantry produce. In addition to offering food from local suppliers including the local butcher, Hampshire gin from The River Test distillery and Exton Park sparkling wine produced here in the village of Exton are also available. The spacious riverside garden has views of the River Meon and Old Winchester Hill. The Shoe prides itself on its excellent food, well kept real ales and fresh coffees from their very own beans. It’s this wonderful location and gastronomy that has earned The Shoe a huge following from repeat customers, walkers and cyclists alike.

Resilience and Innovation Award

Healing Manor Hotel, Lincolnshire

Healing Manor Hotel is a privately run 37-bedroom hotel. It is home to the Pig & Whistle, renowned for its friendly and profressional service, serving locally sourced and seasonal produce across a bar, a la carte, tasting afternoon tea and Sunday lunch menus. The use of quality ingredients together with a dedication to quality service resulted in Healing Manor being awarded four-star AA status in 2022 and retain their two rosette award. With a team of 90+ staff, owners Steven and Charlotte Bennett are nvesting in the future generations,working tirelessly to bridge the gap between education and industry. Whilst team and culture are important to the success of Healing Manor, the customer experience is at core of their business philosphy.

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

Langley Castle Hotel can rightly lay claim to being the most authentic medieval fortified castle hotel in England infusing the new with the old, whilst never undermining its authenticity. The hotel retains many of the Northumberland castle’s stunning architectural features that date back to 1350, this includes battlements, raised window seats set into sevenfeet-thick walls and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. This fairy-tale building epitomises what a castle should be and weaves that magic notion into all that it does, whether creating phenomenal guest stays, incredible weddings, intimate elopement weddings, dining experiences, or star-gazing extravaganzas. Set in 10-acres of tranquil land, it has integrated nature-focused and sustainable initiatives into its guest experience, whilst ensuring that exquisite little ‘Langley’ touches adorn every single one.

St Luke’s Bombed Out Church C.I.C., Merseyside

St Luke’s Bombed Out Church is a unique space that was originally built in 1832 and bombed during the Blitz of 1941. Visitors can soak up the history by taking a stroll in this Grade II listed church and historical landmark. The original brickwork, stained glass windows and wooden beams are just a few gems people can appreciate when visiting. The site has since expanded to include a Garden Bar & Café. An eclectic programme of activities including theatre, cinema, community workshops and experiential events, utilise the venue’s charm and provide more ways to interact with the heritage of the building.

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

Eaton Manor Country Estate, Shropshire

Eaton Manor Country Estate offers an unrivalled sense of space, tranquillity, and freedom - a rural escape nestled in 500 acres of glorious Shropshire countryside, with luxury family friendly, dogfriendly and accessible holiday cottages. Specialising in holidays, special occasions, family celebrations, retreats, weddings and corporate events, Eaton Manor creates wonderful lifelong memories for all. Featuring eight four and five- star gold cottages, sleeping up to 56 people, all full of character with beautiful outdoor spaces, providing a safe, fun environment for children and dogs. The estate’s dedicated team delivers first-class customer service to ensure stays are perfect, with hand-picked extras available, such as private chefs; drop-off suppers; wellness treatments and ‘Have-a-Go’ archery.

Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages, Northumberland

For those seeking a blissful escape from it all, the secluded location of Kidlandlee offers peace and tranquillity, where the landscape takes center stage. Sitting 1,400 feet above sea level, seven cottage/barn conversions offer an off-grid experience without compromising luxury. Surrounded by the rugged hills of the Upper Coquet Valley, this really is a place where guests can escape the every day, while discovering the beauty of Northumberland and all it has to offer! Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages has also been featured in The Times Online’s ‘25 of the best remote places to stay,’ and Richard Hammond included Kidlandlee in his new book, The Green Traveller, as one of the ‘top 10 off-grid places to stay.’ They are dedicated to sustainable tourism and are commited to lowering their environmental impact on one of the most beautiful hamlets nestled deep in the heart of Northumberland’s National Park.

The Dovecote Barns, North Yorkshire

The Dovecoate Barns provides all visitors with a personal warm Yorkshire welcome. A retreat that offers an exemplary commitment to excellence, sustainability and tourism. Since inception the business has pioneered the ‘green’ journey, it has been ever-evolving, and has led the way in setting the standards for sustainable homely five-star luxury. Its motto is ‘Comfort without Compromise… for you and the environment’. The focus is guaranteeing the customer experience exceeds expectation from first contact to guest departure. They have forged partnerships with local suppliers and adapted to the changing market through further development and a continuous improvement ethos.

