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.