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.