Small Hotel of the Year

Askham Hall, Cumbria

Askham Hall is a family-run, multi award winning 13th century stately home turned restaurant with rooms for an overnight stay. Set in a secluded part of the Lakes, high above the River Lowther.Askham Hall has been home to many prominent local families, who have lived, loved and cared for it for over seven centruies. Now it has become ‘home from home’ for visitors looking to escape the rigours of modern life. An intimate, luxurious place to relax with three dining areas, including a Michelin starred and four AA Rosette restaurant, 19 luxurious bedrooms, stunning garden pavillion, an outdoor pool, wedding and party barns and access to a ‘Health Barn’. The antithesis of a traditional country house hotel and specialising in delicious produce from the family estate.

THE PIG-at Combe, Devon

THE PIG-at Combe is a buzzing restaurant with rooms, tucked away in the folds of the Otter Valley in Devon, just outside Exeter and a 10 minute drive to Devon’s beautiful South Coast beaches. A friendly and relaxed country hotel, THE PIG-at Combe has a huge bar, cosy lounges all with open fires, sink in sofas and eclectic interiors.The restaurant and Folly in the grounds serve unfussy and hyper-local food . They are totally committed to using home grown produce and a serious love of all-things local. The garden and kitchen teams work hand in hand to create the restaurant’s 25-mile menu, which is supported by passionate local farmers and small producers, who supply anything that the team cannot grow or produce themselves.

Wildhive Callow Hall, Derbyshire

Callow Hall is a new style of country house hotel and the first opening from Wildhive – a brand rooted in nature - and is set amongst 35-acres of ancient woodland, near Ashbourne in Derbyshire. Wildhive’s ethos is about immersing guests into nature, in a relaxed setting, whilst connecting with the wild to stimulate interest and comfort for everyone from the grandchild through to the grandparent. This Victorian residence hosts 15 bedrooms in the Main House which are individually designed by Isabella Worsley, with a further 11 one-bedroom woodland Hives and two additional two-bedroom Treehouses built by Blue Forest. The newly built glass Garden Room restaurant and bar serves a menu celebrating British produce dominated by Derbyshire ingredients, in addition to delicious seasonal cocktails. The Coach House offers wellness in the form of Technogym equipment, interactive studio, sauna, treatment rooms using 100 Acres oils and Nailberry polish, and a fleet of hybrid and traditional bikes.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre, Cumbria

A treasury of exquisite art and antiques, historic Muncaster Castle has been lived in by the Pennington family for over 800 years and it is still their cherished home. The Castle sits majestically in wild, woodland gardens famous for rhododendrons principally sourced from the Himalayas, set against breathtaking views of the English Lake District mountains, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. The Hawk & Owl Centre is home to owls, hawks, falcons, eagles and vultures. There are brilliant daily flying displays where the birds swoop and dance over and around the audience. Muncaster supports important conservation work both in the UK and overseas and is an ideal base to explore the rugged Western Lake District and sparkling coastline.

PK Porthcurno, Cornwall

PK Porthcurno is the UK’s only museum of dedicated to telling the story of communications and our connected world, in the place where it all started. At one stage Porthcurno was home to the largest telegraph station in the world, the centre of the first truly global telecommunications network. Set in beautiful sub-tropical gardens and a short walk from Porthcurno’s famous beach there’s lots to discover. PK Porthcurno features a spacious and interactive gallery, top secret Second World War bunkers, one-of-a-kind Cable Hut and Planet PK environmental programme provides a unique experience for all. From the discovery of electricity and invention of Morse code to modern-day optical fibres, satellites and multiplexing, this award-winning museum combines the wonder of science with amazing histories and tales of human endeavour from around the globe.

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, Norfolk

Watatunga is an award winning wildlife reserve in west Norfolk blazing a new path within the zoo world, re-imagining how visitors interact with and learn about animals in captivity. Situated amongst 170 acres of woodland, grassland and lakes, Watatunga provides a unique environment for over 25 types of deer, antelope and rare birds to roam at their will. The team collaborate with international zoos and safari parks to run breeding programmes for some of the world’s most endangered animals. Visitors access the reserve on guided buggy tours where expert guides introducing magnificent animals that Watatunga are privileged to work with and bring their conservation stories to life. With luxurious, fully accessible self-catering accommodation and daily tours, Watatunga offers something for each generation and has proved the ultimate staycation safari experience.

