Silver Hat Trick for Lancashire Tourism Winners
Marketing Lancashire is proud to announce three of its partners have received prestigious honours at the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2018, the tourism industry’s most celebrated annual awards.
It was a silver hat-trick for the county with The Cartford Inn (Little Eccleston) in the Tourism Pub of the Year category, Browsholme Hall (Clitheroe) in the Sustainable Tourism category and Ascent Trampoline Park (Blackpool), in the New Tourism Business section. Winners received their awards at a prestigious ceremony at Bath Assembly Rooms on St George’s Day April 23rd (seen above). Finalists were awarded either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.
The national Visit England Awards for Excellence, now in their 29th year, celebrate businesses and individuals who excel in the delivery of tourism excellence across England. The three businesses got the opportunity to compete for a Visit England award after winning in their respective categories at the county’s Lancashire Tourism Awards in November 2017.
This latest success adds another accolade to a long list at The Cartford Inn which, only this year, was named in the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs and was awarded two AA Rosettes. The multi-award-winning pub, on the banks of the River Wyre, is owned by Patrick and Julie Beaume with talented chef Chris Bury leading the kitchen (right). It is now recognised as one of the best places to eat out in the county and boasts new luxury lodges and rooms for the ultimate gourmet break.
For Browsholme Hall this national award is much-deserved reward for their dedication and commitment to sustainability. The Parkers, a family who have lived at the historic home since 1507, have introduced eco-friendly, sustainable methods to the heritage building. Their success in the Lancashire Tourism Awards led to talks with Lancaster University about the potential development of hydroelectricity using the hall’s lakes.
Amanda Parker commented: “As a Grade I listed building, we can’t put in double glazing or solar panels so it’s about working with what we have. We know we can’t do everything but it’s about making the most of those things we can do.” (Robert & Amanda Parker pictured at the event in Bath on St George’s Day)
Ascent Trampoline Park has been quick to jump to success. Despite being open little over a year, they have attracted visitors in their droves. At 40,00 sq ft, it is the largest trampoline park in the UK and has more than 100 trampolines, a flip zone, dodgeball, slam dunk basketball, foam pits, an air bag and a ninja assault course.
VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said “These awards shine a spotlight on our fantastic tourism industry, with the winners showcasing the quality, innovation and excellence on offer throughout the country. These winners provide outstanding and truly memorable visitor experiences.”
This years’ competition was intense with up to three finalists selected in each category from hundreds of submissions. From accommodation businesses demonstrating unparalleled service to attractions providing unforgettable experiences, from outstanding food establishments to guided tour operators, applications reflected the sheer scale and range of England’s tourism industry. They included hotels, B&Bs, self-catering operators, restaurants, pubs, visitor attractions and business tourism venues.
Latest VisitEngland statistics show that from January to November 2017 Brits took more than 44 million holidays in England, spending in excess of £10 billion on staycations, up five and six per cent respectively compared to the same period in 2016. Tourism in England contributes £106 billion to the British economy.
The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018, Lancashire’s only county-wide annual awards for tourism businesses and route to the national Visit England Awards for Excellence, will open for applications soon. Watch this space for all the latest news and information lancashiretourismawards.com