Taste of England Award

Pensons Restaurant at the Netherwood Estate, Worcestershire

Pensons is a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms that showcase the best of the region and a truly authentic sense of place. They are inspired by a love of the land and the stories of the food on a diner’s plate, the drink in the glass, and the constantly evolving seasons. Located on the Netherwood Estate, they grow a lot of their vegetables, fruit and herbs in the bountiful kitchen garden from which Chef Chris Simpson creates outstanding menus of freshly-picked seasonal flavours. The lovingly restored barn is beautifully designed and decorated with collaborations with local artisans. Pensons was also awarded a Green Michelin Star in 2022 for its commitment to sustainability.

The Glasshouse Restaurant, Hampshire

The award-winning Glasshouse Restaurant of Oakley Hall Hotel, Basingstoke is where you can enjoy an elegant and sophisticated, yet wonderfully laid back, fine dining experience. The seated terrace offers beautiful views of the hotel grounds and gardens making it perfect for soaking up the sun as you indulge. Whether it be from the all day menu or one of their popular traditional Afternoon Teas, all guests will have something to enjoy. The Glasshouse Restaurant follows a ‘field to fork’ philosophy and prides themselves on using local produce sourced from within a 50-mile radius. Some produce even comes from their on-site Kitchen Garden, where they grow a fantastic variety of vegetables, herbs, and even fruit.

The Unruly Pig, Suffolk

The Unruly Pig is all about fine dining but in a relaxed and fun setting. They serve ‘Britalian’ food: fresh, seasonal British food with an Italian influence. They are fun, certainly different, a little bit quirky and multi-award winning, not just for the food but also for the Front of House. The Unruly Pig was named ‘Winner’ and voted by their national peers to be Number 1 in the Estrella Damm UK Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2022. They were also named Dining Pub of the Year 2021 (by The Good Pub Guide) and also awarded ‘Best Food’ (in the Great British Pub Awards 2021). They have therefore been able to attract both a regional and national customer base, gaining tourist customers for other local accommodation businesses.

pensons.co.uk

oakleyhall-park.com

theunrulypig.co.uk

Unsung Hero Award

Carol Adams, Head of Horticulture & Biodiversity – Trentham, Staffordshire

Carol’s dedicatation and energy to biodiversity at Trentham Gardens can only be admired. She takes projects from inception, through planning permission, to implementation and delivery, usually while setting the next one up. Passionate about accessibility and diversity, Carol is a valued all-rounder at Trentham, sharing her expertise, enthusiasm and experience on all manner of projects. Whether it be protecting white crawfish or creating an autism friendly garden. Her projects are good for the environment, flora, fauna and humans. And all the while she’s championing learning and development with volunteers and through the local community. Carol continuously works to inspire both young and old with a variety of interpretation in the garden, tours, talks and content generation for web and the marketing team.

Marie is a vital member of the Whtichurch Silk Mill team, looking after the day to day running of the shop and cafe as the Welcome Building supervisor, she really goes above and beyond every day in her role. During the height of the pandemic, whilst covering some of the Operations Manager’s role, Marie never missed an opportunity to generate income for the business. She set up and ran the takeaway café for the local community, generating over £8,000 of much needed income between January and March of 2021 in lockdown. Her hard work and efforts to engage with both the members of the staff and public has made the Whitchurch Silk Mill café an oasis for many of the local visitors, her leadership has not only provided excellent customer service but inspired the rest of the team follow in her footsteps . Whether it’s making a visit with vulnerable people more comfortable for both them and their families, or hunting for a lost engagement ring, Marie is a vital part of Whitchurch’s success.

Michael Wilson, Official Guide to the Kent Estuary - Guide Over Sands Trust, Cumbria

The Guide over Sands Trust is a charity which provides two guides, to offer safe passage across both Kent and Leven Estuaries. Michael Wilson is the official Queen’s Guide to the Kent Estuary and guides the famous Morecambe Bay Walks. It takes a huge amount of knowledge and experience to be responsible for guiding hundreds of people across the sands and as a fourth generation fisherman, working out of Flookburgh, Michael is the ideal man for the job. He took on the role as Guide in 2019 and huge interest resulted in a record breaking year in 2021 where the walks guided by Michael raised £351,000 for 36 different charities. Michael, supported by his partner Joanne and a team of 30 volunteer marshals, offers a unique experience letting walkers learn about the stories, history and wildlife of the bay. In addition they also continuously promote the walks through social media, their own website, Facebook and Instagram, supported by fabulous images and videos from every walk.

Marie Colgrave, Welcome Building Supervisor – Whitchurch Silk Mill, Hampshire

Travel Content Award

Alicia Miller, The Independent:

www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/sustainable-living/cotswolds-car-free-no-driving-uk-b2034043.html

No stranger to receiving professional accolades, Alicia is an award-winning travel and food writer, a former editor at The Sunday Times and acting travel editor at Woman&Home. Alicia’s slow travel piece for The Independent exploring the Cotswolds on foot resulted in her being shortlisted as a VisitEngland Travel Content Award 2023 finalist. Alicia is a regular writer for the likes of National Geographic Traveller, Evening Standard and The Telegraph, bringing to life destinations from her travels all around the world. Alicia’s piece champions responsible travel whilst taking in the traditional experiences which make the Cotswolds ‘the ultimate British countryside pin-up’. From wandering through honey-stone villages and visiting Instagrammable farm shops to spending afternoons in cosy pubs and tea rooms, Alicia proves that you do not need a car to enjoy this picturesque region of southern England.

Ben Lerwill, National Geographic Traveller:

www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2022/09/how-art-and-ancient-historycollide-on-a-hike-through-deal-dover-and-folkestone

Ben is a freelance writer and published children’s author with more than 10 books to his name and 20 years’ experience under his belt. From ‘Dark Sky Tourism’ to ‘Walking with Lions’, Ben has explored the world, and written stories for some of the most prestigious publications and websites including The Guardian, The Sunday Times, BBC Travel, Time Out and a whole host more. It was Ben’s piece following the King Charles III England Coast Path in Kent for National Geographic Traveller which captured the judges’ attention and earned him a spot as one of the category finalists. His piece takes in the Kent coast’s historical sites, local characters and tranquil hiking, as well as exploring towns which have ‘become magnets for food- and art-lovers over recent decades’.

Paul Healy, Anywhere We Roam:

anywhereweroam.com/things-to-do-swaledale/

Paul has a full suitcase of tourism experiences as co-founder of travel blog and community Anywhere We Roam. He launched the blog back in 2018 with the aim to ‘see the world and making it easier for others to do so’. Paul’s comprehensive travel guide to Swaledale, the northernmost and least-visited of the Yorkshire Dales, secured him a Travel Content Award finalist spot. Paul invites readers to explore this beautiful and rugged valley where ‘the tea is strong, the beer is golden, the puddings proper, and the scenery speaks for itself’ – offering plenty of practical recommendations and tips throughout his piece.

‘How to do a classic Cotswolds weekend, car-free’

‘How art and ancient history collide on a hike through Deal, Dover and Folkestone’

‘A wild getaway in Swaledale – the unspoilt valley in the Yorkshire Dales’

TXGB Trailblazer Award

Cotswolds Tourism, Cotswolds

New Adventures, Tyne & Wear & Northumberland

Red Funnel, Isle of Wight

Tourism Superstar

Geoff Colvin, Chief Stationmaster, Kent and East Sussex Railway

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism is a special award given every year by the VisitEngland Advisory Board to an individual or institution that has contributed something special and unique to tourism in England.

Through their work during the previous year, recipients of this award have supported our work and have highlighted tourism’s contribution and value to our nation’s economy, employment, environment and quality of life.

Past winners:

2002 HM The Queen

2003 Harry Potter

2004 Judith Chalmers

2005 The Duchess of Northumberland for Alnwick Garden

2006 Sir Cameron Mackintosh for London’s Theatreland

2007 Sir Paul McCartney and the City of Liverpool

2008 Michael Eavis CBE for Glastonbury Festival

2009 The English Pub

2010 The National Trust

2011 The Royal Shakespeare Company

2012 The English Garden

2013 The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Ambassadors

2014 The Travel Agent

2015 The Chefs of England

2016 BBC Countryfile

2017 The Premier League

2018 Historic Royal Palaces

2019 England’s National Parks

2020 The business events industry, supporting England’s Nightingale Hospitals

2022 English Period Drama

Thank you to our sponsors

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is the UK’s No 1 rated touring organisation, representing, helping and inspiring over one million caravanners, motorhomers, campervanners, glampers and campers. Whatever your interests, outfit or location, the Club can help you make the most of the great outdoors, enjoy new adventures, destinations and activities.

Membership of the Club gives access to over 2,700 scenic campsites in the UK and across Europe, along with numerous membership benefits, services and products including, overseas travel bookings and advice and worldwide tours.

The Club is proud to be the headline sponsor of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and the Experience of the Year category.

camc.com

As one of the UK`s leading and fastest-growing independent holiday let rental agencies, Sykes Holiday Cottages has been supporting holiday home owners for over 30 years.

Sykes Holiday Cottages are therefore thrilled to sponsor the Self-Catering Accommodation Provider of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

sykescottages.co.uk

Barclays are committed to accessibility and aim to become the most accessible and inclusive organisation for all.

Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customer and client, and geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by our service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group.

Barclays Corporate Banking supports businesses turning over more than £6.5m pa. Offering sector specific knowledge, international expertise and innovative, digital capabilities, our relationship approach is perfectly placed to connect our clients to a world of possibility.

Barclays are delighted to sponsor the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

barclayscorporate.com

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism is a special award given every year by the VisitEngland Advisory Board to an individual or institution that has contributed something special and unique to tourism in England.

Through their work during the previous year, recipients of this award have supported our work and have highlighted tourism’s contribution and value to our nation’s economy, employment, environment and quality of life.

Past winners:

2002 HM The Queen

2003 Harry Potter

2004 Judith Chalmers

2005 The Duchess of Northumberland for Alnwick Garden

2006 Sir Cameron Mackintosh for London’s Theatreland

2007 Sir Paul McCartney and the City of Liverpool

2008 Michael Eavis CBE for Glastonbury Festival

2009 The English Pub

2010 The National Trust

2011 The Royal Shakespeare Company

2012 The English Garden

2013 The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Ambassadors

2014 The Travel Agent

2015 The Chefs of England

2016 BBC Countryfile

2017 The Premier League

2018 Historic Royal Palaces

2019 England’s National Parks

2020 The business events industry, supporting England’s Nightingale Hospitals

2022 English Period Drama

Thank you to our sponsors

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is the UK’s No 1 rated touring organisation, representing, helping and inspiring over one million caravanners, motorhomers, campervanners, glampers and campers. Whatever your interests, outfit or location, the Club can help you make the most of the great outdoors, enjoy new adventures, destinations and activities.

Membership of the Club gives access to over 2,700 scenic campsites in the UK and across Europe, along with numerous membership benefits, services and products including, overseas travel bookings and advice and worldwide tours.

The Club is proud to be the headline sponsor of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and the Experience of the Year category.

camc.com

As one of the UK`s leading and fastest-growing independent holiday let rental agencies, Sykes Holiday Cottages has been supporting holiday home owners for over 30 years.

Sykes Holiday Cottages are therefore thrilled to sponsor the Self-Catering Accommodation Provider of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

sykescottages.co.uk

Barclays are committed to accessibility and aim to become the most accessible and inclusive organisation for all.

Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customer and client, and geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by our service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group.

Barclays Corporate Banking supports businesses turning over more than £6.5m pa. Offering sector specific knowledge, international expertise and innovative, digital capabilities, our relationship approach is perfectly placed to connect our clients to a world of possibility.

Barclays are delighted to sponsor the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

barclayscorporate.com

We help families get time away together, often for the first time ever.

We are here for families’ children who have never seen the sea, for teenagers who can’t remember when they last saw their mum smile. For parents having to choose between a day out and a new pair of school shoes. For young carers, kinship carers, families facing illness isolation and bereavement.

Holidays open up new possibilities time to reconnect, to try new things, and to make happy memories together.

Once we find out what each family needs, we take care of all the details. That way families can take care of the most important thing - each other.

Families choose the holiday they need. It could be a caravan on the coast, a woodland adventure, or a day out at a theme park, museum or farm. And whatever the weather, if it means time spent together, even a day’s holiday helps build relationships, confidence and hope for the future.

And we need your help to do it. Small donations can make a big difference not just to us but to the families we help. We have added a QR code as well as the link for you to be able to make a donation. Anything you can give is greatly appreciated.

FamilyHolidayCharity.org.uk/Donate

@VisitEnglandBiz